The Scarsdale Tavern, Kensington, W8

This is a deceptively large Fuller's pub set down a leafy side road off Kensington High Street. Its location may explain the up market feel of the place which is laid out in classic gastro-pub style. In fact the entire right hand side of the pub was set up for people to eat, leaving just the small section in front of the bar for those who wanted a drink. As such I found myself stepping outside and enjoying the views across Edwardes Square from the tidy front patio which appeared to be very popular with post-work drinkers. Four ales were on at the bar, Fuller's London Pride and ESB, Gale's Seafarers and a guest, in this case Titanic Triple Screw which I tried and found in good shape. The two barmen were very friendly and seemed to be coping well with a constant stream of punters at the bar. I didn't have great expectations for this place given that I was going there just to drink, but I found the location, staff and ambiance all very pleasant and would consider a return, perhaps for a meal.

Randomness Guide to London - Scarsdale Tavern entry

Randomness Guide to London - Scarsdale Tavern entry

I too rather like this pub, even though it has, like so many pubs in this area, gone down the gastrofication route. The foliage outside gives it a cared for appearance. I noticed that the tables at the back on the right that were not occupied by diners were still set for diners, so this must be the main dining area. In addition, the food-centric ethos is also evidenced by the small chalkboard sign on the bar advertising for sale their “Marinated olives and garlic bread”. There’s a rather attractive half screen in front of the dining area, containing three leaded light panels, each with a distinctive bird motif in the centre. This did not look like a modern reproduction to me, although the etched glass in the front windows did. No pub in this area is going to be cheap, and the Scarsdale is no exception. I didn’t make a detailed note of the menu prices, but they weren’t cheap although the food that I saw a couple of punters (sorry, that would be “diners” in this part of the world!) tucking into looked very good. The Batemans XB weighed in at £3.45 a pint, and the Seafarers at £3.15. Nonetheless, as long as you can avoid the busiest times, this is as reasonable a pub as there is in this area to drop into for a pint.

A solid looking building in an elegant square, you wouldn't know how close you are to busy Kensington High Street. The single room wraps around the central bar. Rather foody, with the main servery to the rear right on entering, but not so much that popping in for a drink is awkward. Most diners were based in the servery area. Wood floors, generally standard tables in 4s or smaller circular ones in 2s. Large front windows with the lower portion etched and frosted and decorative drapes above. Old champagne bottles on the window cill and along a high shelf. I liked the ceiling with its interesting timber detailing not so much as fake beams but more like a herringbone pattern. The outside has good floral displays, even at this time of year, and a few seats at metal tables. A couple of TVs on high were showing Sky Sports News but muted. The pub is Fullers branded but there were other ales on offer, the selection was Pride, Gales Seafarers, Adnams Bitter and Batemans XB. Not a bad spot, and seeing other pubs locally have gone fully down the gastro route including ripping the guts out of places, worthy of support.

This is an estate pub but one with a difference, the estate in question is a secluded and select area off Kensington High Street. Whereas in most estate pubs one might expect shell-suits, baseball caps, cheeseburger & chips and people cashing giros, in this one you'll find pressed chinos, designer sunglasses, bruschetta & marinated olives and everyone paying with plastic. I have always found the service to be pretty good even when its busy. The pub has 4 cask beers, Everards Beacon, Pride, Youngs and Old Speckled Hen on my last visit and has Cask Marque accreditation (although I did see them pouring slops into a glass on my first visit). The menu is befitting of it's clientele including the prices.

Very comfortable pub that is in a very desirable and quiet location off the bustling Kensington High Street.A single front bar with 2 side areas one being mainly for food.Outside drinking area at the front which overlooks Edwardes Square.4 Real ales on tap.