Hard core QPR boozer that attracted some trouble at the Bristol City match last season but is usually a decent option with a great atmosphere.
Name of pub: British Queen
Location: Corner of Uxbridge Road and Thorpebank Road (opposite The Conningham)
Size: Two small bars - front and back.
Selection of beers? Fairly basic selection. I’ve been informed that the Guinness is OK, the lagers are acceptable and the bitter range is poor. One downside is that on occasions the police will order the pub to serve plastic containers for drinking with.
Price of drinks? £3.20 for Fosters gives some idea.
How full does it get on a matchday? Very busy to rammed which makes for a good atmosphere. More often than not there are as many drinking outside as there are inside.
How fit are the bar staff? There are bar staff however most of them are men and they’re not fit in any sense of the meaning. This is Shepherds Bush and the British Queen we’re talking about now.
How long does it take to walk to the ground from there? Five minutes.
Sky Sports/ESPN? Yes, one small screen in the front bar and another in the back bar.
Suitable for away fans? This is a well known hardcore Rangers Boozer and a place where many old faces can be found drinking. Two or three away fans in colours quietly minding their own business will be fine and not attract any trouble, however, away fans that are not sensible should be careful and if they are looking for it then they will certainly get it as Bristol City found out last season.
Suitable for families and kids? Yes, quite a few lads with their dads to be seen.
What's the smoking situation? There is no designated smoking area so that means like many other pubs in the area you’re on the street.
Beer garden? No, but there is a beer pavement.
As far as pub toilets go, just how bad are these? For the men the toilets are as basic as they come i.e. small and in desperate need of sorting out. The ladies is only marginally better.
Does it serve food and is it any good? No food available other than crisps and nuts. There are, of course, plenty of take away options locally and the pub doesn’t seem to mind you bringing it in with you.
Trendy modern bar, traditional pub or somewhere in between? Traditional urban pub which caters mainly for the local Irish community. You get the feeling that Rangers fans are tolerated rather than welcomed, that said I have always found the staff amiable.
In one sentence why should people visit/steer clear of this pub? The Queen is not for everyone, but it can be very lively and is packed with genuine Rangers fans who know their Tony Taggs from their Tony Thorpes, their Martin Busbys from their Martin Rowlands and also know a good old song or two. No glory hunters to be found here.
-rsocks