Paxtons Head, Knightsbridge - pub details

Paxtons Head
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Address: 153 Knightsbridge, London, London, SW1X 7PA [map] [gmap]

Tel: 0871 917 0007 (ref 135)

Nearest tube stations Knightsbridge (0.1 miles), Hyde Park Corner (0.5 miles), Sloane Square (0.7 miles)

Nearest train stations London Victoria (1 mile), London Paddington (1.2 miles), London Marylebone (1.5 miles)

Pub facilities/features:

NB: Information may be incomplete or out of date as this pub is not currently registered.

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> Current user rating: 5.4/10 (rated by 29 users)
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other pubs nearby:

Tattersalls Tavern, Knightsbridge (0.0 miles), Gloucester, Knightsbridge (0.2 miles), Tea Clipper, Knightsbridge (0.2 miles), Wilton Arms, Belgravia (0.2 miles), Nags Head, Belgravia (0.2 miles) - see more nearby pubs

 

user reviews of Paxtons Head, Knightsbridge

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

5 most recent reviews of 25 shown - see all reviews

Surprised this pub hasn't had more postings, given the location.

It's a Victorian pub in Knightsbridge, virtually opposite the Knightsbridge entrance to Hyde Park.

The Paxton in the pub's name is Joseph Paxton, the designer of the Crystal Palace, which was originally erected nearby before being moved to its final location in South London. Rumour has it that workers involved in the construction frequented this pub - hence the name.

There's a splendid mahogany curved island bar and some splendid etched glasswork, plus the obligatory moulded ceiling.

Since my previous visit several years ago, the subcontracted Asian restaurant operation has moved on and the pub has been absorbed into the Spirit Group stable.

On the day of my visit, the loudish "background" music and the existence of a plasma screen showing the motor racing ( admittedly without the sound on ) , which I don't remember from the previous visit, rather jarred in my view and seemed at odds with the pub's history and age. I also noted that they were advertising a DJ in the downstairs Hydeaway Bar on Friday ( or was it Sunday?) evening. This seems a bit odd for a pub, whose evening trade I would expect to consist principally of tourists from nearby hotels.

On the real ale front, from memory only 2 beers were on. Several other pumps were unused, as the pipes were either being cleaned or the beer wasn't yet ready. My pint of Bombardier - £ 3.16p - was only moderate, but unlike the redoubtable Rex, I didn't have to ask for a top up.

Despite the fine Victorian decor, taking the visit as a whole, I wasn't desperately impressed. I left thinking how nice it would be if a pub group like Nicholsons - who generally seem to know how to run and look after old pubs like this - were to take this one on. Until that happens - or unless we get a spate of good reviews from the BITE regulars here - I won't be rushing back.
JohnBonser - 9 Jun 2009 13:23
There are masses of original Victorian (or perhaps early Edwardian) features (etched and cut glass, original wooden bar back, high Lincrusta ceiling, etc) in this impressive pub on Knightsbridge that gives the interior an olde worlde attractiveness that only genuine antiques can achieve. But that’s as far as it goes. I dislike having to ask for a top up (one shouldn’t have to of course), but the beer was so far short of the top of the glass that I felt obliged to. Having said that, it was topped up graciously. This should be a really great pub, but it looks to have had the Spirit Group corporate identity embedded into it. But they’ve retained all the original features that they have inherited – although these days I think it would be much harder to get away with the acts of vandalism that have been visited upon far too many pubs in the past.

Real ales on offer were Black Sheep Bitter; London Pride; and Deuchars IPA. Visit this pub if you like to drink surrounded by the olde worlde grandeur of a 100 –year old+ setting – otherwise don’t bother.
RexRattus - 9 Apr 2009 16:19
What a find. I came across this pub over the xmas period on a night out with work. Great atmosphere, lovely staff and great beer. Will definately be revisiting. And SO much better than the pub around the corner (that will remain nameless for ever more).
peewee66 - 7 Jan 2008 12:14
Unfortunately this pub has suffered at the hands of an incompetent previous manager who let everything rot. After the refurb it has taken a while to get things rolling properly, but I have to say after a visit the other day, it is much improved and the food and beer is excellent. Definately the best pub in Knightsbridge and yes it is genuinely Victorian.
anonymous - 21 Aug 2007 17:52
Had 2 pints of Guinness last night, first was awful, 2nd surprisingly good.
as with a lot of pubs in the area, can get busy if Harvey Nicks or Harrods staff are having a night out.
Lovely looking boozer, very old school(victorian) Genuine as well, i think.
Worth a visit
tottenhamsean - 3 Aug 2007 11:10

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