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

The Crown - Gastropub in SW3 by cazzareviewer

cazzareviewer — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 19:19:34 +0000

Review by cazzareviewer

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7352 9505

Website: http://www.thecrown-chelsea.com/

Great little boozer in Chelsea SW3. Excellent food, Spitfire on tap, laid back gastropub with a sophisticated atmosphere at reasonable prices. Warm and friendly welcome from Justin, the new owner. Looking forward to coming back for Sunday roast.Great little boozer in Chelsea SW3. Excellent food, Spitfire on tap, laid back gastropub with a sophisticated atmosphere at reasonable prices. Warm and friendly welcome from Justin, the new owner. Looking forward to coming back for Sunday roast.

Britannia Tap - by sld52

sld52 — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:53:52 +0000

Review by sld52

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7602 1649

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

Tags: jazz, cool, relaxed

I used to qork in the area a few years ago and went sometimes. Then it was a Thai place and, although nice, was a little dingey. It's recently been taken over by new owners and revamped and it is wonderful! Can't recommend the place more: friendly atmosphere without being too invasive, jukebox, live music, good beer! They don't serve food anymore but sometimes they let you bring stuff in from the place next door which does great meze! Simply brilliant!I used to qork in the area a few years ago and went sometimes. Then it was a Thai place and, although nice, was a little dingey. It's recently been taken over by new owners and revamped and it is wonderful! Can't recommend the place more: friendly atmosphere without being too invasive, jukebox, live music, good beer! They don't serve food anymore but sometimes they let you bring stuff in from the place next door which does great meze! Simply brilliant!

The Black Lion - perhaps the worst pub ever... by 007UK

007UK — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 14:51:10 +0000

Review by 007UK

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7229 0917

Tags: food, real ale, beer garden / outside seating

...or perhaps just the worst barmaid ever? me and two friends went in on a quiet weekday for lunch - but quickly dropped our menu's and left after encountering the barmaids attitude....or perhaps just the worst barmaid ever? me and two friends went in on a quiet weekday for lunch - but quickly dropped our menu's and left after encountering the barmaids attitude.

Janet's Bar - Janet is not an Air Hostess! by reggiemacintosh

reggiemacintosh — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 20:19:44 +0000

Review by reggiemacintosh

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7581 3160

Tags: live music, friendly, trendy

I dare say,Janet is probably the most educated bar owner in London.For someone to call her an air hostess is probably no one who ever spoke to her.
Janet has a Doctorate of Law; her other bar staff include a Masters in Linguistics, a Physicist and a Master of the Kennels. Not to mention the 3 Polish girls who have been at Janet's for 9 years, 2 years and 18 months.
Janet's cover charge is Â£3 and only for those folks who do not order anything-otherwise,Nothing,Nada,Niente,Rien!
We love going to Janet's-my friends and I use it as our regular meeting-up place.I dare say,Janet is probably the most educated bar owner in London.For someone to call her an air hostess is probably no one who ever spoke to her.
Janet has a Doctorate of Law; her other bar staff include a Masters in Linguistics, a Physicist and a Master of the Kennels. Not to mention the 3 Polish girls who have been at Janet's for 9 years, 2 years and 18 months.
Janet's cover charge is Â£3 and only for those folks who do not order anything-otherwise,Nothing,Nada,Niente,Rien!
We love going to Janet's-my friends and I use it as our regular meeting-up place.

Windsor Castle - WARNING: This Pub Could Kill You by Charlemagne

Charlemagne — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 11:48:38 +0000

Review by Charlemagne

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7243 9551

Tags: posh, traditional pub, relaxed

I come to this pub pretty regularly, and although it doesn't have the infrastructure in terms of bar size to cope with the floods of customers, its a nice spot. However, I ordered bangers and mash there last night. It was, bar none, the worst I have ever tried. The mash was not mash, it was potato with a fork stuck through it a couple of times. The gravy had the consistency of water, and tasted as such, plus you got about a spoonful. Then that brings me on to the sausage. It reminded me of that TV advert in the 1990's where they say undercooked BBQs can kill. I took one bite of it and realised that it was completely raw. Luckily I managed to spit it out before I was poisoned. I left the whole plate after this, but when the girl came to collect it, she did not question it, nor did anyone else - the chefs clearly don't give a toss. Overall, its quite a nice pub if you like queing for 15 minutes for a drink, but if you value your life, you will steer clear of the food.I come to this pub pretty regularly, and although it doesn't have the infrastructure in terms of bar size to cope with the floods of customers, its a nice spot. However, I ordered bangers and mash there last night. It was, bar none, the worst I have ever tried. The mash was not mash, it was potato with a fork stuck through it a couple of times. The gravy had the consistency of water, and tasted as such, plus you got about a spoonful. Then that brings me on to the sausage. It reminded me of that TV advert in the 1990's where they say undercooked BBQs can kill. I took one bite of it and realised that it was completely raw. Luckily I managed to spit it out before I was poisoned. I left the whole plate after this, but when the girl came to collect it, she did not question it, nor did anyone else - the chefs clearly don't give a toss. Overall, its quite a nice pub if you like queing for 15 minutes for a drink, but if you value your life, you will steer clear of the food.

The Crescent - by rayhay31

rayhay31 — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 14:16:33 +0000

Review by rayhay31

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7603 2058

Website: http://www.thecrescentbarw14.co.uk/bar.html

Tags: food, cocktails, champagne

The crescent is a absolutely fantastic bar with amazing cocktails and atmosphere! Went there with friends the other night and was surprised by the quality of the bar and the cocktails. The staff were great and made us feel really welcome!

Will definitely be back!!
The crescent is a absolutely fantastic bar with amazing cocktails and atmosphere! Went there with friends the other night and was surprised by the quality of the bar and the cocktails. The staff were great and made us feel really welcome!

Will definitely be back!!

The Prince Edward - A GREAT TRADITIONAL PUB by funkylondoner1

funkylondoner1 — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 18:18:22 +0000

Review by funkylondoner1

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7727 2221

Website: http://www.hall-woodhouse.co.uk

Tags: cool, relaxed, food

I can highly recommend this pub and have done so to many of my friends when asked to recommend somewhere to drink around Notting Hill - I have read other reviews about this pub on other sites who rave on about the great bar staff and I have to agree. It is rare to find such a friendly team of people.. They were not only extreamly efficient in serving us our order but friendly and not in that over fake/forced style of service that you get in some places. They just seemed to genuinely happy to serve you. The food is not bad either.. If you are looking for a place to do drink with good food in Notting Hill you really can't go wrong. I have heard that they have a downstairs function room/bar available for hire which I am definately checking out for my birthday get together - This is one of the best pubs in Notting HillI can highly recommend this pub and have done so to many of my friends when asked to recommend somewhere to drink around Notting Hill - I have read other reviews about this pub on other sites who rave on about the great bar staff and I have to agree. It is rare to find such a friendly team of people.. They were not only extreamly efficient in serving us our order but friendly and not in that over fake/forced style of service that you get in some places. They just seemed to genuinely happy to serve you. The food is not bad either.. If you are looking for a place to do drink with good food in Notting Hill you really can't go wrong. I have heard that they have a downstairs function room/bar available for hire which I am definately checking out for my birthday get together - This is one of the best pubs in Notting Hill

Scarsdale - Tucked away nicely by snowbadger

snowbadger — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 15:49:40 +0000

Review by snowbadger

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7937 1811

Tags: posh, relaxed, friendly

If you are ever in Kensington High Street, want lunch but want to sample some tucked away, back street goodness go to the Scarsdale.

Sat on the picturesque Edwardes Square there is a nice small front facing garden and the pub feels like a pub inside. Nicely kept, original features - all good stuff.

Largely Fullers on tap, and a decent menu.

We were served quickly, the food was really nice (Scampi and Wedges) and generally all good.If you are ever in Kensington High Street, want lunch but want to sample some tucked away, back street goodness go to the Scarsdale.

Sat on the picturesque Edwardes Square there is a nice small front facing garden and the pub feels like a pub inside. Nicely kept, original features - all good stuff.

Largely Fullers on tap, and a decent menu.

We were served quickly, the food was really nice (Scampi and Wedges) and generally all good.

O'Neill's - Good way to start off your night out by MartaZ

MartaZ — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 21:06:27 +0000

Review by MartaZ

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7244 5921

Tags: cool, relaxed, food

As any other O'Neill's, this place is no different: jolly, loud and packed! Good basic food, drinks and great music on Friday and Saturday nights> You're bound to have a great timeAs any other O'Neill's, this place is no different: jolly, loud and packed! Good basic food, drinks and great music on Friday and Saturday nights> You're bound to have a great time

Prince Albert - Nice place, shame about the service by riddlemethis

riddlemethis — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 22:28:28 +0000

Review by riddlemethis

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7727 7362

Tags: relaxed, food, friendly

I like this pub- a little bit different inside, extensive garden, a nice place.....
BUT........
Everytime when I go there and it's busy, you can never get served at the bar- too few staff and there's always someone working as a glass collector; for goodness sake, when it's busy, can't you stop collecting glasses for 5 minutes and start pulling pints?
Food is no better than ok but at least cheap.I like this pub- a little bit different inside, extensive garden, a nice place.....
BUT........
Everytime when I go there and it's busy, you can never get served at the bar- too few staff and there's always someone working as a glass collector; for goodness sake, when it's busy, can't you stop collecting glasses for 5 minutes and start pulling pints?
Food is no better than ok but at least cheap.

The Castle - by londoneye

londoneye — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 19:23:16 +0000

Review by londoneye

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7313 9301

Tags: food, real ale, dj

Good bar staff, attentive service, great selection of beers on tap, and wines. Cosy atmosphere (lighting, furniture, seating, sofas, wallpaper). Haven't tried the food for over a year, but I remember it being good too. One of my favourite pubs!Good bar staff, attentive service, great selection of beers on tap, and wines. Cosy atmosphere (lighting, furniture, seating, sofas, wallpaper). Haven't tried the food for over a year, but I remember it being good too. One of my favourite pubs!

Drayton Arms - Drayton hmmm! by a_female

a_female — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 00:10:57 +0000

Review by a_female

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7835 2301

Tags: relaxed, friendly, standard pub food

I went the Drayton Arms for Sunday lunch today. I must say I was dreading it at first, as the reviews Iâ¬"d seen didn't say many nice things about it. I was surprised by how lovely it looked from the outside. This might have more to do with the location that any real effort the owners have made. The inside was dark and a little worn out. And what's with the mish-mash chairs? The open fire is a big plus but why is it by the loos? The service was slow, glasses dirty. The food taster great, better if I got more gravy though. Go if you are:

- In the area
- 20 something bloke looking to meet the local posh girls
- Looking for a pub a little out the way that you can eat and read the Sunday papers at without the crowds.

I went the Drayton Arms for Sunday lunch today. I must say I was dreading it at first, as the reviews Iâ¬"d seen didn't say many nice things about it. I was surprised by how lovely it looked from the outside. This might have more to do with the location that any real effort the owners have made. The inside was dark and a little worn out. And what's with the mish-mash chairs? The open fire is a big plus but why is it by the loos? The service was slow, glasses dirty. The food taster great, better if I got more gravy though. Go if you are:

- In the area
- 20 something bloke looking to meet the local posh girls
- Looking for a pub a little out the way that you can eat and read the Sunday papers at without the crowds.

Soprano's Piano Bar - Fun and games... by nat08

nat08 — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 13:31:48 +0000

Review by nat08

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7937 2458

Is how I would describe this place. Very small, intimate place but seems to attracts big groups of friends all out for a mad night out singing along to their favourite songs.

It's a great night out but be prepared and book in advance otherwise you will feel really out of sorts propping up the tiny bar...

Everyone is really friendly but the place is a little rough round the edges. An inperfect diamond....but definitely a little sparkler in the making.

If they could find the funds for a little make-over it would be perfect. But I still love the place and the guy who sings is amazing - great voice. The pianist is great and you can even sit at the piano and gaze at the wonders of their musical harmony.

Worth a visit if you are in the mood for big crowds in a tiny venue.Is how I would describe this place. Very small, intimate place but seems to attracts big groups of friends all out for a mad night out singing along to their favourite songs.

It's a great night out but be prepared and book in advance otherwise you will feel really out of sorts propping up the tiny bar...

Everyone is really friendly but the place is a little rough round the edges. An inperfect diamond....but definitely a little sparkler in the making.

If they could find the funds for a little make-over it would be perfect. But I still love the place and the guy who sings is amazing - great voice. The pianist is great and you can even sit at the piano and gaze at the wonders of their musical harmony.

Worth a visit if you are in the mood for big crowds in a tiny venue.

Famous Three Kings - Wicked pub by petrapuskas

petrapuskas — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 12:13:18 +0000

Review by petrapuskas

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7603 6071

Tags: food, friendly, pool

The atmosphere of this great Victorian pub changes. During the day it's a great place, being very large in size, to find a quiet corner to chat with your pals.
In the evenings it's lively and funky, but good service, lots of sexy guys (and glammed up girls!). I'll always keep coming back.
Oh yes, and I saw Gwyneth Paltrow and her hubby in here a few months ago (I'm told his cousin lives in the Gothic church conversion nearby..)
You know, this was where the Rolling Stones played in 1969, so a bit of history behind it.
I'd recommend it highly.The atmosphere of this great Victorian pub changes. During the day it's a great place, being very large in size, to find a quiet corner to chat with your pals.
In the evenings it's lively and funky, but good service, lots of sexy guys (and glammed up girls!). I'll always keep coming back.
Oh yes, and I saw Gwyneth Paltrow and her hubby in here a few months ago (I'm told his cousin lives in the Gothic church conversion nearby..)
You know, this was where the Rolling Stones played in 1969, so a bit of history behind it.
I'd recommend it highly.

The Hoop & Toy - No no no by suzianny01

suzianny01 — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 13:08:53 +0000

Review by suzianny01

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7589 8360

Tags: food, vegetarian dishes, tv for sporting events

I would not recommend this pub to anyone, in fact I would encourage people not to go. I went there after an evening at the Proms for a couple of drinks and there was a sign on the wall which stated that closing time was 1pm. So when I noticed this we bought another bottle of wine at just before 11pm. Five minutes later the bell was rung and 10 minutes after that we were asked to drink up. I pointed out the notice on the wall and the member of staff said 'that is out of date' and ripped it off the wall. 10 minutes later the manager came over and ordered us to leave. With still a full glass of wine to drink I said that I couldn't rush and that the sign that was on the wall did show it was open much later. He told me that his colleague had already explained and that they were now closing and we had to leave. I was very angry, there was no apology and he was extremely rude. I told him there was no need to be rude and he replied telling me that there were much worse things he could have said to me. What???
I am still upset about it and that was a couple of months ago now.
Also I noted it had another sign on the wall which stated they did not serve tap water. I thought that everywhere had to serve tap water now??
I would not recommend this pub to anyone, in fact I would encourage people not to go. I went there after an evening at the Proms for a couple of drinks and there was a sign on the wall which stated that closing time was 1pm. So when I noticed this we bought another bottle of wine at just before 11pm. Five minutes later the bell was rung and 10 minutes after that we were asked to drink up. I pointed out the notice on the wall and the member of staff said 'that is out of date' and ripped it off the wall. 10 minutes later the manager came over and ordered us to leave. With still a full glass of wine to drink I said that I couldn't rush and that the sign that was on the wall did show it was open much later. He told me that his colleague had already explained and that they were now closing and we had to leave. I was very angry, there was no apology and he was extremely rude. I told him there was no need to be rude and he replied telling me that there were much worse things he could have said to me. What???
I am still upset about it and that was a couple of months ago now.
Also I noted it had another sign on the wall which stated they did not serve tap water. I thought that everywhere had to serve tap water now??

Ashbee's - mr_borje by Mr_borje

Mr_borje — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 16:04:46 +0000

Review by Mr_borje

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7373 6180

Tags: pretentious, east european

wery nice stafwery nice staf

The Churchill Arms - by mbeaumont

mbeaumont — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 14:54:29 +0000

Review by mbeaumont

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7792 1246

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

Tags: traditional pub, thai, excellent pub food

Excellent Thai food, fantastic beers and the womens toilets, well, you must go and see for yourself... They are extraordinary!Excellent Thai food, fantastic beers and the womens toilets, well, you must go and see for yourself... They are extraordinary!

Queens Arms - Decent Boozer in SK Shock! by rich42uk

rich42uk — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 15:23:44 +0000

Review by rich42uk

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7581 7741

Tags: food, posh, friendly

South Kensington is a bit of a dive for decent drinking holes for those not trying to burn a hole in their trust funds or get a quiet pint away from the throngs by the tube.

The Queens Arms though, is somewhat of novelty. Fairly quiet (out of term time that is from nearby Imperial College), decent selection of beers and excellent gastro-pub grub. The decor is nicely understated and smart without being exclusive. Quite good too if you're off to a concert at the Albert Hall and fancy a cheeky pint beforehand without the maddening crowds in the RAH bars. Also notable because it's one of the few places in Zone 1 that serve a good traditional Sunday roast dinner...South Kensington is a bit of a dive for decent drinking holes for those not trying to burn a hole in their trust funds or get a quiet pint away from the throngs by the tube.

The Queens Arms though, is somewhat of novelty. Fairly quiet (out of term time that is from nearby Imperial College), decent selection of beers and excellent gastro-pub grub. The decor is nicely understated and smart without being exclusive. Quite good too if you're off to a concert at the Albert Hall and fancy a cheeky pint beforehand without the maddening crowds in the RAH bars. Also notable because it's one of the few places in Zone 1 that serve a good traditional Sunday roast dinner...

All Bar One - What do you expect from a pub chain? by LukeG

LukeG — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 13:09:20 +0000

Review by LukeG

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7313 9362

Website: http://www.mbplc.com

Tags: food, european, air conditioning

I had lunch here a while back and was told rather than order at the bar a waitress would come to our table and take our order. It took almost 15 minutes for the waitress to come. This may have been because the place was busy with very limited staff. The menu was very limited and mainly tapas and burgers.
However the lamb burger was absolutely fantastic and came with a huge heap of chips.
Sadly the beer was not cold enough.I had lunch here a while back and was told rather than order at the bar a waitress would come to our table and take our order. It took almost 15 minutes for the waitress to come. This may have been because the place was busy with very limited staff. The menu was very limited and mainly tapas and burgers.
However the lamb burger was absolutely fantastic and came with a huge heap of chips.
Sadly the beer was not cold enough.

The Devonshire Arms - Good atmosphere in this thriving pub by oogywawa

oogywawa — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 18:09:17 +0000

Review by oogywawa

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7937 0710

Tags: beer garden, standard pub food, good food

The Devonshire has become what I call a "Boutique pub". They've basically tarted it up in a semi-tasteful way and supplemented plum coloured walls & furnishings with lots of wooden furniture including butchers blocks as high tables !

A vast selection of draught ales and continental lagers signals that they've kept the pub ethics and a good wine list as well as premium spirits takes care of all tastes.

The formula certainly works as it's pretty much full whatever time of the day you visit. A micro beer garden at the front adds to the attraction and you'll enjoy a really convivial atmosphere with a fairly eclectic clientele. There's money around these parts and the de-rigeur striped shirts, "polo" logo's and sweaters draped around shoulders are not uncommon - but hey - they're friendly enough and that's all that matters.The Devonshire has become what I call a "Boutique pub". They've basically tarted it up in a semi-tasteful way and supplemented plum coloured walls & furnishings with lots of wooden furniture including butchers blocks as high tables !

A vast selection of draught ales and continental lagers signals that they've kept the pub ethics and a good wine list as well as premium spirits takes care of all tastes.

The formula certainly works as it's pretty much full whatever time of the day you visit. A micro beer garden at the front adds to the attraction and you'll enjoy a really convivial atmosphere with a fairly eclectic clientele. There's money around these parts and the de-rigeur striped shirts, "polo" logo's and sweaters draped around shoulders are not uncommon - but hey - they're friendly enough and that's all that matters.