Temperance — Restaurant in London

All Screens but no Style!

What meets the eye is a well-finished interior with lovely TV screens and booths. But do not be deceived, if it is quality service you are looking for than this is not the place for you.

The staff members that served my colleague and I today shocked me with the most horrendous customer service.

The current menu allows you to order 1 kilo of wings - approx 20 pieces we were told - either Chicken or Cauliflower (Vegetarian option). I asked the young man taking orders at the bar if we could have half and half as I am a vegetarian and my colleague eats chicken. At first it was a simple refusal. When I asked why it couldn’t be done, he said for stock and audit reasons, with no consideration for the situation and thought of customer service. Shrugged his shoulders… no solution. Take it or leave it. I asked “can you ask someone please”, implying perhaps the manager. But no, Simple refusal.

Fine - We both accepted this, and decided to not order the £15 chicken OR cauliflower wings.

Next, our shared plate of nachos arrives with our order. Presentation - great. Plenty of salsa, a little light on the cheese sauce. But nothing to worry about right.. just ask for more right? “Can we get some more cheese please” The response “I’m not sure if we can do that” - sounding unsure. I ask, “well is it possible to check with someone please, I can pay for it, it’s really not a problem”. “No” she says abruptly - “i’m telling you, we can’t do that, there’s no way to put it thorugh our tills and it affects our stock levels” - she shruggs her shoulders and walks off.

After spending many years in customer service I was so shocked by these two counts of POOR service. I hope the feedback is taken and the staff and management are educated on how to deliver exceptional customer service. I always wondered why all the other pubs were so much more popular with my colleagues in the vicinity (notably The King’s Arms and Golden Lion) when the facilties at The Temperance seemed so well-furnished and modern - Today I witnessed why.

I hope this was a case of poor customer service and lack of experience rather than racially motivated poor service. The customer service was so poor that I did actually consider the latter. But...

🚇 Putney Bridge 🍺 £7.80 Stone & Wood Pacific Ale

The Temperance is located at a busy junction on Fulham High Street, close to Putney Bridge in Fulham. The nearest Tube is Putney Bridge on the District Line.

Built in 1910 as a billiards hall, this site was made available by the widening of Fulham High Street to accommodate trams after 1908. This ironically named Grade II listed Edwardian pub, boasts some unique art nouveau details and tiling.

This is one of twenty-four London billiards halls established by the Temperance Billiard Hall Co. Ltd. Their aim was to counter alcoholism with 'dry' recreational halls mirroring the grand designs of late 19th-century pubs.

This large, open-plan pub has an American sports bar feel, featuring a central island servery with TV screens above the back bar. To the left of the entrance, pool tables sit beside stained glass windows, while a rear mezzanine offers more pool tables and dartboards. Seating is varied, including poser tables, stools, and comfy booths. The contemporary decor mixes traditional and modern elements, there are numerous large TV screens dotted around the bar.

The beer selection offers a mix of familiar keg favourites and a range of craft beers. I decided on a @stoneandwooduk Pacific Ale; my pint was excellent, price point was very expensive. The food menu is extensive and offers traditional pub fare, burgers, pizzas, and comfort food options. Fish & Chips costs £16.50.

I arrived just before 1pm on a bright Saturday lunchtime in March. The atmosphere was chilled and relaxed, there were a few punters having a lunchtime pint, and a private function up on the mezzanine. I sat at one of the poser tables to watch the Millwall v Stoke game, while a feel good R&B soundtrack played in the background. The service was good, the team on duty were upbeat and friendly.

@thetemperancefulham offers a different pub experience, this is a great place to watch sport and visit with a larger group. I loved the building, it’s well worth checking out if you're in the area.

📅 15th March 2025

More London pub info on socials...

Ah, The Temperance! A glorious beacon of relaxation just a hop, skip, and a jump from Putney Bridge, standing tall with its rich history as the former Temperance Billiards Hall. Recently, I had the pleasure to pay a visit after its fresh refurbishment and let me tell you, it’s a stunner!

One would think the proximity to Craven Cottage Stadium would mean a chaotic sports crowd and not much space for the spontaneous visitor. And true, as I stepped in for what was supposed to be 'just a drink', the ambiance hinted at an upcoming sporting showdown. The screens—oh, the many screens—were all prepped for an adrenaline-filled evening of sports on SKY Sports HD and ESPN. Yet, despite the imminent rush, the gracious host managed to find a cosy corner for us. A true testament to the attentive and courteous nature of the staff!

While I didn’t delve into their food this time around, the buzz around is that The Temperance offers a delightful mix of traditional pub grub with a sprinkle of British classics. My eyes did dart over to a table indulging in what looked like hearty plates of comfort. The aroma was quite tempting, and given their commitment to simple, tasty, freshly-prepared dishes, I'm eager to return.

Oh, and ale lovers, rejoice! The Temperance takes its brew seriously, boasting a rotating selection of real ales from all over the UK. A little birdie told me they're always open to customer preferences, so you might just find your favourite ale waiting for you on your next visit.

In short, if you're looking for an oasis amidst the London frenzy, with a touch of history, sporting thrill, and heartwarming hospitality, The Temperance is the spot. Cheers to many more visits!

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