Bayswater.
The Victoria
Street: 10A Strathearn Place
Operator: Fuller's
Open:
11:00 - 23:00 Monday-Saturday
12:00 - 22:30 Sunday
Map: Bayswater crawl
Hompage
Underground: Paddington (6min)
Circle
Bakerloo
District
Train: Paddington (6min)
Elizabeth
About the pub:
Imposing pub with wood-panelled interior and a narrow central section. The pub, with its white painted stucco exterior, dates from 1837/8 and is grade II listed. This is one of Britain's Real Heritage Pubs with ornately gilded mirrors above a crescent-shaped bar, painted tiles in wall niches and numerous portraits of Queen Victoria. The fittings from the mid-Victorian period are now very rare as so many pubs were renovated at the end of the nineteenth century. The multiple outside doors hint at the bar separation that would have been in place in Victorian times.
The walls now display cartoons, paperweights and a Silver Jubilee plate. A recessed area at the back is furnished with a leather bench seat. Upstairs, via a spiral staircase, there is a library and theatre bar available for public use; the fittings were imported from the Gaiety Theatre in the 1950s. A few years later in 1966 David Bowie had a live gig here to launch a record.
The Ladies WC is upstairs. but the Gents is downstairs and, in quiet moments, the rumble of Elizabeth Line trains may be heard in the tunnels beneath as they swing east towards Bond Street.
Tuesday is quiz night. This was Fuller's Pub of the Year in 2007 & 2009, and since 2016 has been five times voted runner-up in the CAMRA West London branch Pub of the Year competition including 2023.
Nearby point of interest:
Blue plaques -Westminster
The Swan
Street: 66 Bayswater Road
Operator: Fuller's
Open:
09:00 - 23:00 Monday-Saturday
09:00 - 22:00 Sunday
Map: Bayswater crawl
Hompage
Underground: Lancaster Gate (2 min)
Central
About the pub:
Once a coaching inn dating from 1721, and facing onto Hyde Park across Bayswater Road, this is the only surviving relic of the Flora Gardens, later known as Victoria Gardens. It is one of many pubs claiming to be the one where condemned prisoners took their last drink on the route from Newgate Prison to the gallows at Tyburn Tree.
Rebuilt in the mid nineteenth century and grade II listed, it was last refurbished
in March 2018.
The interior is partly wood-panelled with an ornate rear skylight and a raised eating area, with a more formal restaurant area upstairs, leading to a terrace overlooking Hyde Park. There is a botanical/avian/historical theme to the decor.
Nearby point of interest:
Blue plaques -Westminster
The Mitre
Street: 24 Craven Terrace
Operator: Youngs
Open:
10:00 - 23:00 Monday-Saturday
12:00 - 22:30 Sunday
Map: Bayswater crawl
Hompage
Underground: Lancaster Gate (4 min)
Central
About the pub:
Wedge shaped corner pub which it is said gives rise to its name. Built in 1859 and Grade II-listed, the internal arrangements have been much altered over the years but there is still an impressive body of fittings from the Victorian period. This venue is one of London's Real Heritage Pubs with original etched glass, unusual rounded front doors at the corner entrance and four interconnecting rooms.
Spot the "Ladies Only" signage on the glass. An upstairs dining room can be hired for private parties and there is also a small outside space with seating. Children are welcome. Taken over by Young's in 2008, it attracts both drinkers and tourists, the latter looking mainly for good food.
"Old Mary's" cocktail bar can be found downstairs, reputedly haunted by Old Mary herself!
Nearby point of interest:
Blue plaques -Westminster
Lancaster Gate (4min)
wikipedia
Hyde Park (4min)
Hyde Park
The Leinster Arms
Street: 17 Leinster Terrace
Operator: Stonegate Group
Open:
12:00 - 23:00 Monday-Thursday
12:00 - 00:00 Friday-Saturday
12:00 - 22:30 Sunday
Map: Bayswater crawl
Hompage
Underground: Lancaster Gate (9 min)
Central
About the pub:
Grade II listed pub built in 1856 as the Scotch Stores and renamed 18 years later. The facade is impressive, with the pub's name extending across the arch to the adjacent mews. Inside there is a fascinating collection of prints, portraits and paintings. The rear area has a notable brewery mirror.
The beer range features a changing guest ale - beer mats and pump clips on display are evidence of previous brews. Five handpumps but not all ales may be available depending on demand.
A vintage car club meets here every month. Popular with tourists.
Nearby point of interest:
Blue plaques -Westminster
The Cleveland Arms
Street: 28 Chilworth Street
Operator: Market Taverns
Open:
16:00 - 23:00 Monday-Tuesday
12:00 - 23:00 Wednesday-Thursday
12:00 - 00:00 Friday-Saturday
12:00 - 22:00 Sunday
Map: Bayswater crawl
Hompage
Underground: Paddington (6min)
Circle
Bakerloo
District
Train: Paddington (6min)
Elizabeth
About the pub:
A few minutes' walk from Paddington Station, this lovely 1852 Grade II-listed pub with its tiled porches is named after William Vane, first Duke of Cleveland. CAMRA branch joint first Pub of the Year in 2014 and with multiple previous awards, it re-opened after refurbishment and under new ownership in May 2017 and there was a further change of ownership to the small Market Taverns London chain in late 2019.
There is now more light and big mirrors; also a new, good-sized downstairs bar & dining room.
The Cleveland offers food all day, with weekday lunch specials at bargain prices, breakfast served until noon at weekends and Sunday roasts. Seasonal British dishes are a speciality and the chef at date of this entry is a former Masterchef Professionals contestant.
Quiz night is Monday, for other events see venue website.
Nearby point of interest:
Blue plaques -Westminster
