The Mall Tavern

The Mall Tavern sits on the corner of Palace Gardens Terrace, a short walk north of Notting Hill Gate station. It is a grand red brick Victorian local that swapped tired carpets for a working craft beer programme, and it landed in the middle ground that west London does well. The pub keeps the snug front bar of a neighbourhood boozer while pouring 23 taps that turn over often.

This is a pub for people who want a proper pint and a plate of food, not a cocktail show. The London Beer Guide lists it among Notting Hill craft stops worth the detour, and the pub's own site leans on fresh, seasonal British cooking rather than a fixed gastropub menu. If you came for a rooftop or a DJ, look elsewhere. If you want to read the chalkboard taps and settle in, this is the room.

The ground floor keeps the original Victorian frame, with tall windows, dark wood, and enough corners to find a table on a quiet weeknight. Downstairs the pub converted its cellar into a private space that hosts dinners, parties, and occasional live music. It is the kind of room you book for a group rather than wander into, so ask before you head down.

Start at the taps. Twenty three lines mean the range moves between London brewers and guest kegs, so ask what landed this week rather than chasing a fixed list. The cask ale is the safe pick for a slow afternoon, and the pub keeps a short British wine list for the table.

On the plate, the kitchen points at seasonal British cooking. The Sunday roast is the order to plan a visit around, and it books up, so reserve a table rather than chancing a walk in. Pints run from about £6 and plates sit in the £9 to £18 range, which is fair for this stretch of W8.

Pair a visit with more west and central London beer. Read our guide to the best bars in Notting Hill, or compare the taps against our 25 best craft beer bars in Europe. Searching nearby? Start with our craft beer near me hub.