The Mitre, W2

The Paddington, Bayswater area of West London is not blessed with good pubs but the exception is the Mitre. Tucked away in a quiet mews street a short distance from the busy Bayswater road, this grade lI listed building has a great CAMRA listed interior as described below and, although opened out from its once multi roomed layout, it still retains lots of distinct areas with traditional features, etched glass and period fireplaces. Five real ale hand pumps on the bar, but being owned by Youngs, no surprise that Youngs Original and Special dominate these. But fortunately for my recent visit St Austell Proper Job was also on the pumps and in fine form as well. Can’t comment on the food as I have never eaten here, but for a relaxing beer away from the madness of the Bayswater Road, you will be hard pushed to beat it.

A classic Victorian corner pub but with a mercilessly modernised inside front bar, although a nice counter and period style wallpaper tone it down and the barback is a real classic. Badged as a Youngs house it serves Youngs ordinary and a beer from Hackney plus a cider on the five pulls. There are also twelve keg taps with Camden, Meantime and some National brands. At the back the rooms are in a Victorian style but I didn't explore them. The pretentious use of a Victorian country house servants bell board loses it points. The beer is very well looked after it's just some of the choices seem driven by trendiness not quality. Some of the staff were exemplary.