From historic establishments used for entertaining prominent politicians' connections to the finest gastropubs praised for their inspired menus, Kensington is a corner of London where it's still possible to find a beautiful pub for a quiet drink. Although better known for stately terraces, high-end shopping establishments and incomparable museums, visitors should not be fooled by the dignified exterior.
Tucked between embassies and boutiques is a surprisingly rich pub scene, catering to both well-heeled locals and curious passersby. Many of these venues sit discreetly off the main roads, hidden behind garden squares, or set within charming old coaching inns, offering a more intimate alternative. Whether seeking a traditional pint in a historic snug or an elevated plate of British fare in wood-panelled surroundings, Kensington delivers with each of the following pubs.
The Holland
Set on the edge of one of London’s most beautiful green spaces, Holland Park, this pub, named quite like the area it finds itself in, has quietly carved out a reputation as one of West London’s finest. While it keeps the appearance of a classic corner pub, complete with deep leather furnishings, dark-wood panelling and large front windows, the food served inside is far from routine.
With a kitchen recommended by the Michelin Guide, Chef Max de Nahlik oversees a seasonal menu that favours big, bold flavours and carefully sourced British ingredients. Firm favourites gracing the menu include slow-roast lamb shoulder with white beans and rosemary and cider-battered cod with crushed peas, washed down with carefully selected European vintages of delicious fine wine. Whether dropping in for a weekday lunch or settling down for a drawn-out Sunday roast, The Holland offers one of the most refined pub experiences in Kensington.
The Churchill Arms
Arguably the most photographed pub in London, The Churchill Arms on Kensington Church Street is instantly recognisable thanks to its canopy of floral baskets that completely cover the building during spring and summer. Built in 1750, it holds a direct link to one of Britain’s most famous Prime Ministers, as Winston Churchill’s grandparents were once regulars at this cornerstone establishment for Regency London’s high society.
But what makes The Churchill Arms a true gem for the area is its kitchen. Serving authentic Thai cuisine rather than traditional pub fare, beneath the antique decor, the aroma of lemongrass and chilli drifts from the bustling back kitchen. Regulars pack in early for dinner with dishes like Pad Thai and green curry, and holy basil offering a taste of South East Asia at this meeting between two very different worlds.
The Goat
Standing proudly on Kensington High Street since 1695, The Goat is the oldest pub in Kensington. Despite its age, it remains an active and welcoming pub space, combining traditional wooden interiors with a lively bar that's a fixture amongst locals in the area. The original brickwork, exposed beams and slightly wonky floors all lend it a proper sense of character, with even the most modern of decorations failing to mask its heritage.
Food is kept simple and recognisably British, with pub classics like sausage and mash, fish and chips, and steak and ale pie forming the core of the menu. The bar offers a broad range of ales, lagers, and an above-average wine list for a high-street pub. This is a no-fuss pub that offers plenty of charm and remains one of the few places in the neighbourhood where visitors can truly appreciate the passage of time and its effects on the area after staying open for more than three centuries.
The Hansom Cab
Named after the iconic horse-drawn carriages once pulled through Kensington’s streets, The Hansom Cab has undergone several transformations over the years, including a brief reimagining under famed English journalist Piers Morgan. This Grade II-listed corner pub with tall sash windows may seem more Victorian London on the exterior, but its take on pub culture is refreshingly modern.
The kitchen leans into the gastropub dining, with hand-stretched sourdough pizzas, sharing boards and platters of cheese and charcuterie, and an ever-rotating menu. Whilst not boasting the same level of flair and elegance as other pubs in the area, The Hansom Cab operates with all the hallmarks of its moniker, offering a comfortable, respectable service that grants a reprieve from the bustling streets of London.
The Windsor Castle
Located on Campden Hill Road, The Windsor Castle is one of the most atmospheric pubs in Kensington. Low-beamed ceilings, timber partitions and higgledy-piggledy floor levels give the space a wonderfully lived-in character, and maintain a sense of heritage amidst some of the more updated pubs in the area.
Owned and operated by the Fuller’s of London Brewery chain, it's a modern-run pub that offers a rare sense of intimacy and old-world charm. On cooler evenings, the glow from the log fire makes the pub particularly inviting, while in summer, the small beer garden fills quickly after working hours with locals eager to relax in the comfortable evening air. It’s a quintessential London pub that feels completely removed from the built-up nature of the neighbourhood it finds itself in.
The Builders Arms
Tucked into the backstreets of Chelsea just south of Kensington’s museums, The Builders Arms is quietly elegant, offering a softer, more refined take on the classic neighbourhood pub. Its whitewashed façade, Georgian proportions and graceful interiors make it a welcome retreat after a morning at the V&A or Natural History Museum. Inside, you’ll find soothing tones, vintage mirrors and comfortable lighting that perfectly sets the mood.
Food is taken seriously, with a focus on responsibly sourced ingredients and seasonal menu items from smoked mackerel pâté with sourdough or burrata with heritage tomatoes, to venison pie and roasted cauliflower with tahini and pomegranate. It’s a calm, polished space with the feel of a dining room rather than a run-of-the-mill pub, and that’s exactly why it remains a precious gem for the area.
