Bars
The 6 Best Pubs in Kensington
Flower-clad frontages, panelled snugs and walled gardens: Kensington keeps some of London's most handsome pubs, and locals guard them well.
In short: our top picks are The Churchill Arms, Windsor Castle and The Scarsdale Tavern. 6 places in total, chosen on merit, with the full reasoning below.
Kensington does the grand pub better than almost anywhere in London. This is not a district of scruffy backstreet boozers; it is Victorian corner houses with polished brass, courtyard gardens behind tall walls, and kitchens that take the Sunday roast seriously. Skip the tourist crush around the palace and the museums, and you will find real locals still pouring proper cask ale. Below are six worth crossing town for, from a Thai kitchen hidden behind a wall of flowers to a Fuller’s tavern tucked beside a private garden square.
| Place | Area | Price |
|---|---|---|
| The Churchill Arms | Kensington | ££ |
| Windsor Castle | Windsor | ££ |
| The Scarsdale Tavern | Kensington | ££ |
| The Anglesea Arms | South Kensington | ££ |
| The Abingdon | Kensington | £££ |
| The Britannia | Kensington | ££ |
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Editor’s choice
The Churchill Arms
Why we pick itThousands of flowers smother the frontage, while a butterfly-filled conservatory serves the Thai kitchen that made this one of the first London pubs to plate curry beside Fuller's ale.
Worth knowingThe Thai conservatory takes no bookings and tables are cramped and often shared with strangers, and the famous flowers come down over winter.
traditional pub
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Windsor Castle
Why we pick itLow oak-panelled snugs with tiny connecting doors open onto a walled courtyard garden, one of the best spots in the area for a summer pint.
historic tavern
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The Scarsdale Tavern
Why we pick itSet beside leafy Edwardes Square, this Fuller's local keeps its cask ale in good order and lays on a Sunday roast that pulls regulars from across west London.
characterful local
-
The Anglesea Arms
Why we pick itA flower-fronted South Kensington classic with a rosette-winning kitchen, well-kept cask ale and a Sunday roast that justifies booking a table well ahead.
gastropub
-
The Abingdon
Why we pick itA converted corner pub turned wine bar and dining room, where curved leather booths and a modern European menu draw a well-heeled local crowd.
gastropub
-
The Britannia
Why we pick itA restored Young's pub just off the High Street, with a bright plant-filled garden room at the back and a reliable line-up of proper pub classics.
traditional pub
Before you book
High Street Kensington and South Kensington are the two stations to aim for; the Churchill Arms and Windsor Castle sit closer to Notting Hill Gate. Book ahead for Sunday lunch at the Anglesea Arms and the Abingdon, both of which fill fast. Most of these pubs are dog-friendly, and the garden spots at the Windsor Castle and Britannia are worth timing for a dry afternoon.
Common questions
What are the top picks in this guide?
The Churchill Arms is our editor's choice: Thousands of flowers smother the frontage, while a butterfly-filled conservatory serves the Thai kitchen that made this one of the first London pubs to plate curry beside Fuller's ale. The Churchill Arms, Windsor Castle and The Scarsdale Tavern lead the guide, with 6 places in total, all chosen on merit.
How does Lamplit London choose its recommendations?
Every place is chosen on merit, after first-hand visits where possible, with no pay-for-placement. Read our full method at https://www.lamplitlondon.com/how-we-choose/.
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