The Grenadier, Belgravia, SW1

I’ve been coming to this pub since I discovered it by accident in the late 60s (I really don't remember what I was doing down alleyways off Hyde Park corner). Actually it was a great place to have a drink after the free concerts in Hyde Park, as the hordes which frequented those events didn’t seem to be aware of its existence. In fact, I think I came here after seeing the Stones’ free concert in 1969. Inside the pub it’s incredibly small, with a single bar that’s all dark wood and atmosphere, but with a larger restaurant area at the back. Finding it is a challenge, but it is worth the effort. It has its faults (tourist or ghost hunter magnet – it’s supposed to haunted by the ghost of a guardsman) but it always features on my tour of Belgravia's hidden mews treasures. It was one of the first places to have Old Speckled Hen on handpump around 15 years ago - which has got to be a tick on the plus side. It still invariably has a handful of real ales on - when I paid another visit the other day they had on Timothy Taylor Landlord, London Pride, GK Old Golden Hen, and Woodforde Wherry. But on the minus side I have to say it’s one of the most expensive pubs around, with the Wherry costing a whopping £3.90 a pint. It’s too small for any group of more than 3 or 4 to drink in comfort standing up - but I like it. I would recommend a visit just to experience the atmosphere of this hidden gem, even with the over the top ale prices.

Lovely Pub. I also discovered this PUB by accident years ago. Follow Old Barracks Yard and you are there.

Superb hidden away mews pub, outside are well tended floral displays, and a Grenadier Guardsman's hut. The inside is museum like, the front room has the bar straight ahead, wooden original floor, leather cushioned well worn settles, cast iron wooden topped tables. panelled walls, from a ceiling beam hang old oil lamps, pistols, pewter tankards, hunting horns and so on. There is a guardsman's bearskin proudly displayed on a shelf over the fireplace. Through an arch to two rear rooms, parlour style....I'm guessing original landlords quarters.....now set generally for dining, tiled fireplace, military pictures/photos. Four Angram pumps serve a range, today being, TT Landlord, Pride, Batemans XXXB, and new to me, Vince Minty's Stronginthearm Ale (4%). Don't be fooled by the old style handpumps in a bank in front of the fizzy stuff. This pub has rules, lots of them, plastic glasses for outside, mobiles on silent, and oddly no photography for security reasons.......yeh right. No problem anyway with me sitting there and writing my copious notes! A nice touch is the sale of Cumberland sausages on sticks (£1) as a snack to enjoy with your pint. An essential pub to visit if roaming the back lanes and mews of the area.

Great little pub in a mews which can be very difficult to find.A very small single bar with 2 rear eating/drinking areas.Up to 4 real ales with Landlord in great condition.Well worth searching out.10 mins from Hyde Park Corner station.