The Masons Arms, Kensal Green, NW10

This is a large pub on Harrow Road, probably dating from the mid/late-19th century, still exhibiting its Taylor Walker sign frame, appearing on CAMRA’s inventory of pubs with historic interiors, this being of Some Regional Importance. There are high, large arched windows with some residual etching to allow in lots of light. The pub is quite opened out, bare boarded with conventional furniture, along with the extensive use of fawn-coloured studded banquettes, then conventional furniture. The colour scheme comes in the shape of either dark grey or white wainscoting, then white of the same to a white ceiling; to the rear is an expanse of patterned wallpaper. There are a few structural columns with Corinthian capitals painted gold, naturally. To the left, is a grand staircase leading up to a function room. There are some knickknacks to a mirrored shelving array and framed prints. Lighting is of the metal shaded and similar filament filled sconces, then some crystal chandeliers by way of contrast. The main star here is the very ornate bar back with etched gilded mirrors and central clock, then the ornate wood and etched glass manager’s office to the rear, best appreciated on CAMRA’s heritage website. Customers were very few in number Thursday mid-evening, but what few were in attendance were youngish or solo glum old geezers, to a soft dance music soundtrack. The ale front was a disappointment, with just one unused clip, flanked by a pump dispensing GK IPA, then a rather mysterious Mason’s Arms House Bitter at £2.30 a half and fine. This place is ok for those traipsing the historic pubs’ trail, but it’s not worth a special trip, not least because I wouldn’t want to be drinking their meagre offerings for an extended period, but it makes for a heritage triple header with the William IV and Paradise whatever.

Official site of The Masons Arms - www.themasonsarmsnw10.co.uk

Official site of The Masons Arms - www.themasonsarmsnw10.co.uk

Unbranded Metropolitan (i.e. Greene King) pub with a large 'L'-shaped bar (with some feature columns in the side part) and an upstairs function room. Reasonably furnished but feels a bit of barn due to the high ceiling and relatively sparse decor. On the plus side, with real ale being scarce in these parts, three of four handpumps were in use, offering IPA, Fireside and Truman's Roll Out the Barrel (£4.15).

This is another large old Victorian pub on a prominent site. It's now completely opened up into one very large room, with a few sofas and banquettes but with plenty of normal tables and chairs. There's plenty of space in here, allowing them to have a decent amount of room between the tables. In the way of gastropubs it's bare-boarded, and with the pillars, bar counter, and some walls painted that charcoal grey/indigo colour we see so often in these types of pub. Of course there are various prints on the walls, and one wall has some unusual fish themed wallpaper. I saw free wi-fi advertised. However, several original Victorian features remain in here, including some etched and cut glass, but perhaps most notably a superb pillared bar back that still retains its glazing, and what looks like a mahogany and cut glass office at the back. The lattar piece had a wood carved square and compass surmounting it, a clear masonic link to the pub's name. This pub still has quite a lot of character despite its modernisation. The ale selection is OK, without being terribly inspiring. I reckon the food might be fine if you wanted a big lunch, or dinner, but a few more of the more usually seen light bites might be welcome. This pub is certainly worth dropping into for a swift one if you're in the area.

Mr Fastard's detailed review below says it all. This is one of the few boozers in the area open at lunchtimes during the week and selling real ale: Doom Bar and GK IPA when we visited, the former of which was in good nick. An interesting menu and warm welcome, along with the ale, ensure that I'd visit again if in the area.