If you find yourself near the Royal Oak Tube station and fancy a tipple, you’re in luck! This area is a hidden gem for those who love a cosy pub or a lively bar. Whether you’re after a classic pint in a traditional pub, or a crafty cocktail in a more modern setting, the bars and pubs around Royal Oak have something to suit every taste. Let’s dive into the best spots where you can relax, unwind, and enjoy the local vibe!
The Porchester
Address: 88 Bishop’s Bridge Road, Bayswater, W2 5AA
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The Porchester is located in the vibrant Bayswater area, a short walk from both Royal Oak and Bayswater Underground stations. It’s also close to the trendy neighbourhood of Notting Hill, making it a convenient spot for both locals and visitors.
- What’s the Vibe? The Porchester blends the warmth of a traditional English pub with contemporary styling. Its refurbishment has introduced a fresh, modern interior featuring dark woods, stylish lighting, and leather-lined seating. The atmosphere is lively and welcoming, perfect for both casual drinks and more formal dining.
What’s On Offer:
- Hearty English Fare: The Porchester is known for its classic pub menu, which includes fan favourites like beer-battered fish & chips and hearty burgers. Their Sunday Roast is particularly celebrated and is often considered one of the best in West London.
- Weekly Quiz Night: Every Wednesday at 7 pm, The Porchester hosts a popular quiz night. It’s a fun, somewhat challenging evening where locals compete for various prizes, making it a staple event in the community.
Practical Info:
- When Can You Visit? The pub is open Monday to Thursday from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm, Fridays and Saturdays from 10:00 am to midnight, and Sundays from 12:00 pm to 10:30 pm.
This venue is a charming mix of traditional and modern, offering a delightful spot for food, drinks, and a bit of local entertainment.
The Bridge House
Address: 13 Westbourne Terrace Road, London, W2 6NG
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The Bridge House is nestled in the picturesque neighbourhood of Little Venice, just a short walk from Warwick Avenue tube station. It sits near the tranquil Regent’s Canal, providing a lovely waterside setting that’s a bit of a hidden gem in London.
- What’s the Vibe? The atmosphere at The Bridge House is a charming mix of traditional British pub warmth with a slightly bohemian flair. It offers a welcoming, relaxed environment, perfect for both casual lunches and cosy evening gatherings. The pub’s interior features plush seating, a real fireplace, and eclectic decor, including art that adds a playful edge to the ambiance. In warmer weather, the outdoor terrace overlooking the canal becomes a favourite spot for patrons.
What’s On Offer
- Gastro Delights: The Bridge House is renowned for its excellent food, offering a menu that blends classic British pub fare with more modern dishes. Highlights include their Sunday roasts, which are particularly popular, and the halloumi fries, a standout favourite among regulars.
- Live Performances: A unique aspect of The Bridge House is its connection to the Canal Café Theatre, located just upstairs. This means the pub often attracts a lively crowd from the theatre, and you might catch some live performances or special events happening in the area.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit? The Bridge House is open from 11:00 to 22:30 on Monday and Sunday, and until 23:00 from Tuesday to Thursday. On Fridays and Saturdays, it stays open until 23:30.
The Cow
Address: 89 Westbourne Park Road, London, W2 5QH
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The Cow is nestled in the heart of West London, situated on Westbourne Park Road. It is a short walk from Westbourne Park Tube Station, making it easily accessible for locals and visitors alike. The area is vibrant and diverse, offering a blend of residential charm and urban energy.
- What’s the Vibe? The Cow exudes a warm, inviting atmosphere that has made it a beloved neighbourhood pub for over 25 years. It combines the feel of a traditional British pub with the flair of a lively seafood bar, offering a casual yet refined dining experience. The interior is cosy and unpretentious, with a mix of vintage decor and eclectic art, contributing to its lively and friendly vibe.
What’s On Offer:
- Seafood Specialities: One of The Cow’s standout offerings is its exceptional seafood. The pub is renowned for its Guinness and Oysters, which have become a signature pairing. The menu features other seafood delights such as the Deluxe Seafood Platter, Pint of Prawns, and a well-loved Fish Stew. These dishes reflect the pub’s Northern European culinary influences, making it a must-visit for seafood enthusiasts.
- Hearty British Fare: Beyond seafood, The Cow offers a range of hearty British dishes, including classics like Bangers & Mash with Onion Gravy, Chicken Kiev, and Ox Cheek & Guinness Pie. These dishes are prepared with a focus on quality and tradition, ensuring that there’s something comforting for everyone on the menu.
Practical Info:
- When Can You Visit? The Cow’s Saloon Bar is open from Monday to Saturday, 11 AM to 11 PM, and on Sundays from 12 PM to 10:30 PM. The Saloon Bar Kitchen operates from Monday to Saturday, 12 PM to 10 PM, and on Sundays from 12 PM to 9 PM. The Upstairs Dining Room has slightly different hours, opening from Monday to Friday at 5:30 PM, and earlier on weekends.
The Westbourne
Address: 101 Westbourne Park Villas, London, W2 5ED
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The Westbourne is situated in the heart of Notting Hill, a vibrant and fashionable area of West London. It’s located on the corner of Westbourne Park Villas and Westbourne Park Road, offering easy access to both the trendy local shops and the nearby green spaces.
- What’s the Vibe? The Westbourne exudes a lively yet relaxed atmosphere typical of a classic London gastropub. Its combination of traditional pub charm with a contemporary twist attracts a diverse crowd, from locals to tourists. The outdoor terrace is a particularly popular spot, especially in the summer, where patrons can enjoy a drink and people-watch in a bustling yet laid-back environment.
What’s On Offer
- Seasonal Menu with Fresh Ingredients: The Westbourne’s menu is a standout feature, offering a variety of dishes that change daily, all prepared with fresh ingredients sourced from top independent suppliers. Whether you’re after a hearty meal or just some tapas to accompany your drink, the pub provides a range of options that cater to different tastes.
- Extensive Drink Selection: The pub is well-known for its impressive selection of drinks, including traditional ales, Belgian beers, fine wines, and cocktails. There’s also a good choice of non-alcoholic beverages, making it an inclusive spot for all visitors. The outdoor seating area, particularly popular on sunny days, adds to the allure of enjoying a drink in a relaxed setting.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit? The Westbourne is open daily. From Monday to Wednesday, it operates from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM. On Thursdays through Saturdays, it’s open from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Sundays have slightly shorter hours, from 12:00 PM to 10:30 PM. The pub offers lunch and dinner services, with lunch generally available from 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM and dinner from 6:30 PM to 10:15 PM.
The Westbourne offers a quintessential London pub experience, blending good food, a broad drink selection, and a welcoming atmosphere in a prime location.
The Warwick Castle
Address: 6 Warwick Place, London, W9 2PX
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The Warwick Castle is nestled in the charming and picturesque area of Little Venice, London. Situated on a quiet, leafy mews at Warwick Place, this pub offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the city while still being conveniently close to Warwick Avenue station.
- What’s the Vibe? The atmosphere at The Warwick Castle is warm and inviting, maintaining the traditional charm of a classic British pub. It’s a cosy spot, popular with locals, featuring original decor elements like open log fires that create a snug ambiance during the colder months. The pub also has an outdoor seating area, perfect for enjoying a pint on a sunny afternoon.
What’s On Offer
- Traditional British Fare: The pub prides itself on offering a menu filled with traditional British dishes. From homemade sausage rolls to hearty Sunday roasts, the food here is comfortingly familiar and well-executed. They also serve a selection of real ales and wines that perfectly complement the menu.
- Cosy Snug Area: One of the standout features of The Warwick Castle is its snug area, a smaller, more intimate space within the pub. This area is perfect for those looking to enjoy a quieter drink or a meal in a more secluded setting, adding to the pub’s charm.
Practical Info:
- When Can You Visit? The Warwick Castle is open from 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm, Monday to Saturday, and from 12:00 pm to 10:30 pm on Sundays.
This pub is an excellent choice for those looking to experience a traditional British pub with a warm, community-focused atmosphere, whether you’re after a quiet drink, a hearty meal, or a relaxed afternoon in Little Venice.
Ready to Visit?
If you find yourself near Royal Oak Tube station, you’re in a prime spot to explore some of West London’s hidden gems. This area offers a blend of cosy, traditional pubs and lively, modern bars that cater to a variety of tastes. The Porchester in Bayswater is a fantastic spot for those who enjoy a lively yet welcoming atmosphere with a modern twist, while The Bridge House in Little Venice provides a picturesque, laid-back environment perfect for a relaxing drink by the canal.
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