The Hansom Cab, Kensington, W8

This is generally a nice pub, in an upmarket area. It has pleasant decor with the same atmosphere to match. Does it appeal more to younger people - perhaps that is debatable. I have never had a bad experience when drinking here. Well recommended. Thanks....

Again no ale to speak of. Pleasant enough place but no plans to return.

Contrary to that stated on the pub's website, this place is in fact not Victorian but rather plain Georgian, being built in 1827 (1837 to 1901 is Victorian) as The Pembroke Arms and acquired its current name in 1965. Situated on Earls Court Road, it's not in the most attractive of surroundings: the locality isn't that pretty and traffic noise is a problem. Once inside though, it's a pleasant enough place with a central bar, bare boarded, roller blinds to the windows, pale grey paint, one-third height t 'n' g panelling and conventional furniture. The front room is quite cosy and there's a larger room to the rear; both have a TV which doesn't bode well. To the walls there are reproduction Victorian paintings of hansom cabs, topped with a brass picture light. The overall feeling is a bit like drinking in a wine bar - not offensive but not really pubby and the trays of condiments on the tables is a bit downmarket. Ales: Sharp's Doom Bar, Young's Bitter and Fuller's London Pride at £4.25 a pint and fine. This is an undemanding place, but I can't see myself beating a path to its front door again anytime soon.

A traditional town pub on the end of a Georgian terrace just off Kensington’s main drag. Hanging baskets at the front make it appealing in the Summer months, and there is a lively local atmosphere in one half of the inside, the public bar. The other half, the saloon bar I suppose, was dead except for one person eating a sad-looking burger from a bit of manky driftwood, and the pub dog, a nonchalant spaniel who turned his nose up at said burger. The décor is pleasant, plenty of etched glass on display and a large fireplace, all late Victorian in character so anachronous to the pub’s origins but not too harshly. There was background music, inoffensive enough, and the TV screen was off, though we were told that it usually screens live sports. The staff, dog included, were friendly enough, while the locals were tolerant and tolerable. Three ales on – Doombar, Pride and Young’s Bitter. Worth spending a quiet few hours here.

The island bar is straight ahead on entering from Earls Court Rd, and has some carved detailing. The front area has a few fairly large circular tables with what I would describe as dining chairs. Up a step to the rear area with a small leather corner banquette, some stools at a shelf, and a few low sofas. There are a random mix of pictures and drawings framed on the walls, and a large picture of a row of Hansom cabs features on the fire surround. The fire wasn't lit but there is a stack of cut logs. Wooden boarded floor painted black, red flock wallpaper to the rear although curry didn't feature on the menu. Newspapers in a rack by the bar. The tables have candles, and there were scattered cushions laid around some of the seating, all a bit tacky and unnecessary I felt. I was half way down my pint when suddenly the room appeared to shake, the light fittings rattled and I wondered what on earth was happening. This continued for a couple of minutes but the staff didn't seem perturbed at all. I concluded that the washing machine was spinning upstairs! Five handpumps, but Doom Bar x2, GK IPA x2 and GK Flankers Tackle. I had the Doom Bar naturally which although not rejectable didn't seem quite right. Not too bad for a quick pint but would benefit from a different ale or so, and perhaps new bearings for the washing machine.