Latest reviews for Bars & Pubs in Bayswater, London, United Kingdom

The Oak - Great Space by alexgjohnson

alexgjohnson — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 17:15:45 +0000

Review by alexgjohnson

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7221 3599

Website: Westbourne Park

Tags: cool, cool & smart, gastro pub

Four stars as the best thing about the Oak is the upstairs bar - where you can wait for your table or just have a cool drink at pub prices. The restaurant has a great feel (it is a pub so there are no bookings) - there is a wood-burning pizza oven and limited outside seating. The menu is Italian with pizza the speciality - which is a pity as the pizza isn't quite as good as you'd hope and lets down what is otherwise a great all-round package. It's a bit limp - a bit Pizza Express really - and when there is excellent local competition it is a pity. However with a pleasant vibe, great olive oil, good wine, and that upstairs bar, it seems almost churlish to fault the slightly anaemic cooking.Four stars as the best thing about the Oak is the upstairs bar - where you can wait for your table or just have a cool drink at pub prices. The restaurant has a great feel (it is a pub so there are no bookings) - there is a wood-burning pizza oven and limited outside seating. The menu is Italian with pizza the speciality - which is a pity as the pizza isn't quite as good as you'd hope and lets down what is otherwise a great all-round package. It's a bit limp - a bit Pizza Express really - and when there is excellent local competition it is a pity. However with a pleasant vibe, great olive oil, good wine, and that upstairs bar, it seems almost churlish to fault the slightly anaemic cooking.

The Commander Bar - Great for a lazy Sunday afternoon by WB1

WB1 — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 12:44:24 +0000

Review by WB1

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7229 1503

Website: http://www.thecommanderbar.co.uk

Tags: relaxed, cocktails, food

The Commander is a relaxed pub with comfy seating which is great for lazing around on a Sunday afternoon. The food is fairly standard pub fare although the Sunday roasts are quite good. The food is quite pricey for what is is though. The drinks on the other hand are not overpriced and there is a good selection of wines, beer, cocktails (jugs and glasses) and hot and cold soft drinks. They also do a great mulled wine in winter. The staff are friendly and always happy to help. During the summer there is a reasonable size beer garden which is popular as it gets the sun in the afternoon. There is also a conservatory area which is available for private hire and great for parties although it can get a little cold in the winter.The Commander is a relaxed pub with comfy seating which is great for lazing around on a Sunday afternoon. The food is fairly standard pub fare although the Sunday roasts are quite good. The food is quite pricey for what is is though. The drinks on the other hand are not overpriced and there is a good selection of wines, beer, cocktails (jugs and glasses) and hot and cold soft drinks. They also do a great mulled wine in winter. The staff are friendly and always happy to help. During the summer there is a reasonable size beer garden which is popular as it gets the sun in the afternoon. There is also a conservatory area which is available for private hire and great for parties although it can get a little cold in the winter.

The Chepstow - A gastropub worth going to! by WB1

WB1 — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 12:11:44 +0000

Review by WB1

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7229 0323

Website: http://www.massivepub.com/venue.asp?venueid=31

Tags: friendly, gastro pub, posh

The Chepstow is a real gem amongst the many bars and pubs of Notting Hill and Bayswater. The food, whilst not cheap, is always excellent and while the main menu is usually the same the specials change regularly and include "trendy" pub food as well as more traditional options. The wine list has recently been shortened but is none the worse for it and still offers reasonable value. There is also always a good choice of cocktails on the boards, including the delicious butterscotch martini and an inventive cocktail of the month, but beware - these are not cheap! The staff are always frindly and fun, the seating is comfortable and the atmosphere relaxed. This is a great place to come with friends for a night out (you can actually hear yourselves talk) or Sunday lunch with the family (kids welcome).The Chepstow is a real gem amongst the many bars and pubs of Notting Hill and Bayswater. The food, whilst not cheap, is always excellent and while the main menu is usually the same the specials change regularly and include "trendy" pub food as well as more traditional options. The wine list has recently been shortened but is none the worse for it and still offers reasonable value. There is also always a good choice of cocktails on the boards, including the delicious butterscotch martini and an inventive cocktail of the month, but beware - these are not cheap! The staff are always frindly and fun, the seating is comfortable and the atmosphere relaxed. This is a great place to come with friends for a night out (you can actually hear yourselves talk) or Sunday lunch with the family (kids welcome).

The Mitre - Goodpub by chrisp

chrisp — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 16:37:55 +0000

Review by chrisp

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7262 5240

Website: http://www.youngs.co.uk/pub-detail.asp?PubID=474

Tags: cosy, food, relaxed

I've not been since it became a Young's, but I'm guessing it's not too different from when I used to live in Lancaster Gate. Beer and food was nothing special, but bar staff were always friendly and the grand Victorian rooms are impressive. I particularly enjoyed the annexe out back with the glass skylight and old piano. Clientele is mainly tourists and the odd posh hammered local. Quiz night was always a laugh. I'd go back if I ever found myself in this part of town once more.I've not been since it became a Young's, but I'm guessing it's not too different from when I used to live in Lancaster Gate. Beer and food was nothing special, but bar staff were always friendly and the grand Victorian rooms are impressive. I particularly enjoyed the annexe out back with the glass skylight and old piano. Clientele is mainly tourists and the odd posh hammered local. Quiz night was always a laugh. I'd go back if I ever found myself in this part of town once more.

Crazy Homies - by chernandezg

chernandezg — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 12:59:06 +0000

Review by chernandezg

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7727 6771

Tags: mexican, food, cocktails

I have to disagree with Nick on the prices being reasonable... The cost of the tacos were insane. Great location and quaint place [what is that pole in the floor downstairs for??? too much tequila :)] but for more of a real mexican fare head to Taqueria close by or to Mestizo. I have to disagree with Nick on the prices being reasonable... The cost of the tacos were insane. Great location and quaint place [what is that pole in the floor downstairs for??? too much tequila :)] but for more of a real mexican fare head to Taqueria close by or to Mestizo.

The Prince Bonaparte - Good beer, good nosh. by jezirwin

jezirwin — Fri, 23 May 2008 00:45:24 +0000

Review by jezirwin

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7313 9491

Tags: food, students, friendly

I have been here a few times to meet friends for a few pints, they have a good range of beers on tap and usually a fun lively crowd.

The food here is great and not just your standard pub grub.

There are a few good pubs in the area but this is one definitely worth stopping in at.I have been here a few times to meet friends for a few pints, they have a good range of beers on tap and usually a fun lively crowd.

The food here is great and not just your standard pub grub.

There are a few good pubs in the area but this is one definitely worth stopping in at.

The Cow - Bumping into Paul McCartney by sokratis

sokratis — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 14:35:11 +0000

Review by sokratis

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7221 5400

Tags: food, seafood, pub

..apparently you can do that at The Cow or so I'm told by a friend who got very excited when she saw him. I didn't have the pleasure of seeing Sir Paul, but then again I don't think I'd be as excited as my friend, even if I had cought a glimpse of him.
The pub has an American diner feel to it, serves oysters and crab and generally has a nice, homely feel to it. The music is loud enough to give the place some energy without stopping a nice discussion with you friends. There is a full dinner room upstairs, which I'll have to try next time I visit.
It's only 5 minutes away from Westbourne Park station. Nicely tucked away from the Notting Hill madness, but can still get very busy during the weekend...apparently you can do that at The Cow or so I'm told by a friend who got very excited when she saw him. I didn't have the pleasure of seeing Sir Paul, but then again I don't think I'd be as excited as my friend, even if I had cought a glimpse of him.
The pub has an American diner feel to it, serves oysters and crab and generally has a nice, homely feel to it. The music is loud enough to give the place some energy without stopping a nice discussion with you friends. There is a full dinner room upstairs, which I'll have to try next time I visit.
It's only 5 minutes away from Westbourne Park station. Nicely tucked away from the Notting Hill madness, but can still get very busy during the weekend.

The Westbourne - Buzzy and nice by sokratis

sokratis — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 14:28:27 +0000

Review by sokratis

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7221 1332

Tags: independent pub, food, funky

The Westbourne is a west london institution. Conventiently far from the weekend madness of Notting Hill the pub has a very nice feel to it and a rich menu to choose from. Perfect after a long day walking with your other half through Portobello Road, browsing through the same old shops, never really buying anything - not sure how you ended up there again, after you told yourself that there are better things to do on a weekend morning last time your were dragged along(phew!!)
Some may find the crowd to be a bit on the pretentious side, but don't let that put you off.
The Westbourne is a west london institution. Conventiently far from the weekend madness of Notting Hill the pub has a very nice feel to it and a rich menu to choose from. Perfect after a long day walking with your other half through Portobello Road, browsing through the same old shops, never really buying anything - not sure how you ended up there again, after you told yourself that there are better things to do on a weekend morning last time your were dragged along(phew!!)
Some may find the crowd to be a bit on the pretentious side, but don't let that put you off.

The Champion - Funky kinda pub by JehonaGjurgjeala

JehonaGjurgjeala — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 23:16:15 +0000

Review by JehonaGjurgjeala

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7243 9531

Tags: cosy, food, live music

If you are into less traditional pubs, this is the place for you. The Champion has an ecclectic selection of furniture (moslty antique-looking), quite a bit of space spread in two floors, and a really cosy back garden. Well, its not a garden with lots of space and grass, but it is a small area, with a few chairs and tables, which makes a really relaxed and easy atmosphere. Drink selection and food are decent.If you are into less traditional pubs, this is the place for you. The Champion has an ecclectic selection of furniture (moslty antique-looking), quite a bit of space spread in two floors, and a really cosy back garden. Well, its not a garden with lots of space and grass, but it is a small area, with a few chairs and tables, which makes a really relaxed and easy atmosphere. Drink selection and food are decent.

The Pride Of Paddington - Best meeting point near Paddington by Diego

Diego — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 10:46:01 +0000

Review by Diego

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7402 2156

Website: http://www.greenekingpubs.co.uk

Tags: live music, gastro pub, food

Just in a corner off Paddington station, this is the ideal meeting point in the area to enjoy a pint while your mates are delayed in the Circle Line. They have a selection of extra-cold lager's and some ales. Food is quite good and the Lamb Shank is really yummy and highly recommended if you are not on a diet! Crowd is a mix of locals with tourist staying in the many hotels nearby. There's some seating outside... if you are craving for some heavy stuff at the end of the night, Lolita's Kebab is opposite: another classic of this area.Just in a corner off Paddington station, this is the ideal meeting point in the area to enjoy a pint while your mates are delayed in the Circle Line. They have a selection of extra-cold lager's and some ales. Food is quite good and the Lamb Shank is really yummy and highly recommended if you are not on a diet! Crowd is a mix of locals with tourist staying in the many hotels nearby. There's some seating outside... if you are craving for some heavy stuff at the end of the night, Lolita's Kebab is opposite: another classic of this area.

The Victoria - by qwghlm

qwghlm — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 15:21:10 +0000

Review by qwghlm

Rating: 4.00

Tags: friendly, gorgeous, cheerful

One of the finest pub interiors in London, utterly gorgeous. Not a bad location either. Beer-wise it's best if you're a fan of Fuller's as they own the pub. Staff are friendly and cheerful and there's an enjoyable pub quiz on Tuesday nights. Clientels has a very cosmopolitan nature - from all over the world judging from the accents and languages spoken.One of the finest pub interiors in London, utterly gorgeous. Not a bad location either. Beer-wise it's best if you're a fan of Fuller's as they own the pub. Staff are friendly and cheerful and there's an enjoyable pub quiz on Tuesday nights. Clientels has a very cosmopolitan nature - from all over the world judging from the accents and languages spoken.

The Elbow Room - Great bar and place to shoot pool by Hugo

Hugo — Sun, 20 May 2007 22:07:54 +0000

Review by Hugo

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7221 5211

Website: http://www.elbow-room.co.uk

Tags: food, relaxed, lively

Looking for a fun bar in Notting Hill where you you can play pool? This is it.

They have quite a fun seating area and also do some basic food, so you can have a fun evening. It gets pretty busy on the usual nights though and you need to get your name up on the chalk board as soon as possible...

A fun place and highly recommended. Looking for a fun bar in Notting Hill where you you can play pool? This is it.

They have quite a fun seating area and also do some basic food, so you can have a fun evening. It gets pretty busy on the usual nights though and you need to get your name up on the chalk board as soon as possible...

A fun place and highly recommended.

The Royal Exchange - Grand Cafe and Bar in the City by lisas

lisas — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 11:36:52 +0000

Review by lisas

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7723 3781

Tags: food, business, good value

I love the atmosphere of the Royal Exchange Courtyard. I usually go there for tea/coffee when I have meetings in the City. The location is very convenient (in Bank, so close to everything else in the City) and there are quite a lot of tables.

I like sitting there and having a nice latte when preparing a meeting with colleagues or meeting a friend for a quick chat.

They serve food as well, and it's actually quite good. More a business lunch style though.

You also have an exclusive selection of shops (Chanel, Bulgari, Prada, etc)...so you might get tempted after those 3 glasses of champagne...I love the atmosphere of the Royal Exchange Courtyard. I usually go there for tea/coffee when I have meetings in the City. The location is very convenient (in Bank, so close to everything else in the City) and there are quite a lot of tables.

I like sitting there and having a nice latte when preparing a meeting with colleagues or meeting a friend for a quick chat.

They serve food as well, and it's actually quite good. More a business lunch style though.

You also have an exclusive selection of shops (Chanel, Bulgari, Prada, etc)...so you might get tempted after those 3 glasses of champagne...

Salon - Shakespeare's classic Measure for Measure at SaLon by Salon

Salon — Wed, 08 Nov 2006 11:11:51 +0000

Review by Salon

Rating: 4.00

Tags: theatre, trendy, glamorous

SaLon is pleased to host the Flagship Productions' final show in London this Friday, the 10th of November starting at 8pm, a unique 70-minute theatre price, a romp through the seedy underworld of Shakespeare's classic Measure for Measure followed by a fundraising event with a high class raffle including gifts from Co Co De Mer, a haircut at
Martin Gale Hair Salon, treatment at Savana Day Spa and many more. The glamorous venue provides the perfect setting for the lavish and alluring atmosphere of the
production.

Entry £12/£10 (TrustedPlaces members qualify for a £10 concession cover charge) including admission to an afterparty with a DJ till 3am. The main raffle price will be drawn at 1am. Tickets available on the door. For guestlist, please RSVP info@salongallery.co.uk.

About the theatre piece
Enter the decadent and debauched world of burlesque dancers, dominatrices, pole dancing, devilish dukes, evil Lords and innocent maids.
This exuberant, fun-filled, innovative performance questions the morality at the heart of the piece, set against a backdrop of excess, fantasy and debauchery.
The Shakespearean text is brought to new life through an original live score performed and composed by one of Britain's most exciting young composers, Valentine Hops.

SaLon is pleased to host the Flagship Productions' final show in London this Friday, the 10th of November starting at 8pm, a unique 70-minute theatre price, a romp through the seedy underworld of Shakespeare's classic Measure for Measure followed by a fundraising event with a high class raffle including gifts from Co Co De Mer, a haircut at
Martin Gale Hair Salon, treatment at Savana Day Spa and many more. The glamorous venue provides the perfect setting for the lavish and alluring atmosphere of the
production.

Entry £12/£10 (TrustedPlaces members qualify for a £10 concession cover charge) including admission to an afterparty with a DJ till 3am. The main raffle price will be drawn at 1am. Tickets available on the door. For guestlist, please RSVP info@salongallery.co.uk.

About the theatre piece
Enter the decadent and debauched world of burlesque dancers, dominatrices, pole dancing, devilish dukes, evil Lords and innocent maids.
This exuberant, fun-filled, innovative performance questions the morality at the heart of the piece, set against a backdrop of excess, fantasy and debauchery.
The Shakespearean text is brought to new life through an original live score performed and composed by one of Britain's most exciting young composers, Valentine Hops.