Historical version 18 of Crown And Sceptre, W14 8BA (view current version)
- 020 7602 1866
- 34 Holland Road
- 11am-11pm Mon-Thu; 11am-midnight Fri-Sat; noon-10:30pm Sun
- Now Closed
- 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
This long-standing Good Beer Guide pub in Kensington closed in 2009 due to the retirement of its owners. It reopened in September 2010 under new management; a commenter tells us that it's now "under the guidance of the Slater brothers (of The Albion Hammersmith Rd, W14, fame)".
We haven't visited since the change of management. Our notes on the previous incarnation are retained below, but shouldn't be relied on to give any idea of what it's like now.
It's an airy and relaxed pub, sporting a high ceiling and big windows that fill it with light; pfig found it very pleasant. There are large tables with comfy leather-backed benches, as well as smaller tables dotted around the place. There's another seating area up a few steps at the back of the pub. On a Tuesday evening in July 2009, the place wasn't busy at all, and so not too loud.
Beer-wise, on a 2008 visit, pfig had Blindmans and Long John Silver, which were very good (particularly the Long John Silver). In July 2009, there were three handpulls with two beers on, Hog's Back TEA and Hop, though not in best condition.
The food is Mexican, as is the chef: we had (real) nachos, tacos dorados (perfect seasoning and crispiness), quesadillas de pollo and tostadas de feta. Everyone found the food excellent. We visited again in November 2008, a large-ish group of people. Had lots of food (still Mexican, still excellent) and beer (also quite good).
It was quiz night (Tuesday), which was actually lots of fun.
See also: