Pubs around Kensington Olympia, West London

1.   The Crown & Sceptre is located, unfortunately, on a South-North traffic one-way rat-run. From the outside it looks as if it only remains to cater for the passers-by who book rooms at the hotels either side of it, and is easily noticeable by the rather garish purple illumination lamps shining on its facade.

However, once inside one gets a very different impression. No traffic noise here. Just peace and quiet, and friendly locals enjoying a drink and perhaps a good meal made in the pub's own kitchen. All sorts of seating arrangements, too, from alcoves, small chic tables and stools at the bar, to comfortable armchairs and sofas.

The pub now has regular good discos and other events which the locals love!

Enjoyable and strongly recommended.

The Crown & Sceptre

34 Holland Road, Kensington, London W14 8BA

Tel: 020 7602 1866   Email: crownsceptre@ukonline.co.uk

2.  The Radnor Arms stands all alone - a pub left behind when street of houses were knocked down years ago -  just across the road from the Kensington Hilton. Popular with locals, and visitors to Olympia Exhibition Halls not far away. Inside is nothing special - just a good old West London pub.

What it does have is traditional pub games such as Bar Billiards, Darts, Shove Ha'penny, Crib and Dominoes. It also boasts various real ales, and often hosts acoustic sessions and live music. Definitely worth a visit if you like tradition, friendly chat and no ostentation.

The Radnor Arms

247 Warwick Road, London W14 8PX

The  Radnor Arms - update: it has closed and the site will become part of a huge block of flats.

Pubs are part of Britain’s tradition, but hundreds are being destroyed every month! They should get a ‘protected’ status!