Bars & Pubs

By Ben McFarland

Close to the The Queen’s Club amid the rather grand residential roads that border Barons Court and West Kensington, this gastropub is housed above the 60-seat Barons Court Theatre.

It’s one of several London boozers recently snapped up by pubco Geronimo Inns and consensus seems to say it’s a lot better under the new charge.

The curtain is regularly raised in the theatre below but there’s drama to be had in the pub, too, with Scrabble and Connect Four. There’s also one of those plasma screens showcasing moving pictures in the corner.

The design and décor, which orbits around a well-stocked central bar, is all beige, booths and bookcases with whirring fans and flooring that fluctuates between bare boards and carpet. Towards the back, things are wilder with wacky wallpaper, multicoloured brick pillars and a depiction of Dali. There are four or five tables outside too.

Refreshments-wise, as well as Budvar and Bitburger, there’s an enlightened ale offering with Licher Weizen, Honeydew, Cornish Coaster from Sharps, the London-based Wandle and, in the chiller, Sierra Nevada.

On the bar, some fine-looking pies give punters the gastronomic glad eye while the menu gives mention to poncified pub classics including a daily curry; ham, egg and chips; beer-battered fish and chips and a ploughman’s board.

Retro desserts include sherry trifle, Eton mess and a choice of cheese. Special mention must be made of the snacks: Frazzles, Monster Munch and pork scratchings.

Time Out London Issue No 2037: September 3-9 2009