Best Pubs Near London House Hotel in Kensington
- Food Blogger Journey
- Dec 6, 2025
- 5 min read
By Dirk Ebener - December 6, 2025
When I first checked into the London House Hotel on Kensington Gardens Square, I didn’t expect that some of my most memorable London moments would come not from the city’s museums or landmarks, but from its pubs. My room looked out onto a leafy square, quiet and elegant, but only a short walk away was the buzz of Bayswater. I had traveled to London before, but this time felt different. Maybe it was because I was staying in such a central neighborhood, or maybe it was because I was ready to discover something more authentic than just the “tourist checklist.”
I have always associated London pubs with film scenes—dark wood bars polished smooth from decades of elbows leaning, frothy pints sliding across counters, laughter echoing under low ceilings. They weren’t just watering holes, they were cultural institutions. During my stay, I made it my mission to seek out the best pubs within walking distance of the hotel, hoping to find that mix of history, warmth, and community that makes London’s pub culture famous. What I found were five unforgettable places—each unique, each telling its own story, and each cementing my belief that to understand London, you have to experience its pubs.
The Mitre: Victorian Elegance with a Modern Twist
My first stop was The Mitre, just a short stroll from the hotel. Its red-brick Victorian façade and etched windows drew me in, promising old-world character. Inside, intricately carved mahogany woodwork and gleaming mosaic tiles lined the space, while jewel-toned stained glass filtered a golden glow across snug booths. I ordered a pint of London Pride, settling into a corner awash in amber light. Here, the sense of centuries-old camaraderie felt almost tangible.
Yet The Mitre isn't frozen in time—in its basement, a speakeasy-style bar flickers with candlelight and soft jazz, packed with locals unwinding after work. The juxtaposition of the ornate, historic main floor and the chic, modern den below says everything about London: a city steadfast in its traditions while ever-inventive in its nightlife.
The Victoria: Theatrical Flair in a Neighborhood Favorite
A little farther on, The Victoria quickly distinguished itself with its opulent theatrical design. Drawn in by stained-glass windows and ornate ceiling moldings, I found that much of the décor—velvet drapes, carved pillars, even the bar itself—had once dressed the stages of the old Gaiety Theatre, now repurposed for daily revelry. The effect was dramatic yet welcoming; stepping inside felt like walking onto a set, every detail a tribute to London’s showbiz lore.
Regulars propped themselves at the grand bar, swapping stories under antique theatre lamps, while the bartender drew pints with the swift, practiced grace of a performer. My fish and chips arrived, the battered cod golden and crisp. Here, it struck me how The Victoria transforms daily rituals into theatre—laughter, raised glasses, and even the food, all part of the spectacle.
The Swan Inn: A Pub with a Past
Of all the Bayswater pubs, The Swan Inn felt steeped in history. Across from Hyde Park, its dark-beamed ceilings, creaking floors, and centuries-old fireplaces set the mood. The pub’s walls, thick with framed prints, seemed to radiate stories—perhaps even of the infamous highwayman Claude Duval, rumored to have paused here for his last drink.
Seated at a scarred oak table with a pint in hand, I watched the park’s greenery ripple beyond leaded windows, the soft chatter blending with crackling fireplace logs. My hearty shepherd’s pie arrived, steaming, earthy, and rich—true comfort fare in a place where time appeared to ebb with every sip.
Notting Hill’s Gems: The Cow and The Cock & Bottle
One evening, curiosity pulled me west into Notting Hill, where pastel houses and bustling markets set the scene. My stroll led me to two more unforgettable pubs.
Cow and The Cock & Bottle.
The Cow pulsed with energy—crowded benches, loud laughter, walls hung with eclectic art, and waitstaff weaving between patrons, balancing trays of oysters and frothy pints. The Cock & Bottle, by contrast, provided cozy intimacy: timber beams, snug nooks with weathered leather seats, and a quietly attentive staff. Both offered snapshots of Notting Hill’s soul, one exuberant, one reassuringly timeless.
A Personal Pub Trail
As my days unfolded, I found myself weaving an impromptu pub trail through the city. Each stop drew me closer to London’s heartbeat: The Mitre for its refined charm, The Victoria for its dramatic flair, The Swan Inn for echoes of the past, and Notting Hill’s pubs for a taste of neighborhood spirit.
If you’re staying at the London House Hotel, here’s my advice:
Start in the early evening at The Mitre or The Victoria, when the atmosphere is lively but not overwhelming.
Spend an afternoon at The Swan Inn after walking in Hyde Park—it’s the perfect pairing of fresh air and pub comfort.
Head to Notting Hill for a more casual evening, weaving in pub stops with boutique browsing or market stalls.
And above all, remember that the most important advice is to take your time. Pubs aren’t meant to be rushed; they’re about savoring both the drink and the moment, letting each visit connect you to London’s culture.
Final Thoughts - A Toast to Bayswater
Looking back, my Bayswater pub wander was never just about the pints or the plates—it was about forging connections. Every pub whispered its own tale, woven through its décor, its past, and its regulars. Together, they offered me a London more personal and vivid than any landmark ever could.
So if you find yourself at the London House Hotel, step outside and let the pubs guide you. Follow the laughter, the clinking of glasses, the scent of ale and pies, and you’ll discover that London’s heart beats strongest not in its landmarks, but in its pubs.
Raise your glass, take a seat, and let Bayswater tell you its story—one pint at a time.
Dirk Ebener is the founder and creator behind the Food Blogger Journey website, drawing on over 40 years of international travel across more than 60 countries. His global adventures have deepened his understanding of regional cuisines, local customs, and the powerful connection between food and culture. From bustling street markets in Asia to quiet vineyard dinners in Europe, Dirk captures authentic culinary experiences through immersive storytelling. Through Food Blogger Journey, he invites readers to explore the world one dish at a time.
© 2025 Food Blogger Journey. All rights reserved. The experiences, opinions, and photos this blog shares are based on personal travel and culinary exploration. Reproduction or distribution of content without written permission is prohibited.
Follow the journey on Instagram @FoodBloggerJourneys.
Interesting Hashtags to use