Best Pubs in Notting Hill: Craft Beers & Classic Bites 2024

The Elgin

⭐ Our Honest Opinion of The Elgin:

The Elgin, nestled in the heart of Ladbroke Grove, London, truly stands out as a quintessential British pub with its own unique charm. My first visit here was nothing short of delightful, sparking an eagerness to share my experience. From the moment I stepped in, the warm and inviting atmosphere promised a memorable outing, and oh, did it deliver!

Diving straight into the culinary offerings, The Elgin’s Sunday Roast was a revelation. Opting for the Pork Belly, Chicken, and Beef on the recommendation of our server Diane (an absolute gem!), each dish was cooked to perfection. But let me tell you about the truffle cauliflower – creamy, flavorful, and utterly divine; it’s a must-try that elevates the meal to new heights. Diane’s attentive service and spot-on recommendations significantly enhanced our dining experience. It’s rare to find someone who not only knows their menu back to front but also cares genuinely about your dining pleasure.

However, no place is without its quirks. A minor hiccup occurred when we caught an unfortunate glimpse of more than we bargained for from one of the staff members due to his fashionably low trousers. While this did momentarily distract from our dessert contemplations, it’s a small oversight in an otherwise flawless visit. The quality of food, cleanliness of facilities (a notable mention for those wary of typical pub toilets), and overall ambiance far outweigh this slight misstep.

Would I recommend The Elgin? Absolutely! Whether you’re after a sumptuous Sunday roast or simply craving a cozy spot for dinner with friends or family celebrations like christenings – this place ticks all the boxes. And if you’re lucky enough to be served by Diane, you’re in for a treat! Remember to ask her for recommendations; she has an uncanny ability to know exactly what will tickle your taste buds.

👍 Our Reasons for Recommending:

• Delicious Sunday Roast with perfectly cooked meats
• Attentive and excellent service from server Diane
• Beautiful high ceilings and lovely decor

🙏 Areas for Improvement & Potential Drawbacks:

Our thoughts on how to improve, based on online feedback and our personal experiences. Please keep in mind that reviews may reflect specific situations.

• No Complains or Recommendations

💁All the Facts About: The Elgin

The Sun In Splendour

⭐ An Unfiltered Assessment of The Sun In Splendour:

The Sun In Splendour, nestled on the vibrant Portobello Road in London, truly is a hidden gem that deserves every bit of its glowing reputation. My first visit here was nothing short of delightful, with its cozy ambiance and friendly staff making me feel right at home from the moment I stepped through the door. It’s not just another pub; it’s a place where memories are made, and the warmth of hospitality wraps around you like a snug blanket.

During my visit, I couldn’t resist trying their Steak and Ale pie, accompanied by mashed potatoes – a decision that my taste buds thanked me for profusely. The pie was a culinary masterpiece, rich in flavour and perfectly cooked. Although the portion size left me craving more, it was an excellent excuse to delve into their dessert menu. My companions and I opted for an apple pie to share, which admittedly had an unusual taste that didn’t quite hit the mark for us. However, this minor hiccup didn’t detract from the overall experience; if anything, it added to the charm of exploring new flavours. Have you ever had a dish that took you by surprise in such a way?

But wait, there’s more! On another occasion – yes, I simply had to return – my mother and I decided to pop in on Boxing Day. The festive spirit was alive and well within The Sun In Splendour’s walls. We indulged in Fish n’ Chips and sourdough loaf, followed by mulled wine that danced on our palates with its spiced warmth. To top it off, we savoured every spoonful of their toffee pudding; each bite was like a hug from within on that chilly London day. The staff’s excellence only amplified our dining experience; they were attentive without being intrusive, striking the perfect balance between professionalism and personal touch.

For anyone who finds themselves wandering through Notting Hill with a rumbling stomach or simply in search of a pleasant spot to unwind with friends or family, The Sun In Splendour should undoubtedly be on your list. Whether it’s for their mouth-watering Sunday Roast or just to enjoy a pint of Camden Pale Ale (sadly no London Pride on tap during my visit), this pub has something special for everyone. Jamie and his team have created an atmosphere that’s both inviting and exciting – complete with great tunes to boot! It’s places like these that remind me why London’s pub scene is unmatched; full of character, history, and culinary delights waiting to be discovered. Will you find yourself here next?

👍 Our Reasons for Recommending:

• Delicious Steak and Ale pie with mashed potatoes
• Excellent Fish n’ Chips and toffee pudding
• Friendly and welcoming staff with great atmosphere

🙏 Areas for Improvement & Potential Drawbacks:

Our thoughts on how to improve, based on online feedback and our personal experiences. Please keep in mind that reviews may reflect specific situations.

• No Complains or Recommendations

💁‍♀️All the Facts About: The Sun In Splendour

The Prince Albert

⭐ Our Unvarnished Impressions of The Prince Albert:

The Prince Albert has quickly become my go-to spot in London, nestled cosily at 11 Pembridge Rd. Why, you ask? Well, let me spill the beans about this charming place that seems to have cast a spell on me and many others, judging by its glowing reviews and solid 4.2-star rating on Google.

First off, the food here is nothing short of spectacular. I had the pleasure of tucking into their fish and chips on Christmas day, and let me tell you, it was a revelation. The fish was as fresh as a morning sea breeze, encased in a light batter that sang with every bite. And the sauce – oh! It was lemony and zingy with just the right amount of mayo. Hats off to chefs Abs and Rab for this culinary delight! Not to mention, the bar staff are stars in their own right; Max made us feel right at home with his top-notch service and warm welcome. It’s not just about the food or drinks though; it’s the whole vibe of the place that gets you. Quirky yet comfortable with an atmosphere that wraps around you like your favourite jumper.

And if you’re wondering whether it’s worth popping into when you’re in the area – absolutely! Whether it’s for a quick pint, a lovely meal or even to catch some sports with friends, The Prince Albert ticks all the boxes. With friendly staff who genuinely care about your experience (big shoutout to Will and Seb for making our evening unforgettable), plenty of seating both inside and out, and an eclectic selection of drinks and food choices, what’s not to love? Trust me; once you visit, you’ll be planning your next trip back before you’ve even left. So why not give it a whirl? You might just find your new favourite spot in London!

👍 Our Reasons for Recommending:

• Fresh fish and chips with delicious, light batter
• Lemony and zingy sauce without too much mayo
• Great bar staff and super atmosphere

🙏 Areas for Improvement & Potential Drawbacks:

Our thoughts on how to improve, based on online feedback and our personal experiences. Please keep in mind that reviews may reflect specific situations.

• No Complains or Recommendations

💁‍♀️All the Facts About: The Prince Albert

The Castle

⭐ A Personal Take on The Castle:

The Castle on Portobello Road is a hidden gem that had me and my friends absolutely delighted with its cosy vibe and scrumptious Sunday roast. Ever been to a place where the atmosphere just wraps around you like a warm hug? That’s The Castle for you. With its well-thought-out decor and friendly staff, it felt like stepping into a scene from a British movie. And let me tell you about the Sunday roast – it was nothing short of spectacular! Generous portions, bursting with flavour, it was exactly what I wanted my friends from the States to experience. A proper British pub meal that leaves you satisfied and smiling.

Now, no place is perfect, right? The ladies’ toilets could do with a bit of love – not the best part of our visit. And there was this little hiccup at the till with my bill which left me scratching my head over an unexpected charge. Still, these were minor blips in an otherwise fantastic experience. Would I go back? In a heartbeat! It’s not every day you find a spot that nails both ambiance and food so well.

What really sets The Castle apart though is its knack for making everyone feel welcome – whether you’re popping in for a quick pint or settling down for a hearty meal. My son declared their burger the best he’s had in London (and believe me, we’ve tried quite a few!), while I couldn’t get enough of their nachos – seriously tasty stuff! With its great location, excellent draft beer selection, and top-notch burgers, The Castle is one of those places you’ll want to keep coming back to. Whether it’s after rummaging through Notting Hill’s quirky shops or just looking for a cosy spot to catch up with friends, this pub knows how to make your visit memorable. So why not swing by and see what all the fuss is about? Trust me; it’s worth it!

👍 Our Reasons for Recommending:

• Cosy and well-decorated pub with a nice aesthetic
• Great Sunday roast with good portion size and tasty flavours
• Efficient and friendly service, good selection of local craft beers

🙏 Areas for Improvement & Potential Drawbacks:

Our thoughts on how to improve, based on online feedback and our personal experiences. Please keep in mind that reviews may reflect specific situations.

• No Complains or Recommendations

💁‍♀️All the Facts About: The Castle