Horse & Groom, Belgravia, SW1

A traditional London Shepherd and Neame pub as described below, hidden nicely away from the main drag. It was lively but not crowded when we visited, the customers were a reasonable bunch, mainly locals or regulars, and the young barman was helpful and sociable. The hand pumps were dispensing Whitstable Bay, Creekside IPA, Spitfire and First Drop cider. On keg were Whitstable Bay (again), Guinness, Orchard View, Cruzcampo, Moretti and Bear Island. I’d include in a crawl, and I’d be happy to drop in for a pint if passing.

A small wooden panelled one bar pub with an even smaller upstairs function/dining room up a narrow staircase at the back of the bar. It’s tied to Shepherd Neame and the bar counter on the left on entering has three hand pumps and the same three Shep beers as for Wills visit in the form of Whitstable Bay, Bishops Finger and Spitfire were on offer. Fortunately no delivery problems for us and what was badged was coming out the pumps and we tried the first two and they were both drinking well. From the description given by Will the same landlord is still in situ and running this small pub very well. The ales were £6.05 a pint and two pints, a rose wine and a Glenfiddich came to £28 which I didn’t think was outrageous for a pub close to Belgrave Square. Will plan to visit on a warmer day than yesterday when the front cobbles can be utilised for alfresco drinking.

Well described below, this is a tiny pub in a mews; or is it? I wasn’t quite so taken with this one. Yes, there’s charming woodwork and framed black and white pictures of possibly celebrities or former visitors. The pub wasn’t that full for a Friday, some of the visitors may have been lost tourists, one group leaving a hefty tip on the table. It loses some charm on account of the modern floor and some furniture, which looks a bit too modern for a traditional boozer, with tables sporting pot plants. What really put me off, was the music; not because it was too loud, but because it was delivered by of all things, an FM radio, perched on a ledge; it was tinny and very annoying; a Geordie was whistling along loudly. Ales on offer included Whitstable Bay, Bishops Finger and Spitfire at £2.60 a half and good. This is ok, but the tinny music with whistling accompaniment, SN beers and cheap furniture, put me off a bit. There are better mews pubs in Belgravia and indeed, better pubs

Official site of Horse & Groom - www.horseandgroombelgravia.co.uk

Official site of Horse & Groom - www.horseandgroombelgravia.co.uk