myChiswickLive

WiFi Pubs and Bars in Chiswick.

This is a work in progress. These are the places that I know for definite have free WiFi. I'll keep it updated if and when I come across anymore. Feel free to leave a comment if you know of other places

Moran Hotel (Globe Bar)

Union, Chiswick Park

Ochre

Crown and Anchor

Barley Mow

Sam’s Brasserie

StaionHouse, (Formerly Grove Park)

High Road House/Brasserie

ChiswickLive Gets Mobile

A brand new feature comes to the ChiswickLive blog allowing you to text your updates to, and have them posted on Twitter @ChiswickLive. It's all about providing a more comprehensive coverage of the local scene. There will be more eyes and ears on the street.

If you want to help others navigate their way around the best places to be, then get involved and send us your updates. Text 'Chiswicklive" then a space followed by your message to 07768 795941. The number will eventually be exchanged for a short form SMS. You can leave your name or remain anonymous and remember to stay within 140 characters otherwise your whole message may not be shown.

Champions League nights

I've got some really good memories of watching classic European matches out in Chiswick. Most of my experiences have come in the Barley Mow, which for me is the best place to watch live sport in  Chiswick down to the atmosphere. Arsenal and Chelsea fans can sometimes get a little put out because Liverpool and Man Utd seem to take precedence over their London rivals when it comes to the screening . For example both legs of the Chelsea Vs Juventus tie were screened in the back room with Liverpool's games occupying the large projector screen at the front and the Plasma towards the rear of the bar.  People protest but it comes down to demand, despite the West London setting there are simply more Liverpool and Man Utd fans in Chiswick.

Having said all that I watched the Liverpool and Chelsea games in Potion last night (it's quite a new bar so if you haven't been there yet it's worth checking out) and the atmosphere was pretty good, I'd say it was about two thirds full. If you have a 'VIP' card you can get bottles of Becks for £2 and cocktails for £3.60 7 days a week. And it goes without saying that the George is also a good pub to watch sport and I think they have more of a London bias.

Party Venues

I was recently asked if I knew any good venues in which to throw a 40th birthday party. Well there's quite a few but here's a shortlist of what I feel are the most suitable.

I'll start with the Ochre Lounge, which somewhat specialises in parties. The basement bar is ideal as it's shut off from the main restaurant upstairs. They have a DJ booth with their own decks and there's a decent size dance floor with surrounding seating. Talk to the owner, Shah, who is extremely accommodating and flexible.

You could also consider the upstairs room at Carvosso's which is quite a elegant venue and surprisingly inexpensive. Best to speak with Paul Carvosso for any inquiries. If your budget permits you may also like to consider the downstairs members club at the High Road House. You can hire it in whole or in part and you can also negotiate a flat fee or a minimum bar deal. In this economic climate people are always open to offers.

I recently  attended a 40th birthday party at Chakalaka (the new African themed bar and restaurant that occupies the former Mow's site in the Barley Mow Passage). They laid on some good food but they don't have a live music license so if you want a DJ then it's a bit of a non-starter, otherwise a good option.

This is just a quick list based on my own experiences and  I know that's there's obviously many more so please leave your comments below.

Local personalities

Because it's such a great place to live, Chiswick seems to be a bit of a hub for celebrities. Just for a bit of fun I thought I would compile a list of all of celebrities, sportsmen and TV personalities that I've regularly seen around Chiswick. I'm sure that most either live here full-time or have their London pads here.

Ant & Dec (Let's start with obvious), Nick Knowles, Suzi Perry, Dara O'Brien, Shaun Edwards, Martin Offiah, Clare Balding, Rhodri Williams, Amanda Redman, Michael Greco, Tim Vincent, Tim Lovejoy, James Cracknell & Beverley Turner, Matt Dawson, Des Lynam, James Dreyfuss, Gareth Gates Gabby Logan and Charlie Brooks

Wikipedia lists loads more but I'm yet to see them. If you'd like to add to the list then comment on this post.