please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Mediocre. The Deuchars was off, as was then the Broadside, both of which were poured with a degree of ineptitude. One other ale available (or should I say the clip was on), so we decided to cut our losses and leave. Far superior options in Notting Hill, and not just for the beer.
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Located just far enough from the main tourist drag, this pub attracts an interesting mix of customers. The decor is simple and the walls are covered in all manner of assorted images from days gone by which definitely add to the pub's personality.
They usually have three ales (Youngs, Bombardier and Deuchars, I think), but yesterday the Deuchars was off. The Kronenbourg Blanc was off too.
This is not a spectacular pub but it has a certain type of odd charm. Add this to the fact that it's not very much on the tourist map and it's a pretty decent bet for a relaxing pint. I always find the bar staff to be friendly too.
All in all I would say that the Hillgate is definitely worth a visit (especially in summer with the tables outside and when all the windows are open).
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what a transformation!!!
Kenn is the new guv`nor. a good bloke for a geordie! and a great team of staff too, much better than the last crew,
Keep up the good work!
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This used to be called The Johnston Arms until the late-70s
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Great pub and friendly barstaff, always a large gathering of locals with stories to tell of monkeys and wizards! Very lively in the summer spilling out on to the street. Will definately go back
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Last night this pub had an interesting but scary mix of clients. I saw some things I am not comfortable with. Dont want to go into it here, but wouldnt recommend you go here on your own. The beer was okay.
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I think I commented on this boozer awhile ago. I was in there again recently after a long while. I must say this is a rare occasion when a refurb has made a pub actually much better than it was before. The intervening dividing sections have been removed making one big room which is carpetted. The original large 1930s(?) window area is now fully visible and makes a very nice, classic natural environment, very much like a historic pub, but comfortable and spacious. Big bar in the centre makes a good focal point. It's not overly loud thanks to the carpet and sensibly muted music (though on footy nights that might be different). Had several good pints of Broadside. My only reservation is that the graceless landlord is still there who observes the necessry perfunctory manners but otherwise seems to have had a charm bypass.
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On my last visit to the Hillgate, the place was hopping with lively, attractive people having a fantastic time. The ale was delicious, the bar staff were friendly and courteous... I simply don't see any basis for all the scathing comments below.
Give me the unpretentious, attitude-free Hillgate any day of the week over the hideously overcrowded and rudely staffed Churchill Arms and Windsor Castle - and occasionally, even over the excellent Uxbridge. Too many loud, over-privileged twits will always destroy a good atmosphere, no matter how hard the staff try.
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Good choice of beers and wine, interesting food with a specials board.Friendly landlord and staff who are mainly Aussie girls.The refurbishment has perhaps created to many tables for its size.Live football shown on a regular basis.
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Was a decent pub when I lived here ten years ago. Now quite poor. Churchill, Windsor Castle and Uxbridge are all much better choices.
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This was once a smoky but interesting old boozer with a character all of its own and always a pleasure to visit. Now, Corporate Make-Over Man has reduced it to something more akin to a Weatherspoons at Terminal 1, though the Landlord was sadly delighted with the change. It’s still ok – the beer was good – but I preferred the old version. I won't be rushing back.
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Do go for the Christmas decorations which are sometimes (once) up all year.
White bread chip chutties as well.
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I visited this pub some time ago and posted my comments which were subsequently removed (I think I over stepped the mark on the hygiene factor) so decided to visit it again to see if I was previously wrong.
Sad to say I wasn't, this place is awful.
The refurbishment has cleaned the place up which it needed but any sense of character has been destroyed. You get more atmosphere at a funeral.
I spoke to a few of the die hard locals and they all recommended the nearby Churchill arms or the Uxbridge. It does same something about a pub if even the people who drink there recommend another pub. Managers take note!!!
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I went in here for a pint last night to see what it's like after the reopening. Grey, no character, no personality. Beer was OK, but I got a dodgy fiver in change. Not going back.
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A nice pub that is perhaps overshadowed by the fact it's in the same vicinity as the sublime Churchill Arms and Windsor Castle. As said very nice Bombardier on tap, as well as very friendly bar staff.
If this were my local I'd drink here all the time.
anonymous - 1 Jul 2005 13:51 |
I love it in here. Every pub should have some dogs and a sweary old man in it by law if you ask me. Haven't met the guvnor but his staff all seem nice enough.
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This the worst pub i have ever been to, the landord is rude and does NOT seem to take any pride in himself or his pub,(dogs in the bar where people are eating and a old man that sits in the corner and nothing but sware (he is a bit funny sometimes)
aecjs - 15 Apr 2005 13:01 |
Great beer, locals, and dogs very welcome. Food is good pub food
Fi - 13 Apr 2005 14:23 |
I usually have an unhappy time in this place. The beer is good but the landlord and the atmosphere charmless. I was in there recently where a huge Doberman was lying blocking the bar area and route to the bogs. Its owner made no attempt to move it and squads of punters had to negotiate round it. Football blares out. Uxbridge is a much better bet just down the road.
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Interesting, attractive and traditional pub. A little run down, but that's part of its charm. Friendly staff, well kept Bombardier, music at a level that encourages conversation, total lack of pretention.
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Another pub which manages to keep its Edwardian flavour against the current trendyfying craze that is plagueing London these days. The decor is interesting and spacious. The locals are affable. Choice of ales is good.
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Nice, normal pub not 2 minutes from the heart of Notting Hill Gate. Have worked in Notting Hill Gate for several years and seen nice local pubs get turned into trendy restaurants. But luckily The Hillgate has not gone the same way. Good beer (esp Bombardier) well kept, decent pub food (pub food that is- posh nosh it ain't) and friendly landlord and staff. No smoking room to the left rear during the daytime.
Tony Wilson - 30 Nov 2004 21:04 |
