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Situated away from the chaos of Earl’s Court Road – past Cromwell Road and a good few paces further – this little place is well worth finding. Fourth in the growing Pubs of Distinction chain (who describe their hostelries as ‘local beer houses’), it’s small enough to feel busy at quiet times, yet big enough to house a comfortable drinking and dining area.
For the locals, it seems, the food is top priority. And the menu reads as you might expect from a Kensington pub – lobster nachos (costing a staggering £21.50) and pheasant breast, as well as classic pub staples, like beef and mushroom pie and fish and chips. But for me, the intriguing ‘beer snacks’ at two for £10 were the way forward – brisket chilli cheese fries and peri peri cornflake chicken hit the spot. Especially when taking heed of the ‘local beer house’ tagline and working my way through what was on tap.
Staff are knowledgeable and quick to offer samples, and prices are refreshingly competitive. Priory (3.7%) from Gloucester Brewery cost £4 for a pint and was, as advertised, a good session ale – hoppy enough with a light citrus taste at the back of the mouth. At the other end of the scale and coming in at £6 a pint was Snake, a West Coast pale ale that was bold without weighing too heavy. And of course, the likes of Beavertown have a strong bar presence.
If you’re in the area and have tired of the burgeoning Victorian pubs that line the main road, you’re only a five-minute walk away from beer heaven. Don’t worry, there’s still pot pourri in the men’s loos.