Duke of Kendal, Bayswater, W2

As described by others, below, I found this traditional London back-street pub somewhat uninspiring. The staff were pleasant enough, the customers were unenergetic, the beer was lacklustre. The piano and TV screen were both mute, there was a group of foreigners occupying the seats outside the front door, and a small Covid-dog jumped up at anyone who made eye-contact. Only one ale on, GK IPA, which was in average condition. The keg option were Amstel, Cruzcampo, Guinness, Neck Oil, Moretti and Inch's Cider. As London pubs go this was a bit disappointing.

The Duke of Kendal has patio furniture around its acute angled exterior. Inside there are banquettes and tables around the wedged end of the pub that is faced by a small bar that supports three hand pumps that were drawing Greene King IPA and Fuller’s London Pride whilst one went unused. Premium and craft keg was also available. Behind the bar is some seating that I think is used for dining; I didn’t see a menu but there were some stone baked pizzas knocking about. The strange wedged front and raised rear of the interior reminded me of a heeled shoe. The staff were friendly, but I didn’t take to this place.

Official site of Duke of Kendal - dukeofkendal.co.uk

Official site of Duke of Kendal - dukeofkendal.co.uk

Flat iron shape pub, giving it a nice external look. Single wedge-shaped room inside with a battered wood floor, maroon Victoriana wallpaper and a general air of bohemian shabbiness. I was rather taken with the very nice West End Wine & Spirit Stores ‘triptych‘ (what a great word) mirror thingy. I was rather less taken with the large TV over the bar showing a pointless music channel to nobody. Two ales over three pumps, GK IPA and Old Golden Hen, flabby and warm. It's ok for this area but that’s damning with faint praise I suppose - could be much better. 5.5