KENSINGTON PUBS
Bunch of Grapes
207 Brompton Road, Brompton, London SW3 1LA
Tel: 020 7589 4944
Nearest tube station: South Kensington: Circle, District & Piccadilly lines
A well-known pub with Harrods, its world famous neighbour, just a couple of hundred yards away. The Grapes is popular with tourists, no doubt seeking relief from shopping fatigue. They’re in for a treat, as this magnificent pub has retained much of its original Victorian decoration.
There are splendid etched and cut glass snob screens and exquisite painted mirrors by William James Co. who were renowned for their craftsmanship. Remarkable carving includes a huge ‘bunch of grapes’ bar partition which appears to be made from a single piece of timber. Smart ceramic tiles decorate the lobby entrances. The current building dates from 1844, however the interior décor belongs to the last quarter of the nineteenth century.
Goat Tavern
3a Kensington High Street, London W8 5NP
Tel: 020 7937 1213
Nearest tube station: High Street Kensington: Circle & District lines
A tavern of this name has stood on this site for over 300 years and this is the earliest known Watney House to have retained the same style over such a long period.
In 1697, The Goat was in the possession of one William Underwood who, in March of that year, sold the remainder of his lease (52 years) to Robert Munden. The rent was 6 pounds per annum payable half-yearly.
10 years later, it was purchased by the Vicar and Churchwardens of St Mary Abbots and remained the property of the parish until 1828.
In 1878 the house was rebuilt and the frontage extended by adding a wines and spirits department on the west side, which is now incorporated into the bar area.
Hereford Arms
127 Gloucester Road, Kensington, London SW7 4TE
Tel: 020 7370 4988
Nearest tube station: Gloucester Road: Circle, District & Piccadilly lines
The pub has a long and colourful history dating back to Victorian times.
It first came to prominence as the reputed drinking haunt of “Jack the Ripper”, but this has never been confirmed as his identity has not been established.
However, it was the author Sir Arthur Conan-Doyle, a famous patron, who named his most celebrated detective after a nearby block of flats.
During the Second World War, the pub was frequented by American servicemen and the attractive Hereford Square was turned into a baseball diamond for games with allied troops stationed nearby.
The outstanding bill for the broken windows has still to be paid!
Hoop & Toy
34 Thurloe Place, Kensington, London SW7 2HQ
Tel: 020 7589 8360
Nearest tube station: South Kensington: Circle, District & Piccadilly lines
First established in 1760, this pub was featured in several brief scenes in the classic 1960’s film ‘Repulsion’.
The décor is enhanced by old books, rustic ornaments and framed prints and cartoons.
It is clean, warm and friendly – a good spot for a quick bite to eat at lunchtime or a quick pint or two in the evening.
Prince of Wales
8 Kensington Church Street, Kensington, London W8 4EP
Tel: 020 7937 0867
Nearest tube station: High Street Kensington: Circle & District lines
You are certain to find a traditional welcome here.
The imposing marble columns outside the door make this pub easy to spot.
The interior is warm and inviting, with rich orange walls and a dark stained wooden floor. There is a collection of brass trumpets hanging from the ceiling.
Scarsdale
23a Edwards Square, London W8 6HE
Tel: 020 7937 1811
Nearest tube station: High Street Kensington: Circle & District lines
This building dates back to the 18th century.
History says that half of it was built by a French architect in honour of Napoleon.
It overlooks Edwardes Square, an oasis of quiet away from the thriving shops.
The Stanhope Arms
97 Gloucester Road, Kensington, London SW7 4SS
Tel: 020 7373 4192
Nearest tube station: Gloucester Road: Circle, District & Piccadilly lines
With amazingly high ceilings and traditional looking décor, this is a lively local pub with a homely feel.
source: http://www.thisislondontown.com/kensington-pubs.html
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