Historical version 4 of Britannia, W8 6UX (view current version)
- 020 7937 6905
- 1 Allen Street, W8 6UX (streetmap) (osm) (gmap) (bingmap) (streetview)
- britanniakensington.co.uk
- 10am-midnight Mon-Sat; 10:30am-11:30pm Sun
Young's pub in Kensington, in the Good Beer Guide.
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Comment added by Kake: Quite posh inside, a variety of seating including upholstered banquettes with scatter cushions and backs probably high enough to please even bob; plus at least one deep leather sofa, and upright chairs and tables as well.
Two handpumps; only Young's bitter is on today though (and costs 3.10/pint). They also have Staropramen, Leffe, and Peroni on tap, among other things.
Accessibility: One shallow step up to get in, and level access to the bar and the front seating area, but the sofa/banquette area and the toilets are down a couple of steps.
Comment added by Kake: There's also a separate dining area, set out with wine glasses and cutlery, at the back past the sofa area.
Food is served all day, though afternoon food is limited to what they describe slightly misleadingly as "bar bites", but which is actually a choice between "loaded potato skins" (with, I think, cheese and bacon) and filled rolls (served with salad and chips). I went for the latter, choosing cheddar and onion from among the four options on offer. The roll was a pretty nice one with a thick chewy crust (in a good way), the cheese was grated, and the onion was red and thinly sliced. The salad consisted of varied mixed leaves with a decent dressing. The chips were more like potato wedges, and came skin-on. I think they were probably prepared earlier and reheated in the microwave, but they didn't suffer much. This ensemble was served slightly absurdly on a small, thick, square chopping board.
When I arrived, a little after 4pm, the place was empty apart from two people sitting outside in the tiny smoking area (a strip alongside the pub; I don't think it's covered).
Comment added by Kake: I was brought salt and pepper (both in proper grinders) as well as ketchup and mayonnaise for my chips, but no vinegar. Piped music is playing, sort of pop/jazz, but fairly quietly.