The Windsor Castle, Maida Vale

Had an interesting 'coupla' pints in this place on a Saturday night. There were no ales available and they are STILL serving 1664 in Stella glasses! The cost of a pint was pricey but when my partner ordered spirits, I certainly had no money left over for the woman who barged into the place selling clothes!

The locals make this pub what it is. There were some real characters in there and the woman behind the bar had personality too.

I will definitely return if I'm in the area

10 Jan 2011 14:00

The Robert Browning, Maida Vale

We went to this pub after going to the Warrington around the corner. And after that experience this was a welcome contrast. I enjoyed the Sam Smiths beer because it had been a while - and the price per pint was fantastic.

There was a cozy atmosphere - there were people reading the paper, people playing chess and people quietly chatting amongst themselves or with the lady behind the bar.

We then went upstairs for Thai and had a faultless meal!

Will definitely return if we're in the neighbourhood again.

10 Jan 2011 13:37

The Warrington Hotel, Maida Vale

Great building with a wonderful interior but I was also hoping to enjoy a pint or two, not just gawk around. The barstaff (mainly from mainland Europe) ensured that I would NOT enjoy my pints. They were slow, paid no attention to who had been waiting the longest and were unbelievably rude. At one stage, I moved five glasses so a barman could rest his tray of drinks on the bar and then run around and get them for serving. But there was no 'thank you' and he bumped into me on my side of the bar, again with no acknowledgment.

We sat next to three girls who were from another planet - we couldn't decide if their competitive, pretentious behaviour was obnoxious or hilarious.

The ales were surprisingly bad as well - the Pride and IPA tasted nothing like they should. A Gordon Ramsay pub, we decided, is a bit like the Ritz; it's nice to say we've been there but we'll never go back.

10 Jan 2011 13:23