Paradise by Way of Kensal Green, Kensal Green, W10

Similar to the William IV. A pub that doesnt know what it wants to be. With one saturday lunch time punter - me - I would be surprised if it is around too much longer. At least in its current guise. Wonderfully named - impressive exterior. My guidebook from 10 years ago (fancyapint book) says it looks like a Lawrence from changing rooms makeover - and that remains. A distressed stately home indeed. Again, no cask. A the keg is now upto £6.50. Again, nothing to make me want to come back.

Strange place, with a deliberately curious feel, but some old decorative tiling still visible in places. Retains three separate ground-floor rooms, the bar at the front (suffering from a mix of uncomfortable furniture), a side lounge and a dining room at the back. Also has a conservatory and an upstairs function room (not visited). No real ale, unfortunately, with the keg taps offering Meantime Yakima Red and two Truman beers - Craft Lager and Pale Ale (£5.10) - amongst others.

Not a full review as a glance through the window in search of an ale found only Bombardier on the single handpump so we declined and moved on.

Official site of Paradise, contains menu and event details - www.theparadise.co.uk

Official site of Paradise, contains menu and event details - www.theparadise.co.uk

A boho bar full of middle class kids with 'issues' and arty blokes who look like Jez and Quin from Private Eye. Nevertheless it has a certain unique (“shabby-chic”) charm to it, though a fair bit of work needs to be done as it's pretty grotty in places; the gents for instance had no working light bulb forcing one to piss in the dark. Two ales on (Adnams Broadside being my choice) which were in good nick served by Dan Hawkins from The Darkness, who also appeared to be in charge of the rather eclectic playlist (Nico etc) that you usually wouldn't find in a pub. A mixed bag but an interesting one.