Bars & Pubs

Formerly the Warwick Castle, this pub was a pool hall and rowdy drinking den for market traders, musos (Rough Trade is close by) and Irish and Caribbean locals. Now, it's a seriously tidied-up gastropub, all anchovy mayo, chicken chermoula skewers and - on Saturdays at least - full of tourists looking for 'that blue door' from Notting Hill (it used to be on the house opposite). The pub may have lost a lot of character but the food's good (including perfect chips), the prices reasonable and the staff charming. Beers on tap include Greene King IPA, Gales Swing Low, Erdinger, Staropramen and Hoegaarden. The wine list is long too. Shame about the loos though - they could do with an overhaul.

Time Out Bars, Pubs & Clubs Guide 2008/9