please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Our last pub after escaping from some dodgy cockney geezers in a Wetherspoons, before my train journey home.
As previous bite users rightly observe, the ceiling is full of various items and brick-a-brack. A Thai restaurant is based at the back of the pub with seating for diners only.
As a stout and porter drinker, I was slightly disappointed with no Fullers' handpulled options, however, I was delighted when the young barmaid pointed out their Black Cab Stout. It was absolutely gorgeous, I just wish I could have tasted it from the cask.
The place was packed out, with a mixture of Londoners and many European tourists.
Could have stayed longer, but my train was at 21.00 from Euston.
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I've visited this pub several times over the years, admiring its bold floral footprint & the impossible amount of stuff indoors. Along with the Princess Louise & a couple of others I recommend it to first time visitors as a quintessential British pub. I even dragged my son in there once & though he much prefers dark cellar pubs, with booming music & girls, he really liked this one. I've never picked a time when it wasn't rammed but my last visit, pre lunch on a Saturday found it virtually empty. The vast array of stuff was there for me to peruse with no crowd to hinder me. Alas, there is too much so I sat down with the paper & enjoyed a nice pint of Pride (4.05), served with friendliness & efficiency by the young staff.
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Been in here once a week for the past month. Why this bar is in the Good Beer Guide is beyond me. Whichever cask beer I have tried has barely managed to to even qualify as average.
The staff are barely competent. Despite there usually being several of them, they are always tripping over each other and have no idea who is next to be served.
The Thai food is good though, even if the menu is a little limited, but this is a pub after all and not a restaurant.
If you like Thai food, don't mind poor service from the bar and are happy to drink anything other than cask beer, this might be the bar for you, otherwise look elsewhere, but be careful, service is not great in this area, full stop.
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Somewhat conflictingly the pub's ample décor covers both Irish and iconic British themes; Royalty and hurling, Union Jacks and Ireland's Italia '90 squad... but I like the many interesting things and the pub is beautiful and full of character. Fresh flowers throughout and good mood lighting. The London Pride was very good and indeed the Thai food was also taste and served with generous portions. Although we were able to get a table I would recommend going during the day when it is less likely to be busy. I wish more pubs would have half as much personality. My only complaint was the air was a bit stuffy but I will certainly return and I look forward to showing my friends this place.
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Visited the Churchill Arms for the first time last week, and I love it. Excellent Fullers beers and the food is excellent - and unbelievably cheap for this part of London. Friendly staff and a welcoming atmosphere along with the eclectic decor all combine to make this a great place for a beer and some grub. One word of warning though - it gets very busy, so get there early.
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Made a flying visit on the way to the Albert Hall. Very charactersome and interesting pub with , unusually, a huge collection of chamber pots hanging off the ceiling and memorobillia associated with the man himself and others. Very busy on a Friday evening, with a nice atmosphere and varied crowd. If you like "proper pubs" then ,for its combination of character, good beer and overall atmosphere, I think it is a London "must visit".
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Made a flying visit on the way to the Albert Hall. Very charactersome and interesting pub with , unusually, a huge collection of chamber pots hanging off the ceiling and memorobillia associated with the man himself and others. Very busy on a Friday evening, with a nice atmosphere and varied crowd. If you like "proper pubs" then ,for its combination of character, good beer and overall atmosphere, I think it is a London "must visit".
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Actually found a seat this time. The ESB was in excellent condition as it usually is here. No sign of the dreaded Thai food cluttering the place up. Even some of the old timers were hanging out in their permanent seats. There is a sign of the soul returning to this once classic pub!
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Popped in here the week before last.
You can see why this place gets itself in most of the pub and beer guides. It's a cracking little spot with a justifiably renowned outdoor floral display in summer (you'll spot this from a 100yds) leading to a pretty unspoilt, curio-festooned interior. Good mix of customers from a group of 6 young 'uns drinking Champers to a group of 'Tradesmen' propping up the bar. Fullers beer. I had 2 excellent pints of Chiswick, probably the best I've had for some time.
Recommended
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Yes it does get packed and yes you have to push your way to the bar and yes it's not cheap but the Fullers beer is good the pub is spotless and very well run and the interior is packed with pictures and bric-a-brac. I got a seat by the door and hung onto it for as long as possible to enjoy the comings-and-goings! It never seems to have a quiet period but give it a try - the Thai food is good as well !!
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Much too busy - couldn't get a seat, and getting served involved fighting your way to the bar and a long wait. Not a pleasant experience. As others have said, I'm sure it's fine when it's not crowded, but I was there on a Wednesday night - I hate to think what it is like at the weekend!
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I agree with last comment - far too much action in a small space. You can never get a seat, frantic calling to get served, most of the old timers have fled and a great old pub has stressed itself out.
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I like this pub, but it does seem to be a victim of its own success. Extremely busy, noisy, and hot and stuffy in both evenings I've been recently - to the point where you wonder whther crammed in people have convinced themselves its great without looking at the reality of the experience. I s'pose many would find the atmosphere great, but I must be an old fart.
When it's less busy, and you have half a chance of geting a seat, it is a great place. Food ain't bad either, and oddly they do take away food too.
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amazing pub. its quite rare for a pub to get the balance between local and welcoming right, but this place has. friendly regulars, bantering barmen, plenty of tourists and and good warm atmosphere. i do like fullers honeydew too. a spectacle to behold from the outside, and equally wonderfull interior. will definatly be back.
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A really busy eclectic pub, great atmosphere, good staff, good beer and wholly acceptable Thai food.
Well worth a visit.
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Another very nice and well run Fuller's pub. Service is good as is the food which is very reasonably priced in my opinion. This is up there with another Fuller's pub, The Queen's Head, as one of my favourites around.
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Visited here in July having had it recommended. Barmaid was very friendly. Had London Pride, Gales HSB and another of the Fullers beers. Not too sure how authentic the Thai food was (I don't think 'gravy' is an authentic ingredient!) but was reasonably priced at �7 and was a large portion and very filling. Have now put this pub on my list of pubs to visit on each trip to London.
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Lovely traditional pub with a good clientele, lovely Ozzie bar staff, and plenty of well kept ale. Food looked nice as well (though Thai in an absolutely classic English pub seemed a little contrary; personally would have favoured pie and mash, scotch eggs and the like). Bit of a "patriotic" vibe and possibly the paraphernalia is a little over done, but well worth popping by.
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The 2nd best pub in the country. Massively old school. Great thai food at reasonable prices. Very friendly staff and atmosphere. It is a pleasure to go here, keep up the good work.
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perfectly served pint of pride in here, in a busy pub with Winston memorabillia absoloutely everwhere , but no mention of Derek and Clives worst ever job. Had a good Thai meal in here with all dishes at �7.50 which isn't to bad for round here.
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Nice Fullers pub with the usual Fullers selection. Absolutely heaving when we went here on our pub crawl. Englands egg chasers were on the box. So couldn't we have a look round. Lots of stuff hanging from the ceiling and walls.
Beer was fine. Nice pub!
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Lovely pub, lovely thai food, consistent staff.
Always a tight squeeze but wherever you get stuck there some interesting tat on the wall
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A large Fullers pub serving Chiswick, Pride, ESB, Discovery plus seasonal guest (currently Jack Frost).
Very busy yesterday afternoon with a mix of locals and visitors. Prompt and efficiet service and the beer was fine. Thai food on offer.
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An old style pub (few of which remain in this area) with po's hanging from the ceiling and a jolly, genial mein host. Regulars and tourists inter-mingle well in this place which has a nice proper pub feel to it.
anonymous - 8 Jan 2011 23:37 |
Superb busy pub with excellent (and reasonably priced Thai food. Good beer (Fullers) as well. Why all pubs aren't like this I don't know.
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The pub itself is beautiful, but the choice of drinks is dismal and the restaurant staff are very rude.
The summer displays of flowers are spectacular and the current Christmas display on the exterior of the pub is amazing, but that is it.
Unfortunately the rude staff and appalling tasting food will not make me return.
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Excellent place, awesome ambience, good food and nice people
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Where do I start with the Churchill? What a place!! So much paraphernalia you'd need a full day to look at it all, never seen as much before. In another part is a Thai restaurant, totally unexpected, last thing you'd expect but seems to work as it was very busy. Great atmosphere, busy around the bar but no probs in being served. Tried the Fullers HSB which was crackin. Certainly be calling in again when next in town.
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Quite a glorious place - literally packed with interesting items from floor to ceiling spanning the whole bar - very nice also to see a proper landlord chatting and joking with the people - really nice place - will def be back!
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(ooops did this via mobile and somehow managed to chop the closing comments off).... quite happy to rub shoulders alongside each other. Quite literally, as it happens, as things can get pretty tightly-packed at the Churchill. Saying that however, I never once struggled for attention at the bar and the 3 staff serving were on the ball. No baulking about top-ups either; indeed the first barmaid who served me offered it without me prompting her, despite the thronging crowds all wanting service.
All told, this pub has many facets and somehow they all manage to gel together to create a warm and vibrant experience. Well worth a visit and unusually, this is a pub where one could easily spend an entire evening without feeling the pangs of boredom, and leave very satisfied indeed. Good stuff!
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Certainly all things to all pubgoers of a traditional bent, the Churchill Arms aims to grab maximum attention both in and out of doors. A little overstated one might think, but the myriad of colourful hanging baskets in Summer really does show effort, and a desire to be noticed. Which in fairness is a must in such a locality. Beer-wise, we have the Fullers four, at the usual price, but a guest should also feature. Food-wise, it's Thai'd up all the way, but despite the bizarre juxtaposition of Irish - as evidenced by the busy decor - and Asian does work, as the food operation is efficient and in no way jars with the essence of the pub's character. Moreover, the food is of a high standard and eclipses many a restaurant of its type in the capital. Nearly every punter, on a Wednesday night, was indulging in the grub and it was no surprise. Not often a pub-cum-Thai concept works, but this is it. Overall, the Churchill manager to eschew the usually inescapable toffishness and accrue a genuinely mixed bag, who seem
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Very busy and its easy to see why. Excellent boozer. The only downside was the Thai food at the back of the place upon asking fora table we were advised that we could not take longer than an hour - then after eating our food we has to wait 20 minutes to get the bill!!
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A really really good pub, and well worth a special visit. Service is excellent, full range of Fullers ales in good condition. Fascinating inerior crammed with antiquities and ephemera from pre and post wartime.
Excellent franchised Thai food with separate restaurant adorned with plants and butterfly collections. Food very reasonable (everything is �6.50). I foolishly attempted a beef with chillis, which blew my head off - but the currys and stir frys are superb. Even had both Football and Rugby showing on different screens. Quite busy, almost packed.
We will be back
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Bloody marvelous boozer! I'm going to save you all my rantings, long winded descriptions and compliments and simply say that this pub is a shining example of how a pub should be! Hands on and involved manager who obviously loves his job and still enjoys it after all this time.
Pay a visit ASAP you won't be let down!
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Splendidly traditional award-winning Fullers pub situated in a busy street full of antique shops which leads from Kensington High Street uo to Notting Hill.
The pub is home to a fine collection of Winston Churchill memorabilia, plus numerous pots, pans, lamps, jugs etc suspended from the ceiling. The interior is carpeted, cosy and comfortable with some original snob screens still in situ on the bar counter. The pub is listed in CAMRA's London Regional Inventory. The exterior is adorned with splendid colourful hanging flower baskets - see photo here. It's run by a charismatic long serving Irish landlord, Gerry O' Riordan, who's probably been there 25 plus years now.
There's a well regarded sub contracted Thai food operation in house and - as other posters have correctly noted - the aroma can be a bit overpowering at times.
Unfortunately, on my Saturday lunchtime visit - 31 October - the pub was decked out for a Halloween fancy dress party starting at 7pm that evening and the usual nonsense - orange pumpkins, skeletons, cobwebs, ghostly looking pictures etc - were very much in evidence, much to the detriment of the pub's normal splendid features.There were also black and orange balloons covering the ceiling. Call me a grumpy old man if you wish, but I thought it disappointing that one of London's most well regarded pubs had succumbed to all this Halloween nonsense. I wonder what Winston Churchill would have made of it all.
Managing to resist the special Halloween cocktails - Bloody Scary, Pumpkin Punch, Dracula's Kiss and the like - I stuck to the Fullers beers. The London Pride was in good form, as befits a GBG regular.
Despite a disappointing visit, I have no hesitation in continuing to recommend this pub.
And finally, in case you're wondering - no, I didn't return in the evening for the Halloween party
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A great traditional London boozer that has been updated sympathetically to suit modern times. Bright, spacious, attractive and welcoming with interesting nooks and crannies. Good choice of beers, including two I had not had before, which is saying something. Very convenient for the Czech and Slovak embassies too! Probably not worth going to far out of your way for but well worth a visit if you are in the area.
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Pub looks great, and to be honest the food is it's one redeeming feature. You wouldn't want to hang out there as it tends to be full of suited lushes and bell-ends who give you an unwelcome 'harrumph' if you try to get past them to the bar! If you don't want to get infuriated by poncy locals lording it up, have a look inside as it's quite pretty, laugh at the clientelle, and walk on...
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This used to be an excellent pub. It's still quite nice, but I think it's lost something recently. This is quite possibly due, in part, to the Thai food which many have mentioned. It used to be my favourite pub around this area but now I think there are better options.
Amy_J - 11 Sep 2009 12:40 |
I have found this place quite all right, but the last time I was there, and I truly mean last, I and a friend were served a pint of something that was no longer beer, it had turned into vinegar. I have nothing against malt vinegar, but it should be on my chips, not in my glass. When after long last we managed to catch the barman's eye he filled some up in a glass, went around a corner, came back and stated that "This beer is perfect. There is nothing wrong with it". Of course we left, never to come back,
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Popped in on Friday afternoon for a couple as I was in the vicinity. Good ESB. �3.30 seems expensive but probably standard for the area. I used to use this pub a lot. I was even at the opening night of the Thai restaurant. I would guess that was in about 87 but it could have been a couple of years later. As a pub it has gradually been swamped by the Thai restaurant. Gerry, the landlord, has been there since the early 80s when he moved from the Drayton Arms.
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Visited this place for a swift one on a Saturday early afternoon, great typically looking London pub for a northerner like myself, bit expensive but 'when in Rome' as they say.
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Have to agree with tigerdrinker....it's a proper pub completely ruined by the Thai food. It takes over the place in both stench and the crowds that it attracts.
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Extra-ordinary looking pub - look at the picture. Had a very good pint of Discovery, but this pub is not for me - the over-whelming smell of Thai food is just not conducive to enjoying your pint. Fortunately we visited on sunny Sunday evening and sat on the pavement outside.
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Great Atmosphere great Thai food if you can get through the crowds! Probably the most successful pub in the area serving great Fullers beers....would like to see Honeydew on draught for the summer....it's becoming increasingly popular
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This is a fantastic, proper old style London pub that is busy/mobbed anytime of the day. I have now been here twice, eating the Thai food on both occasions.
The food, beer & service are faultless, those qualities combined with the decor, open fire and wide range of customers certainly make this a pub a must, especially those who appreciate Fullers beers.
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I was quite impressed by this pub. The beer was very good, although not cheap - Or is it that us Country Yokels don't understand London prices. A pity that the Porter was not available on hand pump. My friends tried the Thai food, and were very impressed with quality and value, perhaps I should have had less breakfast! A very friendly pub, and the service was excellent.
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This is a Fuller�s pub, so expect the usual range of ales. The ESB I had was good, as usual. They seem to have cornered the market in assorted bric-a-brac, and hung it all from the ceiling. But it doesn�t look out of place though. It was pretty busy at around 3.30 on a Friday afternoon � not sure if it was mainly punters having a late lunch; workers on POETS� day starting the weekend early; or punters like me popping into a decent pub for a good pint. All the above probably.
From the solid looking bar top to the attractive bow windows, and comfortable seating, this is an excellent and welcoming pub. I struggle to define exactly what it is I like about this pub � maybe it�s its essential �pubishness�. I�ll definitely be back.
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The Churchill Arms is one of the local pubs in my area. It's located on Kensington Church St, not far from Notting Hill Gate Underground Station. I like it because it's sort of quirky looking with lots of hanging baskets on the oustide of the pub (as you can see from the picture). The bar area is pretty small, but in the summertime it's actually quite nice just to stand outside. There is also a restaurant area that has been recognised for it's great Thai food, which is delicious and pretty inexpensive. They also do three types of roast dinner on a Sunday. A really lovely pub in a nice area with friendly staff. Definitely recommend going there.
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Was in Notting hill and this place looks good .. From the Outside.
Staff friendly enough, they should be at �8.30 for 1 pint ESB and 1 glass Rose!!!
And what have they done to one of England's finest beers? i didn't think it possible to make this beer as dull and insipid as this pint tasted .
Food (generic Thai) was stodgy and bland (vegetarian stir fry /rice + duck curry/rice)
On plus side, my friend loved the decor and warm fire ;)
i don't think i'll be going back in a hurry tho..
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Went in there on Tuesday 4th Nov 2008 with a girlfriend of mine, great place to take a friend and also not as expensive as I thought. Food was excellent, it got busy around lunchtime as expected and would defo go back soon.
Oh and the log fire was a nice touch for that little bit of warmth and abit of romance
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Quality place. very busy on Saturday night, but surprisingly easy to get served. Thai food was nice. Beer was good too. Look forward to going back
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As a newcomer to this pub and admittedly an outsider looking in, I have to totally disagree with the last comment. Wandered in last night for a quick pint at 5pm and what a great atmosphere, friendly barstaff, friendlier locals, the place was really buzzing and I only wished I could afford to move in around the corner and make it my local...and they say pubs are dead!
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This place is no longer a real pub just a halting site for the wanderers and searchers looking for a meal fix. Its lost its soul, you wait forever to get served and it goes to prove that when you try to pack too much in you achieve very little in the end.
Good memories of the old days there!
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this place is living off its reputation,I dont think they care anymore.
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this pub is the fu*%ing nuts and the landlord is a legend!y fave pub in london for sure! I live in clapham but consider this my local.i don't drink a huge amount of bitter but they seem to have a fair amount on tap. the lager is well kept and plentiful! the thai food is wicked and cheap. its an oasis of countryside charm in central(ish) london!i would reccomend it to anyone! only problem is that it does get rammed but that just means you have to get there earlier, no bad thing.
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What a fantastic pub. In an area where so many pubs claim their place in history with faux props and 200 year old claims this place simply oozes history. It�s difficult to do justice to the eclectic and decorative items that adorn the walls and ceiling but I�ll list just a few. There are the usual copper kettles, jugs, coal scuttles etc. along with brass instruments, old radios, violin cases, an accordion, pressed butterflies, old manuscripts, lanterns, even an old parking meter. There�s also an original wooden �Always Time for a Guinness� sign complete with the toucan balancing a pint of Guinness. But the main theme is quite clearly the eponymous wartime leader and there are newspaper cuttings, photos, paintings etc. all over the bar. One wall holds photos of every British Prime Minister from Sir Robert Walpole through to Maggie. There is a large bar area although it is usually full so be prepared to compete with the friendly locals for some space . The well kept beers are from Fullers and there is a popular restaurant at the back. A little off the beaten track between Kensington and Notting Hill but this is one of London�s gems and well worth the effort of finding.
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Reliable and consistent. Full of quirky locals and has a feel of a loved pub. Very busy and slow service, the thai food is good but you have to get used to the way it all works in there. There are not many better pubs in the area.
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Traditional london pub about 200 or so years old. The full Fullers range of beers were available on hand pump. This was the last pub of a small pub crawl pre and post football yesterday. I was pleased to finally find a dark ale yesterday - Fullers 'London Porter', a very well kept and tasty pint.
Its amazing just how much they have crammed into this pub. Different collections all hanging from the ceiling. Quite a collection of Churchill pictures on the walls as you would expect.
The pub was probably the least friendly of the day.
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Top-notch Fullers pub a short walk south of Notting Hill Gate underground station. Good atmosphere, and excellent pint of London Porter. Well worth seeking out.
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A unique and VERY busy pub,tons of character.
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I been to this pub on a few occasions with a works do, I have always found the beer good and the atmosphere fantastic, all the clutter etc... is what makes it. Yes it get exceptionaly busy but again I think this is also what makes it. Have never eaten here although always looks good. Christmas time has to be the best time to visit as it is usually decorated with the same enthusiasm as the clutter but with fir tree bits and decorations. Thoroughly reccomend it.
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Very lively pub that's always busy. Recommended for unusual interior - full of interesting bric-a-brac, currently featuring dozens of rugby balls suspended by string from the ceilng! Sport on the TV, a Thai resaurant attached, and good beer - but it's not one for a quiet drink!
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friendly boozer with nice locals and laid back atmosphere.
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This pub is always very busy & maybe that's why i find the staff abrupt, if you know you're packed out most nights why bother? so have given up on this pub, even though it's a Fuller's pub & the beer is good.
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I loved this pub, decorated by a thousand pieces of crockery including a intrsting potty collection. spent many a lazy winters afternoon here, beer is great. best time to visit is christmas time, can be a bit crowded though.
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I went to the Churchill Arms on Friday night, it was busy as you would expect but the barman was very rude, the food was standard pub thai food, certainly nothing special and we were hurried through our meal.
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A top pub that has almost entirely gone over to the dark side of being a tourist trap, yet it is saved from the final step by its fine choice of beers (Fullers) and a friendly cheerful atmosphere. This atmosphere it seems is conjured mystically out of the ether by the combined tat of a thousand nameless car boot sales. Without exaggerating, almost every flat surface in this pub is covered in ceramic junk and tasteless ornaments that frankly would have made your granny blush to own. It looks like Mother Shipton's cave with hand pumps but don't let that put you off, the only real down side is that this pub can become unhealthily crowded, meaning that if you are wedged in the seat behind the door as I was that you will be repeatedly battered as people enter re-enter and dawdle around aimlessly on the doorstep pondering their life and wondering if the large pub shaped object they are contemplating is actually a pub and not some crazy late night cut prize Toby Jug sale for the lonely alcoholics of Notting Hill. You'll also find that reaching the toilets become a major trek worthy of Palin at his most distracted, it's quicker to leave the pub and wander down the street to the other entrance than to attempt to barge your way through.
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The pub itself is very nice, although I thought the Thai food was awful.
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good traditional pub,
very friendly place,best in area
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Still one of London's best pubs - a real classic - always worth a visit, but even more so when the Xmas Decorations are up as they always make an extra effort here
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Proper oldfashioned good honest decent boozer.
Vast range of Fuller's handpumped beers. Allows dogs in.
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last visited mid november. love this place. go for good fuller's ales, great pad thai, and a wonderful collection of churchill memorabilia and brich-a-brack. don't go if you are looking to watch sports, don't like crowds, or are looking for an irish bar (??). i give this a 9+. stones throw from the knotting hill tube stop...suggest a sunday stroll down portobello rd. ending w/a pint of pride at the churchill arms....
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Don't know what game you were watching but it certainly isn't a great pub to watch sports. Smoky yes, cluttered, it's a an old pub! I heard the landlord was Irish but it certainly isn't an Irish theme bar and it is a Fullers Pub so expect Fullers beers - in good condition.
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Went there to watch a game last Saturday - distinctly average place. It is cluttered and far too smokey. Beers are far too generic as well. Also am confused that the Churchill Arms appears to be an Irish pub...
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I had a nice pint of Gales Winterbrew and watched a bit of the football while killing some time the other day. The beer was good it's just a bit busy. In fact I've never been in here when it wasn't busy.
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Hi - It's Jaydeebliss again. I'm afraid I take back the raves reviews about Churchills Arms In Kensington. Today I went there and was so shocked when myself and my colleague were told to wait before we could have a table just because another friend was due to arrive.
Despite the fact that we were ready to make an order, we were told we could only have a seat if we ordered for our friend. Their reason was "because it's busy on a Fridays and we need the table". Despite our protests and the fact that there were many tables available, they insisted so we left and went to Clarkes across the road. It seems that with their success comes arrogance. I won't be going there again, that's for sure.
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I have registered just to make a comment about this pub. It's terrific, great atmosphere, the decor is amazing and the food is great. It has an amazing restaurant that overhangs with greenery, like the Rainforest Cafe in Picadilly. I work in Kensington, and I and my work colleagues go there very often. The Thai food is very tastey and CHEAP!! Oh and it has an open fire place! Overall, top marks.
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This deserves its reputation as one of West London's best pubs, but I have to agree with the crowded comment - the price you pay for success I dare say. Never eaten here, but I�ve only heard good things, and the Guinness is very good.
Certainly worth a visit, though if you�re going on purpose to sample its delights I�d suggest choosing a quieter time of dayweek. However, if you just happen to be wandering by, nip in and saviour one of London�s best pubs, crowded bar and all.
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Expect crowds and tourists, but worth it for the good beer and the decor.
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Lovely pub. A cracking pint of ESB and excellent firey Thai food. I'd be in here all the time if I lived closer. The fake plastic pint of Guinness doesn't seem to have made an appearance for a while though...
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That Chiswick is brilliant, great beer AND you could smash three pints and carry out brain surgery afterwards.
anonymous - 14 Jun 2006 10:24 |
Great interior and beers in this pub.
The Chiswick is lovely!!
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This place is cool, it gets a little crowded but isn�t that a sign of a good pub? The food is good and the staff friendly oh and its famous because its won the Evening Standard pub of the year award. Surely the gold standard of awards (sorry just creeping a little)
For a great few hours after work, have a few here then slip down to the nearby Uxbridge arms for a less crowded atmosphere before ending up in the Malabar for the best curry this side of Hounslow.
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oh yes, marvellous thai food, jose...lets get down the churchill...
actually the food is alright, but i've absolutely no idea why this gaff is supposed to be famous for it.
the boozer part of this place is ok, though it does smell of food. ew!
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Great Fullers house serving a range of their beers - Discovery went down particularly well as the first two pints of a pub crawl of the area this bank holiday Monday. Packed with Churchillian tat. Very busy but lots of tables crammed in. Friendly enough service. Add to the mix that it seems to be an Irish pub, serves thai food that looks very and you have a very interesting and enjoyable boozer.
A good start, after two in here we moved on down the road to the Windsor Castle.
anonymous - 18 Apr 2006 09:42 |
Bonza. Beer was good. Atmosphere niyshe. Didn't get the impression that it was more of a rest than pub and i'm funny about that. Does do a lot though. Good decor. nice screens on bar. 'sholid' as Sean Connery would say if he was a cockney.
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First time in after years of threatening was last week on a dull and wintry February lunchtime. Got all the way there and thought at first it was closed as there were no hanging baskets outside and workers sanding down window frames etc. Thankfully the pub WAS open and it shot straight into my top 10 pubs ANYWHERE. If it's lost atmosphere recently due to the popularity of the the thai food making it more of a dining experience then it must have been something really exceptional before. Go. Experience. Enjoy.
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Was my local ten years ago. It's hardly changed since, thankfully, as it's a great pub - decent food, reasonable prices, interesting decor, great staff and a varied crowd of locals and visitors. And I've pulled loads here too!
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Eaten here numerous times and can't imagine what rlm had. It's always been first class, and deserves it's Evening Standard awards. Love being able to get a decent meal with a decent pint. Normally need to book a table in the evenings.
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Hmm. Is this a pub that serves food, or a restaurant that serves beer?
The food is very affordable. Nice size portions. As for taste, well, i'll leave that to youir own taste buds.
The beer, that's beer, not lager, was of good quality.
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Dingy dark and horrible. Smoky and men watching football. The Thai food is nowhere near as good as any of the other pubs / restaurants in the area. Don't believe the hype.
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Ive been away on business for a while and visited a few pubs since i've been back and this is the pick of the bunch. A lovely pub with a floral display out of the royal flower show.Lovely staff and the beer is very weel kept.A nice pint of pride.
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A great bar.Can get crowded to saturation point,so if your claustrophobic then give it a miss. The staff are just awesome,the layout of the pub is brilliant, the beer is exceptionally good and the toilets well looked after. A well deserved 10/10.
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great pub and yes airline personnel from all over the world can be found there. I should know I am one
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lots of stuff to look at very busy nice staff freindly regulars loads of tourists worth visiting
anonymous - 26 Jun 2005 15:06 |
Gerry O'Brian, the landlord is great. Possibly difficult to keep up with the pace of his speech!!
Well kept Fullers. Good Thai food. Very busy, but I would prefer that to an empty pub with no atmosphere.
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Agree totally with Watcher's comments. I used to drink here regularly before the Thai food arrived and it was fab. In the last 10 years however it is perpetually crowded and the clientele is an unhappy mix of locals, yelling yuppies, tourists and people like me who venture in occasionally continually hoping it has regained some of its former charm and character. In vain alas. It would be good if it managed to find a focus for itself, but the joyless experience of the Thai restaurant antics seemed to have scuppered that, and as the Thai food is so popular, it probably feels it doesn't need to change, whilst the money keeps coming in.
Famously it has nothing to do with Winston Churchill (though the acres of Churchillian memorabilia would lead to think otherwise). There used to be a church up the road. Which is a hill. Hence Churchill...
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Gleaming brasses, hanging buckets
Gerry is making his usual ruckus
The beer is pouring, the crowd is roaring
The place is sure humming tonight
Has been one of the great London pubs for many years. Great atmosphere, beer in top condition and helpful charming (usually)staff. But this pub has now fallen on the sword of its own success. The introduction of the Thai food has changed it into a diner for over nighting airline personnel and bands of walkabout Aussies. The regulars are drifting away and the soul of a good boozer is been crowded out by a food clique.
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Nice and well run pub.
Only major problem is simply that it is a victim of its own success. The landlord has been rightly praised for getting it right, but unfortunately you will struggle for space if you go at anything like peak time. Suggest that it's one best visited at a quiet time of day.
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Everytime I've visited with the intention of trying the much-praised Thai food, I've been driven away by the atmosphere. It's always packed to the point where it's difficult to move. There's football on TV. The customers are very noisy, including braying public schoolboys trying their hardest to be offensive. The staff look dazed and stressed out. Obviously it's a very popular place but from my point of view it's just loud, chaotic and scruffy. Horrible.
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After drinking in the Uxbridge,Hillgate and Windsor Castle, this pub is a nice conclusion to a sublime summer crawl. The Thai food is excellent and will complement all that real ale burgeoning to burst your bladder. This place is busy, really busy!
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One of my favorite pubs not just in Kensington, but the whole of London. On most nights it's nearly impossible to get a seat (hardly surprising!), so get there early.
The interior is superb with pictures of every US president hanging from the walls. It manages to blend a very traditional feel with the Tai restaurant at the back, which is an achievement in it's self.
anonymous - 22 Nov 2004 18:46 |
great pub, great food. there is normally a bit of a queue and they seem to hurry you but they serve so many people. food is substantial, and wondrefully cooked, service is great. the cafeteria style service and table lay is good and works well it makes yo feel you dont want to sit down at the table for too long so you do move backto the bar, freeing up a table
wondrful i will definitly take frineds there again
matthew - 3 Nov 2004 10:10 |
Good to hear Gerry getting the praise he deserves.
Worked a few weekends there a few years ago and couldn't agree more about how well he treats the staff. Great atmosphere to work in and twice that the other side of the counter!
Ger - 21 Oct 2004 17:03 |
The pub itself is very nice and the Thai food delicious, but the waiting staff in the restaurant part extremely rude.
Rebecca Stevens - 6 Oct 2004 10:18 |
A fantastic pub with fantastic thai food and a lovely landlord. I was introduced to the pub by my Dad (Bob) who used to go there at least once a week back when he worked in Kensington. Since then we have taken many other people, both young and old(er) and so far everyone has loved it. It's a crime this pub isn't in the Top 40 list.
Si Barber - 30 Sep 2004 17:42 |
I worked here in 95 - a great 5 months- Gerry is the BEST. Punny, and genuine. Treats his staff better than his customers. Awesome Food. I miss this pub!
Tracy - 24 Sep 2004 23:58 |
an excellent pub, food as i recall is 5.85 a go, for some of the best tasting thai, and...gerry has won best london pub again, with his team of faithful staff!
well done, and i also totally agree that kensington/chelsea/belgravia is the best, and the churchill is one of the finest pubs.
kisskisskiss - 31 Aug 2004 12:15 |
One of the best pubs in Wes London. Thai food's a steal at �5.50 a dish, worth every penny.
Gerry's a gentleman behind the bar. Up the Banner Gerry!
Hammersmith Max - 20 Aug 2004 06:10 |
London's best area? pffft
Got collared by some mad old 80 year old bugger who told me he spent him time picking up Scandinavian teenagers the last time I was there. A hollow and sad exsperiance.
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one of the best pubs in londons best area!-where else but the churchill ? it has excellent thai food, people, ornaments-oh i cant be bothered to go on-but do visit, -and one final point-no great unwashed if you see what i mean-a good clean place!
rar!!
hugh jeffeney-rawkes - 4 Aug 2004 15:54 |
Great pub and guvenor Gerry is the first publican I've met who said, "Thanks for coming lads, drop by again soon," and meant it!
mikem - 14 Jul 2004 10:57 |
worth going. covered in old british memorablilia. nice staff and cool landlord irish gerry. friendly and comfortable.
daniela - 1 Apr 2004 16:22 |
Very cosy. Dark and crowded when I went in there last night, it's lit by the gentle welcoming red glow of dozens of lanterns suspended above.
The Thai food seemed a real crowdpleaser although I didn't try it, there's more of a restaurant feel towards the back. Will return.
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This is the best pub i have ever visit in London. Extremely well kept beers (Fullers London Pride, ESB and Fullers seasonal ales), great Guinness, and great food (Thai). The landlord, a crazy byt very polit and genial irish, is great and very welcoming. The locals there are very friendly. I'm from Greece and a visit London, because of my job, once or twice per year, and always, because i love pubs, i visit 4-5 pubs per day. Churchill Arms is by far the best and i really enjoy my visits there. Go and see!
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Absolutely top notch. Wouldn't change a thing...well, they could stop selling Budweiser and stick to real ale only
Jeff - 14 Nov 2003 21:55 |
the best little pub in london with traditional feel and serving awesome thai food!
rene - 22 Oct 2003 07:29 |
top pub in london, due to hard work by gerry the landlord. excellent cheap thai food the best service in london i have found yet
steve - 13 Aug 2003 16:34 |
For years, this has been the best pub in London. Well kept beers, especially the Guiness. Excellent, cheap, Thai food cooked freshly to order.
Emma - 9 Aug 2003 08:31 |
A classic setting on Kensington Church Street with one of the best chamber pot collections hanging from the ceiling. The back room features great Thai food. Always quite busy in the evenings.
Matt - 13 May 2003 09:42 |
