The Windermere, South Kenton

I remember this place from a brief period when I was working in north-west London. At the risk of being confused as an extra from the Dave Allen Show, I offer a brief synopsis of the place:

Fantastic character: which can be seen as having incrementally built up over the years from the changes in the area - from its inception in the days of the exploding north London suburbs of the 20s and 30s (the area is adjecent to both the Metropolitan and Bakerloo lines) - right the way through to the current day. A pub that has evolved to service the needs of its patrons through many an age and intimation, yet still retained its character, heart, and quintessential meaning of its existence.

The regulars are an eclectic barometer of the driving forces and influences which have conspired to shape the area into what it is today. A complete cross-section of age, gender, origin and race all manage to spontaneously harmonise into a confab of dry-witted humour and good-natured banter, which is a testament to their opulence of character and confidence in self-depecation: afforded through an underlying culture of tolerance and mutual respect.

This is one of the very few pubs in London that you can walk into alone as a complete stranger, and the people in there will take the time to take an interest, and make you feel included.

That is a priceless commodity that no amount of business plans, re-decoration, furniture, food menus, outdoor facilities or themes can ever create: The place has soul.

The pub is also a useful venue for watching televised live football, and the ale's not bad either.

So my advice is give it a go, and in the words of Dave Allen: "If you have a god, may he go with you."

21 Oct 2010 01:39