It’s not named after Didier Drogba, the battering-ram striker of Stamford Bridge (just up the road), but instead takes its name from the symbol of the Young’s Brewery, which until recently operated this backstreet Chelsea pub. The former London brewer now owns the 32-strong Geronimo Inns chain, although each generally still retains an individuality. There’s a bit of history here – the Ram was the first pub opened by the husband-and-wife directors of Geronimo, and they’ve taken it back under their wing once more.
It’s had a full redecoration, and is cosy and likeable in that west London ‘country’ way – flowers, cushions, homely furnishings, smart wallpaper, rustic tables. Books line the walls, including Margaret Thatcher’s ‘The Downing Street Years’ and a Jeffrey Archer novel. This is Fulham, after all.
And a very nice bit of Fulham it is too. The Ram fits in perfectly among these pleasant terraces, the shell of Lots Road Power Station towering over the area like the Dominion Monarch liner in Harry Todd’s famous photograph of Silvertown.
Geronimo’s outlets generally feature above-average, crowd-pleasing grub and a well-thought-out drinks list, resulting in an agreeable balance between drinkers and diners. The Ram’s no different –
the menu offers risotto, fishcakes, burger, fish and chips, and Sunday roasts; real ales appeal to traditionalists and progressives alike (I enjoyed a perfect Thornbridge American Pale Ale). The wine list is laid out by style and features some interesting bottles.