please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
£5.50 for a peroni. Still, I could have people watched all afternoon. Old fella whoa horse came in at 8-1. Lady with two huge glasses of white wine and a Sunday roast on the go. Gay couple with a baby. Very friendly Asian bar man. Lovely looking joint of beef in a pie warmer behind the bar. All this at 3pm on a Wednesday. Only in Ldn.
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Since this pub has not been reviewed in a few years I thought I'd so the honours.
So it's 'managed' by an old drunk who happily talks to his staff and customers like shit. I have never seen a bar attender spoke to the way this poor fella was! I have seen people walk in and ask the bar lady for a pint and for no reason the manager has told them to leave, clearly because he (the manager-peter) was drunk. the atmosphere used to be good in here, there's good regular barstaff, it's always nice to see a friendly face-until the drunk manager turns up it all goes down hill.
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What a load of crap
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Admin?
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Still a luvely back street local although a little pricey. Real ales are a bit boring and Greedy King IPA not very exciting but cheap discounted to the Free Trade.
Food still admirably served by long standing chef Kathy; Friday Hot Salt Beef Sarnies to die for. If you dislike horse racing this pub is not for you although the sound on TVs is normally only turned up between 1400 and 1700.
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I used to be a regular here 30 odd years ago and up to about 2000 when I stopped working in London and have returned on and off since then although not recently.
Popped in briefly this evening and nothing much has changed! Modern fonts have appeared and the handpumps have reduced to 2 - Brakespears and GK IPA on one of their new stile pumps. Quality, service and price were all fine. As always, the pub was rather hot and stuffy which pushed many punters outside onto the pavement.
Still a good place to visit.
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Good little side street pub near to Paddington station. Not too busy on a Saturday night, welcoming atmosphere, live football on TV, and a reasonable pint of Brakspear.
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Has a nice tiled exterior with a small but busy single bar, which was quite hot during my visit yesterday afternoon. I suspect this was mainly to do with the hot food being served. The daily special - salt beef was being carved in the corner and the hot cabinets behind the bar contained various food items such as roast potatoes. The Irish landlord was friendly. He is obviously into horses, given the number of pictures on the walls. The huge champagne bottles at the rear are an interesting touch. As stated previously, Greene King IPA and Brakspear Bitter are the 2 real ales. Aspalls is the cider of choice.
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Was a bit disappointed in this pub last night. It's quite cramped and it doesn't take many football fans from the play-off finals to make it uncomfortably over-crowded. The beer wasn't great, and neither was the selection. Moved over the road to the Rob Roy and had a much better time.
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First visit today after a magnificent memorial service to an old friend at nearby St. Mary's Church. Nice atmosphere and my pint of Brakspear's was in excellent nick. Green King IPA was the other ale on offer and that looked in good order too. Decent menu at affordable prices and my shepherd's pie was excellent with all the trimmings. I shall certainly be back in the future should I find myself in that neck of the woods.
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Nice looking pub from outside which opens up to an average enough, decent pub inside. the empty champagne bottles gives it a slightly pretentious feel, but this isn't too bad.
Spoilt only by its poor range of ales - Brakspear Bitter and Greek King IPA, which just keeps appearing everywhere these days !
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Old style street corner local not as pleasant as it once was. Used to have reasonable Brakspears but was unavilable and only insipid GK IPA on. Have gone off this place it no longer has a nice feel (or decent beer)
anonymous - 17 Nov 2009 21:05 |
Functional one bar pub with the bar on one wall and seating opposite, opens up to a slightly raised area to the rear with copper topped circular tables where a TV is located at the time showing England's capitulation to the Aussies. I am unsure the mainly Irish locals were too concerned.
Lots of horse racing pictures, empty champagne bottles on shelves.
GK IPA and Brakspears Bitter on handpump. Braks ok and drinkable.
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Located in a side street off Praed St, just a stone�s throw from Paddington Station, it nevertheless remains what I would regard as an unpretentious backstreet boozer. It appears to be very much a locals� pub, with what was obviously a group of regulars sitting at stools at the bar. Nonetheless, we got served straightaway and had no difficulty seeing the two handpumps that were dispensing GKIPA, and the more rarely seen Brakspear�s Bitter. Had the latter, which tasted fine, although a little too chilled. It�s a smallish corner pub; as you enter you are in the main bar area, and there is another small seating area at the rear, containing two or three tables with banquette seating and small stools.
This is the best pub in the vicinity of Paddington Station. Definitely worth dropping in for a pint if you�re in the area � as long as you appreciate the honest, down to earth pub and are not looking for a tarted-up gastro pub in which to enjoy an exquisite gastronomic experience!
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ps as a pub where people like to gamble . i was texting someone , but felt I was being watched , I wasn't too sure which one of us would get out of the pub undamaged me or my mobile phone , the safe money was on me mobile phone . luckily we both made it
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Have to say I didn't like this pub reminded me of one of these tiny little closed pub's not uncommon in Bristol , as said before a real local's pub, an unpleasant atmosphere .
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Not in for a while - but passing by far too early one morning recently remebered to notice the 'display' of champers bottles in the window; nothing fancy about the RE inside, but no doubt these bubbles were bought and enjoyed here, on the back of a good day at the races, a deal done...maybe a decree fini! A boozer of the 1st class in London terms.
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Small, street-corner single bar locals pub in a side street off Praed Street and close to the hospital.
The Royal Exchange is an Irish run free house. Inside, there's no carpet, but the numerous horse racing photos and pictures help create a traditional pubby atmosphere. Note in particular a splendid painting of the pub with a horse galloping past in the street outside.
There's a piano and I gather that music nights ( singalongs ?) are from Thursday to Saturday evenings.
Amongst the plethora of lager fonts on the bar are two handpumps, sitting there almost apologetically. On my recent Sunday afternoon visit, these were dispensing a rather moderate and slightly chilled pint of Brakspears - � 2.90p - and the ubiquitous Greene King IPA.
Real ale is evidently not a big seller here, but this is a good pub in all other respects and worth seeking out if you're in the area.
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We stayed in the Paddington area for two nights on a recent visit to England (from the USA). Went here the first night - Brakspear and Greene King IPA cask both very good. Food was excellent - the Steak & Murphys pie is higly recommended, as are the roasts. VERY fair prices on both food and beer. Staff were friendly and attentive, but not "chatty" - customers were also friendly.
We liked it so much we went back the second night! - Highly recommended!
limey - 16 Apr 2009 16:13 |
Very good no-nonsense boozer, handy for Paddington, manned by friendly Irish staff. Had Brakspear Bitter and Greene King IPA on wicket. The Brakspear was good. Murphy's was on plastic tap. Very cheap good-value food - nothing more than �5.50, such as sausage and mash with cabbage and gravy, roast cold meats, and the meat sarnies are �3. It's not haute cuisine, but it's very decent fodder for the price.
Not a massive pub, split into two areas (bar and a further seating area at the back), with wood and leatherette benches, gold lighting fittings, lots of horse racing paintings and pictures on the wall. Toilets ok for London. Eclectic jukebox including lots of old blues, plus virtually everything else, but it's not too intrusive. Also a TV for sports, but also not so as you'd notice unless you looked for it. Mixed crowd of youngsters on the razzle, suits, old boys and workers.
Well worth an evening.
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The people who are 'dissapointed' dont know a London pub of the old school when they're in it! Beers and spirits, horses on the telly, real bread sandwiches, made from the 'real food' you can see in the cooler and bread cut in front of you, and great pies made there holding warm and tempting you to eat. Made and served by a redoutable looking lady of the pub old school. A good mixed crowd as the bar leaners and chatters - of the Irish variety so a bit of banter with whoevers ready to say hi. Think Terry and Arfur (Minder) - theyd be at home in here, dontcha think?
A swift one for me last week, but a pleasure. Good looking barmaid too! Rating 10.
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The reason why we have 'Roast Beef Wednesdays' One of the few 'propper' pubs left.
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I heard so much about this place and have missed it on past visits to London, I decided to seek it out last month. I was a bit disappointed, as the selection of real ales were limited to Hoegaarden and Brakspear. Oh well, I had a pint and chatted with the barman a bit. The atmosphere was decent enough, nice cozy local. I just wish the ale selection was bit more extensive.
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Irish Pub full of racing pictures. Felt a bit like American Werewolf in london. Went very quiet when my two friend and I walked in. Very quiet with only GKIPA on. 14 single malts though. �11.40 for 2 pints and a double Laphroig. Very friendly old fella at the end of the bar whio described the pub as "the creme de la creme" Priceless.
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Visited last Thursday. Read beerintheevening reviews but expected something better (come on chaps - let's have some quality assessment). Good range of spirits but the barman (landlord?) quite miserable. Maybe the lack of regulars caused him to observe a steep profit decline, hence the sad attire. So, no, I would not rate this place too highly BUT it is in Paddington and has not too much competition. So, yes, if you are looking for a reasonable pub before catching the train this could be the one for you.
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What an oasis.Went there whilst working locally. Very frienly locals, good food, good beer and a great selection of whiskies. I didn't thnk pubs like this still existed in central london
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dgriffen - a TRUE believer - quite agree with you....(repeat several times!)
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I think we've got the message now, Mr Griffin !
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I love this wee old fashioned Pub, its always friendly and has a great mix of people. I dont get down to visit this pub much but I do really like it.
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I love this wee old fashioned Pub, its always friendly and has a great mix of people. I dont get down to visit this pub much but I do really like it.
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I love this wee old fashioned Pub, its always friendly and has a great mix of people. I dont get down to visit this pub much but I do really like it.
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I love this wee old fashioned Pub, its always friendly and has a great mix of people. I dont get down to visit this pub much but I do really like it.
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I love this wee old fashioned Pub, its always friendly and has a great mix of people. I dont get down to visit this pub much but I do really like it.
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Brilliant. Hoogarden for �3 a pint, betting slips above the bar and racing on the screens, lovely old fashioned proper pub decor, nice crowd, food looked decent and good value, friendly not understandable Irishman all add up to make a classic boozer - may it never change.
anonymous - 10 Mar 2008 14:00 |
Always call in for 1 when working around Paddington. In amongst the quiet ' old' streets where there are few good little pubs. This is the best though. Cross section of people, great food, good beer. Lovely place.
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Nice,small, friendly pub, does great food lunchtime, no problem with the smoke now
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I am from Texas, was at this pub with some other women a week ago, had a great time, food was terrific. Met a man named Michael who was there having a reunion with some of his friends, would like to contact him. If anyone knows?
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Visited again on the 29th of May - the place was busy with locals and there was a nice atmosphere. Lady behind the bar was very pleasant and served me an excellent pint of Murphy's, which I enjoyed sat outside. A genuinely nice and welcoming pub, the sort that should be encouraged. Will definitely be back.
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Visited last night - pub had a nice feel. European cup was on but it wasn't overly noisy or smoky. Only issue I had was with the quality of the beer which was average. The TT Landlord and Brakspears were well below par although not disgusting. Could be better kept I feel.
anonymous - 24 May 2007 19:18 |
Paid a visit here back in August 2006 when I was staying at a hotel not too far away - I remember this place because they served Murphy's stout on draught, which I find is an extreme rarity these days. Will be back the next time I'm in the Paddington area
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A good pub in all respects except one - it's horribly smoky.
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Great beer, very nice drop of Brakspears here. Handpumped ales well served and stored. Quiet pub, music at sensible level. Excellent food - try the hot beef sarnie, utterly droolworthy. Comfortable pub, nice locals and very friendly staff. A great place to sit and watch the world go by over a pint.
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Not the same since TC left but the new people are making an effort. Beer not bad but what makes this pub is Kathy on the food. Still a proper pub with quite a few local characters.
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A real Irish pub-its quality reflected by the low staff turnover (for a boozer). Food available, live horse racing always on the go-far more pleasant than the Praed Street Corals. A pleasure to visit if in Paddington area.
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Good pub especially lunchtime grub. Small but always busy and good bar staff - nice one.
w2man - 19 Aug 2006 22:02 |
A true rose among thorns! I wish I had known that this pub was here when I used to spend long evenings waiting in Paddington Station, dreaming of a place to have a decent pint. I recently stumbled across it, as you do, and didn't want to leave. It might not do much but what it does do, it does very well, and that makes for a great pub. Oh, and the swinging sign outside is worth a closer look...
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Thats fcking funny that photo! Hearing the name "Royal Exchange",..one imagines somewhere quite grandiose........This place is a std London boozer, a semi shithole, a fcking pit,..i love it.
Its like calling one of those "Anything for a pound" gaffs, "Harrods."
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Visited here on recommendation from MANY folks on the web. They were right! Worth the time and effort to visit. Good food and ales, very friendly staff.
anonymous - 1 Jun 2006 00:58 |
i pass about 10 pubs to get here but its always worth the extra walking, Excellent Beer, good grub, great atmosphere. Looks a bit tatty but that just adds to the charm. A real pub and hardly a tourist in sight..........heaven. Top jukebox too
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On my visit, the Irish contingent were neither drunk or obnoxious not that I was expecting them to be. Cracking pint of Adnams and friendly staff. Didn't sample the food but it smelt great. Wouldn't fancy negotiating the stairs to the toilet after a few too many though.
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Love this pub. First went there in 1972 and in fairness it hasn't been decorated since. If you are after a well treated lager, some cracking home cooked food and dont mind a smokey ambience its one of the best pubs in the area. My one gripe is that there was no Groove Amada on the jukebox!!
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A really good pub with delicious food and excellent service. I was with a party of fourteen one lunch time and they soon met all our needs very quickly. Would certainly recommend it and go there again.
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Full of drunk obnoxious paddys
anonymous - 24 Apr 2005 10:59 |
The Royal Exchange is a fantastic pub with very friendly staff, very friendly manager and owner. The barmaid leaving and going to uni will be a great loss! The beer is of a great quality and there is always service with a smile. It's conveniently close to one major London station and a tube station. The home cooked food is wonderful, what more could you ask for. It's Paradise Found!!!
Mark - 2 Sep 2004 14:55 |
Use this pub every time I am working in London. I stay over the road at the Hilton but find this Bar so much more friendly and down to earth. Always a warm welcome even though I'm only there about 6-8 nights a month.
Peter Callaghan - 26 Jan 2004 11:58 |
A bit smoky, but decent local with decent selection of pints and friendly staff
Fred - 4 Dec 2003 15:12 |
Was my local between 98 and 2000 when I worked down Praed Street. Very friendly little pub, we would always make an effort of going there before a staff night out at the local tapas bar...
Briony - 23 Apr 2003 09:41 |
I went there several times two years ago, then last year in May and October, and in 2003, on April 15th for dinner.
(I confess I went there for a few pints, at different times).
The Man is here, and keeps an eye on everything.
The Royal Exchange is a family run pub, and it worth a visit, even more.
The Brakspears' is well kept, and well served. Around, only locals, with a few tourists like me.
The food is the best family one I ever had in London! Ham, beef, pies, vegetable, all served in large plates, great!
And if you like horses (I don't), it is a small paradise.
Keep it secret...
Gilles - 22 Apr 2003 19:56 |
Huge cuts of meat in a fridge next to the bar.
Techno - 25 Nov 2002 10:24 |
