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Queens Arms, South Kensington

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user reviews of the Queens Arms, South Kensington

please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.

Tucked away off the main road this isn't an easy pub to find. As a previous reviewer has mentioned you need to know it's there as you would not find it otherwise.
With my trusty GBG I managed to locate it.
With plenty of museums and embassies in the area I imagine the place must get very busy.
Luckily I visited early afternoon when the lunchtime visitors were just finishing.
The pub caters as much for food as it does for drink but despite this there are plenty of real ales available, albeit not an imaginative selection. Landlord, Speckled Hen, London Pride, Adnams Broadside and a couple of Sharps were on offer on my visit.
The pub has a comfortable feel to it and the staff are very friendly and helpful.


outtamehead - 2 Aug 2017 08:39
My 2nd GBG tick on a Friday afternoon while in South West London.
The Queens is located in a mews just off of Queens Terrace and in my opinion you would need to know its here to find it. A charming pub that once you enter you realise it probably makes more money on food then booze however 8 hand pumps with 3 house ales and 5 guests no doubts help bring the punters in, in addition there is a large list if high quality lagers and craft ales on keg. My choice of Roosters Little Bird @ 3.4% was good.

The pub was packed, there was a large party in for there Christies dinner as well as several other large parties eating and drinking so there was quite a buzz about the place.

Only stopped for 1 beer but it was a good beer and another pub ticked from the 2016 GBG.

lezford - 28 Dec 2016 16:08
Foolishly arrived this lunchtime without having reserved a table so we could only sit side-by-side tucked up in a corner and, because of this, we decided to move on elsewhere to eat. However, the beer range was excellent with 8 handpulls including London Pride, Doom Bar, Woodfordes Flagondry, Navigation's Icebreaker, Sambrooks Junction, a milk stout and, my choice, a very good Wadworth's Orange Peel. Never having heard of some of these offerings, I would certainly revisit to see what they have in the future. The Aspall's Perronelle's Blush seemingly on tap was only actually available today in bottles but that didn't matter.
paul_d102 - 22 Mar 2014 20:17
I quite liked this pub, located in a mews, slightly off the beaten track, but actually fairly close to Exhibition Road. There seems to be few decent pubs in this area. So this is probably the best option if you find yourself visiting the Natural History Museum or the Royal Albert Hall. But you would never imagine there would be a pub located here, unless somebody had told you about it. I loved the doors on the corner, pushing them gingerly in case they were one of those sets of doors that have now been locked shut to make room for extra seating (that you seem to find everywhere these days). They are quite unique. The interior seemed quite nice. But you quickly realise that the focus is on diners. There were no tables available initially and you can feel quite uncomfortable standing at the bar, which is quite a cramped space. The drinks range is good. Ales on were Fullers London Pride, Sharps Doom Bar, Red Squirrel Scottish Ale, Roosters 41 Degrees South, Great Yorkshire Top of the Hops, Sambrooks Junction, Moorhouses White Witch & Stewart Zymic. Initially I did not spot the real cider. Westons Old Rosie was hidden away at the end of the bar, behind the glass washer and racks of glasses. So I plumped for one of the 4 keg ciders - Thatchers Old Rascal. That's the first time I've seen this on keg. Hogans & Aspalls (Original & Perronelle Blush) are also available. The staff and patrons do seem to look down on you a little, if you're not dining. But otherwise, this was quite a pleasant find.
blue_scrumpy - 23 Feb 2014 10:38
I'd love to give this place higher rating than the 6 I did: it's got good beers that are regularly changed and kept in good nick; the place looks good and they don't gouge ones eyes out on pricing (this is a relative comment given the location and lack of choice around here in general). And its proximity to the RAH is fantastic.
However, it's really aiming for the gastropub and half the seating is reserved for diners. There isn't much space otherwise and I get the impression that unless one gets here mid-afternoon then forget finding somewhere to sit. And the way the bar takes up space between the seats it's really cramped and not terribly pleasant to stand (especially in winter as there's nowhere to put coats).
TGD - 11 Dec 2012 12:31
Chose this pub for lunch (group of 10) last Sunday because of real ale selection and proximity to the Royal Albert Hall. Beer selection was good (5) and Doom Bar was excellent. Food was above average. Will return next time we are going to RAH. Only grouse was we had to ask for glasses to be topped up as some were well short after settlement (it should be done without asking) and bar staff could have been more friendly.
inmyopinion - 15 Mar 2011 09:37
This pub was bustling on my Friday night visit and with quite a young crowd.
Nice atmosphere, proper pub feel, service was reasonably prompt and quite a selection of hand pulled ales. Couldn't see anything of historical or architectural note ( then again, what do I know about such things unless i've read about them elsewhere first !!!). But seemed to be a nice pub and popular.
tarkatherotter - 28 Nov 2010 09:41
I've been going to the Queens Arms on and off for ten years or so, it's got a great location, sadly the classic car garage opposite has seen it's last days. During term time there's a mix of students from Imperial and the RCA there, a lot of museum staff too. Sadly, you can't help but feel it could try harder these days. Firstly there is a the dodgy (i.e. not working) pay-to-use cash machine in the corner, this is Kensington not Kingston! The place could do with a lick of paint and a check on the drains too. Still the place was quiet and the rainy Saturday afternoon was cheered up by the incredibly posh old couple enjoying a fish and chip supper who we chatted for an hour or so. Will no doubt visit again, hopefully it will be better next time.
randompubgoer - 26 Sep 2010 21:47
Pros: This is a great little pub in a very picturesque mews.

Cons: I've been to this pub many times both when the place is rammed and quieter periods... The service is TERRIBLE no matter what. Conversing with the bar staff is like a scene from fear and loathing in Las Vegas. The food is sketchy - who would serve a burnt bit of toast (this happened more than once!) and scrape off the charcoal? The beer selection is average at best.

Conclusion: I'm hoping for new management as I love this pub - but the staff really ruin the whole experience.
fivelines - 9 Mar 2010 17:51
Excellent pub. I tried Fullers London Pride and Adnams Abbey on draught on a wet and windy Monday afternoon. A real pub with bare pine floors and very busy. Superb venison sausages, mash and onion gravy. By the time we left for the Royal Albert Hall, the place was packed from wall to wall. Need more bar staff though.
Paul_Rochdale - 9 Dec 2009 14:32
Note to Prommers - You're not all God Almighty you know? This is a cracking back street pub which considering the inherent limitations of being such copes brilliantly well with the pre and post concert rushes it has to cope with because of it's location. I'm with jones_smj all the way. Id've refused to serve you. Bet your girlfriend was embarrassed, oh of course you're a "loyal" Prommer, you won't have one will you?
realalesnob - 7 Oct 2009 16:47
Want to add some support to this lovely small pub - somewhat bizarre complaints from prom-goers about the fact that it gets so busy - what do you expect? If you go to any public event in London, be it football match, theatre, or concert - it's not unusual to find the pubs in the immediate vicinity somewhat busy afterwards. It's a small pub in a quiet mews - put yourself in the position of the local residents.... Prom-goers may be "loyal", but in practical terms they're still a large crowd of people descending en masse on a small place at the same time. Much like a bunch of football fans, except most football fans I know show more patience trying to get a post-match pint...

Got to be honest, had I been working behind the bar and been asked why there weren't more staff on to cater for prom crowds, I might not have shown the admirable restraint just to ignore the question!

Well-kept beer, good atmosphere, reasonable grub - a recommended boozer in Kensington.
jones_smj - 20 Aug 2009 17:30
You should be aware that due to the large groups of pre- and post-proms customers, the neighbors have become concerned with the levels of noise and disruption caused by the large crowds so not surprising that a small neighborhood pub closes at 10.30. It is unfortunate that some have to wait over 10 minutes for a drink. If you were a regular at the pub, you would be aware extra staff are put on duty to try to deal with "besiegings" but there are limits (ie numbers of tills, pumps, etc.) so your question was probably ignored (if the member of staff could even hear it over the din) because the answer was so obvious. Spare a thought for those of us locals who use the pub day in and day out all year round and dread the proms season. There are other pubs in the area - please feel free to visit one of those.
floyds_human - 5 Aug 2009 16:53
I am totally at a loss to understand why this pub treats the loyal post-proms customers so badly. They must add a fair whack to their sales every summer, and yet the wait to be served is insane and the attitude rubbish. I've never waited less than 10 minutes, usually much more - I asked one of the staff (perfectly politely) why they didn't put more staff when they know they get beseiged every night, but he totally ignored me. Nice!
Even better, they closed the bar at 10.30 on a weeknight, so as not to upset the neighbours. Great when you've been waiting for 20 minutes to be served.

JRW33 - 31 Jul 2009 18:14
We visited here on Monday before going to the Albert Hall, a great find based on BITE reviews. There was only Pride adn IPA on, but made up for this with Sierra Nevade on draught plus various other beers. Also had 3 ciders on tap. Prices were as to be expected for the area but far better value for money than in the Albert Hall.
davetheaddick - 8 Jul 2009 08:55
Upmarket corner pub in a quiet mews near the Albert Hall. Very busy as it was a pleasant evening just before the first of the two Van Morrison Astral Weeks concerts. The service was very slow (too slow), but the staff were pleasant enough. Two casks were on - IPA and Pride. Decent range of bottles and kegs including Sierra Nevada and Meantime on tap. Attractive place. Food around �7 - �10. People spill out into the mews. Good atmosphere.
SilkTork - 11 May 2009 19:44
Not a bad pub, lovely location, decent selection of beers and considering it's in south Kensington not far from the Albert Hall fairly priced food. Yes, it's full of Imperial College and RCA students but to be fair it's right next door to those instutions! Classic car showroom is gone, probably to be replaced by flats...
Stimpy - 1 May 2009 16:25
This was a nice little place with a good selection of ciders and beers. I went there last night only to have the entire experience ruined by the bar staff. They were unfriendly and rude from the very start. At first I though it was just me but by the end of the night the entire group (about 20) were all commenting about the rudeness of the two staff. We did see the manager on our way out the door, who seemed genuinely apologetic, but I would not go back any time soon, the nice location and setting is not worth being treated with such distain. Shame really, it could be a really nice pub.
mrbraybrooks - 10 Jan 2009 20:11
Lovely pub and the classic car show room opposite merely enhances the experience although the Iraqi embassy next door is not the best. Would be way better if there were less students from Imperial but you can't have everything.
murgatroyd - 2 Nov 2008 18:57
Hard to find but I persevered after a friend told me about this place. Charming pub, great food, great beer and friendly staff. REALLY busy for the size of it and you probably do need to get there early to get a table. Great to know about it if you ever go to the Albert Hall for anything as it's staggering distance away.. And the loos are lovely!
Anon72 - 25 Oct 2008 12:36
South Ken's worst kept secret - great setting but rammed out, although we did vist just after office hours. Leffe, Erdinger, Guinness all off. Broad bean, leek and pea risotto arrived without broad beans - not advised when ordering but was bolstered afterwards with more leeks.

Would visit again but maybe a little later, as the crowd did thin out somewhat, without diluting the good vibe.
simonjolty - 14 Oct 2008 22:24
I feel rabbit's review isn't warranted nor fair. Like most pubs, the Queens Arms shuts at 23.00 so ringing after hours could also be considered quite rude as the landlord and his family live on the premises. Unfortunately, pjakeso's review runs along similar lines.
Bottom line - its a great pub and very busy. This is my local pub and I think its fantastic. You do need to time your visit around term time and the Albert Hall. The menu has changed recently and they have lots of new beers/wines on offer. There are other pubs in the neighborhood that are less busy, but if you try them, you will soon learn why.
floyds_human - 16 Jun 2008 17:40
I have visited this pub less and less frequently over the last year, as it seems that during the busy summer months, the staff no longer have time to be courteous to their customers. They often close their kitchen early, and on my last visit I was hurried by the barman to place an order, when I should have had another half an hour to do so.
On a quiet night the staff are friendly and efficient, and it's a great place to have a beer, but I doubt their growing popularity will last long if the service remains this poor in their usually busy state. There is usually a long queue to get served, but you might as well get used to standing around the bar, because you're unlikely to find a free table to sit at.
pjakeso - 6 Jun 2008 13:28
Didnt even get to the pub as staff so rude- tried to book a table at 2330 on a sat night for sunday and got a rude response telling me to phone back the next day because it was so late-how disappointing after reading the reviews.
rabbits - 23 Mar 2008 00:04
What a lovely place! Tucked away in a beautiful mews with cobblestone road.
Love the doors, although two in our party struggled to get in open;-)
Quaint inside and a great atmosphere. Get there early, there are few tables if you're planning on eating. Do yourself a favour and eat there! The steaks were awesome, coming from a South African, that's got to be good!
I'll definitely be back!
leityij - 14 Mar 2008 11:29
So nicely tucked away on cobbled mews street that it feels like a find. Friendly interior and staff, quick service and well kept beers. Had some lovely deuchers ipa. Good selection of food, all looked nice without being too gastro fussy. I had a decent burger. Would be happy to visit again.
smorgersbord - 12 Jan 2008 14:32
Eh? You have to walk past it to get to where Google Maps says it is.
nickdavies - 19 Nov 2007 16:14
Good pub, hidden from the street as others say. Google Maps could not locate it, which is why is may not be packed. Lucky for those who do find it.
Mr.Matt - 19 Nov 2007 02:48
Looks like it has been 'done up' recently. A decent enough pint. Was a weekday lunchtime when I visited, so full of work colleagues lunching, but friendly atmosphere. Food was a tad expensive though! �5 for a fish finger sandwich seemed a tad much! A great tucked away location though.
bootsy36 - 9 Nov 2007 15:13
Tucked away in a quiet mews, but not far from the Royal Albert Hall, Imperial College and the Science Museum. Reasonable atmosphere, and decent beer.
rpadam - 12 Oct 2007 21:15
A great little mews pub, tucked away from the hordes, popular with maturer students from Imperial over the road.

This pub had a fleeting role in the movie Layer Cake, when we see the future James Bond (Daniel Craig) being cast from his "taxi" in his dressing gown just past the pub up the cobble mews.
lolwood32 - 7 Aug 2007 15:48
WELL WORTH FINDING IN THE BACK STREETS VERY BUSY AND NOT BAD PRICES FOR THE AREA
FRIENDLY LANDLORD
I AM A LANDLORD MYSELF SO UNDERSTAND HOW MUCH EFFORT HE IS MAKING
300 YRDS FROM THE ALBERT HALL
SMALL BUT THE WEATHER WAS NICE AND THEY ARE IN A SMALL COBBLED STREET SO YOU CAN STAND OUTSIDE
I WOULD GO AGAIN
risingsun110 - 30 May 2007 11:12
WOW - what a find. So tucked away but thats what probably keeps it good.
Been back twice now. Food great, Ales great, manager is a local legend from all accounts...
Islingtonite - 4 Dec 2006 20:33
First visit in over 40 years .Pleasantly suprised good small beer range including Youngs ordinary which was excellent and not overpriced.
thisbe - 14 Nov 2006 17:27
Great pub tucked away down a side street. Cracking beers (Pride, Youngs and Staropramen as I recall - tho things got a bit hazy...) and friendly types. Food pretty good too.
toaster - 3 Aug 2006 15:21
Quite a charming number, haven't been enough to totally appreciate it but seemed like it was that rare of species; an individually-minded pub in Kensington. Beer good, landlord seemed nice (saw him training a young lad), and food seemed (by menu judging and other people's plate perving) above average. Also great because of the glorious car showrooms next door!
jlairdo - 28 Jun 2006 13:19
With the demise of the Ennismore, this is the only pub anywhere near Albertopolis. It is understandably expensive because of where it is but the beer I had this evening was excellent and the staff coped in an extremely efficient and friendly way with the sudden influx of custom they had from patrons and perfomers from the Royal Albert Hall.
Beercheese - 13 May 2006 00:52
Nearest pub to the Imperial Physics Department. Good food. Gets very busy in the evenings and friday lunch. Full of poncy music types from the Albert hall and RCM. Best time to go: Late lunch after Holland club closes at 2:30.
king_rollo - 19 Apr 2006 12:19
Great Pub. Went here before a show at the Royal Albert Hall... Although in an upmarket part of London everyone there seemed down to earth and just out for a drink and a chat. Very friendly. Good size meals and inexpensive. Want to move, so it can become my local! :)
loulou007 - 1 Feb 2006 15:30
for nickdavies -

since you're so close to it, you should go there more often. Who knows, you may see a Three Legged Dog there.
RenownedAlcoholic1 - 18 Jan 2006 13:16
I have never, in twenty five years of working accrss the road fro it, heard it called the Three Legged Dog.
nickdavies - 16 Jan 2006 11:10
Was an awesome pub in the 90's when i worked there.
deanhouse - 31 Dec 2005 04:37
Superb pub. Crowded on Friday but not unpleasant, good beer in cushy surrondings. And of course the car showroom opposite is fun. I also found the beer to be on tip-top form, and a good selection of whisky was avaliable as well.
Muzthing - 12 Dec 2005 12:06
for the record, The Three Legged Dog is still a regular patron of the pub!!!!
RenownedAlcoholic1 - 18 Oct 2005 14:32
Over priced and under spaced. But nicely hidden away. The showroom opposite is definitely an attraction.
ShaneO - 29 Sep 2005 12:51
I went for the first time today, and it was expensive as.., and very crowded at times, yet quality beer, location and atmosphere. I'll definitely be visiting again.

(Apparently also known as The Three-Legged Dog, after the said dog who used to frequent it).
anonymous - 26 Sep 2005 23:02
This is a quality pub. Decent variety of interesting beers - they had a raspberry lambic recently but there are also British real ales. Expensive but worth it. Food is also very nice. Good atmosphere and can perch beers on the outside windowledges in the summer and drool over the 1920s bugattis in the shop opposite.
mattscarf - 22 Aug 2005 14:54
Alternatively known as The Nines. Please correct my facts if they are slightly wrong as I was told this a while ago but the story behind it is this:
The students from the RCM did and still frequent this pub in true artistic tradition, but something puzzled them. The rooms in the college went up to 98.....and then started again at room 100. Hence the regularly visited Queen's becoming 99 or rather The Nines. I really like that.
Anyway.....................yes, this is a very pleasant pub although it takes bloody ages to get served (even though there's two people behind the bar and no one else on your side) and the beer is pretty pricey. This is redeemed however by the bar stool seating down the right overlooking THAT car showroom with all those motors for you to dribble over. If in the area, definately worth a cheeky one. Good mellow atmosphere and hey - your surrounded by asthetically pleasing houses and cars that you could never afford.
Seb - 22 Jul 2005 20:18
I love this pub. Not only is it in a rather attractive setting, you get to gawp at stunning cars at the same time. The varied selection of drinkers also adds a dash of character. I live in Cambridge but spend an awful lot of time in the capital, during which I always make time to visit the Queens Arms. Yes, it is expensive but the food is good, the staff v friendly and the general atmosphere really nice. You coulld do an awful lot worse without much effort.
slightlyweirdperson - 29 May 2005 15:09
Good food (if a little pricey), good selection of beers, friendly and efficient staff, nice surroundings. Doesn't get much better.
Adi - 8 Apr 2005 17:43
Very good & friendly atmosphere, with very good selection of beers & largers. Food is also good very quality.
Paul Brandford - [email protected] - 19 Oct 2004 19:15
Used to be run by a bunch of townies who would demand you leave unless everyone at the table had a drink or food. Been in there more recently and they seem more reasonable now, even let us use their Scrabble board :)
Luke - 22 Jul 2004 14:47
The Queens is OK really, though stupendously dear compared to IC prices. Useful when the college bars are shut in the afternoon, can get uncomfortably crowded.
Nick - 13 Jul 2004 12:54
good food, good beer.
Walloon - 2 Mar 2004 11:33
hidden in mews behind the Royal Albert Hall. Serves good real ale as is the quality of the food, although a bit pricy. Enjoy as you contemplate which car from the garage across the way you wish you could afford
lout_from_the_lane - 3 Feb 2004 13:33
Decent pub.
Mauro - 2 Feb 2004 18:14

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