The best pubs in Kensington

Favoured at various times by both Charles Dickens and DH Lawrence, this splendid pub is packed tight on summer evenings, the front terrace and wide main bar area filled with professionals. Allegedly, the Great Train Robbery was plotted here. Wheelings and dealings aren't quite so scandalous from night to night, though. Alas!

The Windsor is an ancient inn, and thankfully a refurb was sympathetic to its many charms. It’s clad in aged wood, with plenty of compartments for groups to occupy. Although the interior is a delight, the best thing about this Castle is its well-kept and interesting real ale selection. Many also choose it for their weekly Sunday roast spot.

Even if you’re not from London, you know this pub from Instagram. It’s decked in flowers or Christmas trees (season dependent) on the outside, while the inside has knickknacks hanging from the ceiling. Beyond the visuals, it’s an atmospheric place to drink, with traditional bar service in the front and a good quality Thai restaurant located at the rear.

A jazzed-up local, The Duke of Clarence is equidistant from South Kensington and Earl’s Court tube stations and pledges its allegiance to this fancy part of town with its glossy look. Emphasis is on good but expensive food, which the locals seem to lap up.

The former Finch’s, once the haunt of thespian hellraisers from the 1960s, is now a high-ceilinged pub. Despite touches of modernisation, the King’s Arms still has the feel of a classic pub. Like rugby? You'll like it here.

Close to Holland Park, the pub FKA The Princess Victoria dates back to 1830. Today The Holland is a chic, neat spot with a menu from head chef Max de Nahlik, co-founder of pop-up resto Oxalis. Expect seasonal offerings, and the likes of wild seabass with n'duja butter and confit duck with lentils and salsa verde. 

At this independent pub, you can expect one of the strongest craft beer line-ups in the neighbourhood. However, for many visitors, it seems, the food is top priority, and here'll you feast on hand-stretched pizzas and pub classics.