The Blue Stoops, Kensington, W8

This is a mid-19th century pub, originally the McCauley Arms until 2009 when it became a wine bar called the Kensington Wine Rooms. The place is the brainchild of American Charlie McVeigh, the man behind the Draft House chain (probably explains the American spelling of ‘draught’) and Jamie Allsopp, a scion of the family and cousin of TV’s Kirsty. The pub opened two days ago; I’ll leave the history of Allsopp’s Burton brewery to their website and CAMRA, but it claims to have invented IPA, which I’ve tried before and found to be very good. The interior is largely a modern take on a Victorian pub, with a modern boarded floor (chequerboard tiled to the bar area), mirrored Victorian-style bar back, with lapis lazuli mezzo-relievo tiling to the front with repeated trademark Allsopp’s ‘hand’ device. Walls are either natural wood field panelled, then two tone royal blue and cream with an ochre ceiling. Furniture is conventional, with fluted fawn banquettes to the periphery, lighting from hanging spun copper shades; no TVs were spotted. Décor – unsurprisingly – is a veritable cornucopia of Allsopp’s brewery memorabilia from yesteryear, including an extravagant retro mirror to the rear dining area. Customers were mixed: some locals, quite a few looking like tourists (unsurprising given the proximity to Portobello Road and Kensington Palace), some with a baby and young child in tow, one schoolgirl using a scooter; another customer attired in powder blue looked suspiciously like Jamie himself; still, at least le patron mange ici. Aside from Allsopp’s revived Double Diamond, there were four ales on the go, with a guest ale – Kirkstall Three Swords – then three from Allsopp’s: Best, IPA and Pale at a charitable – especially considering the area – £2.75 a half and on excellent form, served by a very friendly and engaging barman. This place is certainly a bonus for the area, making for an interesting addition to the W8 crawl scene, but I do hope young children won’t be in evidence once the sun is over the yardarm.

Official site of The Blue Stoops - www.thebluestoops.com

Official site of The Blue Stoops - www.thebluestoops.com