"I have visited this pub once before, on the recommendation of a work colleague, and it was a memorable experience. So it was a no-brainer that when I was next in the area I would seek to revisit this venue. That opportunity arose when another...colleague and I finished exhibiting at an event recently at the nearby Olympia exhibition centre. Though this pub is a couple of blocks away from Olympia, it proved to be worth the trek, and was a welcome alternative to our usual watering hole, The Beaconsfield, which is just opposite Olympia (see my separate review on that). The first really positive and noteworthy delight was being offered menus when we ordered our drinks at the bar. This was as good an example of upselling as you are ever likely to see. As a former hospitality manager, I know it works, and in this case it was a welcome invitation that encouraged us to stay for dinner. I was pretty glad we did. The young man who took our order was unusually helpful and efficient. The only snag was that he informed us that the kitchen didn't open until 6pm this being 5.40pm on a Saturday evening. I did think that a bit odd, though waiting 20 minutes wouldn't have been an issue. Strangely, we didn't have to wait as the food arrived fairly promptly. If the chef made an exception in this case, then I'm very grateful. If not, then it was probably not worth mentioning the opening times. Luckily, the food was nothing short of excellent. Both my colleague and I were pretty much in agreement, and we were impressed by the choice, the quality and the presentation. The menu has a definite Thai influence, which was interestingly mixed with some standard pub favourites (see pictures), so there really was something for everyone. I started with the smoked salmon. I don't know what ebiko shrimp roe' or ponzu mayo' is, but I can tell you it was extremely good, and an interesting variation on this good old familiar starter (see picture). My colleague's chicken satay starter was also beautifully presented rather awkwardly served on a chopping board but I'm told it too was very good indeed (see picture). Mains were cod chips and pad thai with king prawns. Again, top notch (see pictures). This pub has a very welcoming and homely atmosphere (see pictures) and appears to be a popular meeting place for friends and for families, with the restaurant operation being perhaps what they do best. With the bill coming in at £45 for two, not including drinks, that is pretty good value for the quality of the fare. Watch out for the now habitual 10% discretionary' service charge. For this reason, don't add your drinks from the bar onto your tab, as you'll end up paying 10% on those too. Other than that this is a great little place and a valuable discovery for locals and tourists alike and I for one can't wait to return."
Kensington and Chelsea
