Back in time at Earl of Lonsdale - Pubs and Bars - Going Out - Evening Standard
       

Back in time at Earl of Lonsdale

Critic Rating
Reader Rating 0

Nowadays, when most pubs get around to doing a refit, you know the " stripped-out" look isn't far away. Sam Smith's, not being ones to follow fashion (they're from Yorkshire after all), have tried something different. Having found the original Victorian plans, they've turned back the clock in the Earl of Lonsdale.

Now once where the large open bar was is a succession of snug compartments, with tiny interconnecting gates; definitely not for the elderly or infirm. Even more etched glass can be found than before and it seems like the dark wood has been given a needed re-varnish. The cynical would say it was all for the benefit of attracting tourists looking for an olde pubbe experience; after all, they already feel the need to provide beer menus on all the tables, for those who might struggle ordering from the exclusively Sam Smith's range.

Nevertheless, the place looks more cared for and feels considerably more cosy than before. For those who find the whole thing a little too claustrophobic or twee, the large back room is still open plan, with plenty of couches and two open fires and the beer garden has been greatly improved, albeit at the expense of sacrificing the conservatory. In an area where pubs are going the way of the Dodo, this place is a welcome relief, especially as on the Saturday afternoon we visited it wasn't as heaving as other places in the area.

CLIENTELE: locals, tourists, market workers
NEAREST STATION: Notting Hill Gate station
FEATURES: real ales, outdoor seating

Earl of Lonsdale
277-281 Westbourne Grove, W11 2QA

Comments

Don't Miss
Trip the bright fantastic - in vertiginous neon

Fashion

Trip the bright fantastic - in vertiginous neon
Chelsea Champions League celebrations - in pictures

Victory parade

Chelsea Champions League celebrations
High-flying heroes

High flying heroes

David Oyelowo reveals all about new film Red Tails
The Twitter Diaries: Think Bridget Jones tries social networking

The Twitter Diaries

Think Bridget Jones tries social networking
Amy Childs bares all like Britney

Dare to bare

Amy Childs vajazzles like Britney
Berenice Marlohe: Daniel Craig is sexy, grounded and funny... how the new Bond girl fell for 007's charm

Bond girl

What Berenice Marlohe really thinks of Daniel Craig
Oh Delilah: Introducing London's hottest pop singer

Oh Delilah

Introducing London's hottest pop singer
Cool Kate at Claridges

Classy Kate

Kate Moss dazzles at Claridges party
The best cameras and accessories on the market

Snap these up

The best cameras and accessories
Sneak peek at new Thames cable car

Sneak peek

First look at the Thames cable car