Prince of Wales, Paddington, W2

From the outside, the Prince of Wales isn’t the most attractive place but I didn’t mind the open plan interior with large U-shaped bar. I was hungry during a recent Friday afternoon visit so maybe the smell of Thia food won me over? The bar supports three handpumps that were drawing Sharp’s Doom Bar, Fuller’s London Pride and Wild Goose. A premium keg range was also available. The seating consists of high tables along the front windows and standard furniture down the side walls. I thought the tiled and laminated floor was well done, but the chandelier was a bit over the top. I found the staff to be friendly, and even though I wouldn’t go out of my way to revisit I would pop back in if passing.

This pub dates from 1841, originally situated over the way on Bishops Bridge Road, to be rebuilt in 1967 in the current location. Externally, there are attractive hanging flower baskets, but otherwise it’s a featureless concrete, glass and steel box with a legend to the awning stating that it’s located in Little Venice, which is utter twaddle, as Little Venice is situated a third of a mile to the north on the other side of the A40 flyover, in W9 not W2. Internally it’s been modernised since construction, with bright woods and a part tiled and wood laminate floor. The walls are sea green, with a white ceiling, with some sort of mural print to the right-hand wall. Lighting comes from a couple of chandeliers with large translucent white hanging lamps over the bar. Décor comprises pot plants, a large glass fronted cabinet containing old beer bottles and framed prints, otherwise there’s much railway memorabilia such as signs, signals and an old station clock; also featured is a large Paddington bear for some reason; there’s also an ugly and unwelcome Clear Channel illuminated advertising board. Furniture is conventional, with a couple of large, tall circular tables. A couple of TVs were spotted but these were off, electrical entertainment coming from barely audible mood music. Customers were mainly in their 20s and probably local office workers, thereafter a small number of rather glum older locals. Ales amounted to one unused pump, a Doom clip (reversed) then Mad Goose at £2.60 a half and in very good condition too, served by a barmaid with a kindly face. This is by no means a great place let alone destination, but it’s a lot better in terms of ambience and drink (possibly hygiene too) than the other Paddington pubs; best of a bad bunch.

Official site of Prince of Wales - www.princeofwalespaddington.co.uk

Official site of Prince of Wales - www.princeofwalespaddington.co.uk

This is a 1960’s pub built as part of a larger development, and it looks typical of the time being essentially a square concrete block. It’s typically plain and characterless inside as well. It has both a pool table and dartboard, both of which were in use when I visited on Friday afternoon. Furnishings are banquettes around the sides, plus little round stools and basic wooden tables. There are a few seats ouside at the front. There were three handpumps on the bar, but only one is use, dishing out London Pride (£1.90 a half). A good sign was the pile of London Drinkers on the counter. A Thai food menu was on all the tables, and the prices were quite cheap, with a chicken stir fry and rice at £6. There’s nothing special about this pub, but it was doing a good trade on Friday lunchtime and is clearly a valued community asset.

Ugly square block with Crittall windows. Empty, and I felt I had to ask whether it was actually open. Mix of furniture, with almost no decor. Mixed Asian (including Mongolian) and English menu, with a take-away service offered. Just one of three handpumps working, dispensing an indifferent pint of Pride although the barmaid didn't know the price (which turned out to be £3.30) or how to pour it! Didn't stay long, and altogether a distinctly odd experience. (NB - Review dates from March 2012.)