Pub in Kensington
Churchill Arms
119 Kensington Church Street, Kensington, W8 7LNClosest station: Notting Hill Gate, about 5 min walk4.5out of 5 on Google, from 7,100 ratings
Details last checked October 2024. Things may have changed since.
About Churchill Arms
Flower-bedecked real ale boozer, filled with Churchill memorabilia, serving Thai noodles and curry.
Dating from 1824, this pub spent its first 18 months as the Bedford Arms. The winner of awards ranging from Boozers in Bloom to the Griffin Award for Fuller's Pub of the Year, this is also one of London's Real Heritage Pubs. The ceilings are packed with suspended bric-a-brac: you name it and it’s probably up there somewhere. There is also a framed collection of 1500 butterflies and many prints and photographs of the great wartime leader (after whom this pub is NOT named). Note the commemorative plaques to customers who are now spirits and the waterfall in the conservatory complete with fish. There is even a signpost in the middle in case you get lost!
The Thai food is recommended and this deservedly popular pub, with its range of Fuller's ales, can get extremely busy. At Christmas the pub sports a spectacular annual display which in the latest year was 100 Christmas trees covered in twenty-two thousand five hundred lights, and taking almost three weeks to set up. A fitting tribute to the legendary Gerry O'Brien, the licensee who retired in July 2017 and whose thirtieth anniversary at the pub in July 2015 was celebrated with a street party complete with a magnificent Fuller's dray-horse team (see photos). Current manager James Keogh celebrated 35 years of working for Fuller's in 2022.
Branch Pub of the Year third-place runner-up in 2018.
In 2024 this was the first pub to receive a beer delivery from Asahi's Griffin Brewery via its first "electric dray" replacing an old and polluting diesel vehicle.
Description from WhatPub, CAMRA’s pub guide, with a summary from Google Maps.
Features
- Dog Friendly: Except in restaurant
- Sports TV: Occasional - terrestrial
- Family Friendly
- Quiet
- Serves Food
- Serves Lunch
- Serves Dinner
- Restaurant: 020 7792 1246 for reservations
- Real Ale
- Real Heritage Pub
- Disabled Access
- WiFi
- Reservable
- Good for Groups
- Newspapers
- Accepts Credit Cards
- Accepts Debit Cards
- Accepts NFC
Opening times
- Monday
- 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Tuesday
- 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Wednesday
- 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Thursday
- 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Friday
- 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Saturday
- 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Sunday
- 12:00 – 10:30 PM
As listed in October 2024. Hours change, and bank holidays differ: check with the pub.
Good to know
- Operator
- Fuller's
- Price
- 1 out of 4 (Google’s price level)
- Phone
- 020 7727 4242
Photos
Photos from Google Maps contributors, stored when the pub was last checked.
Google rating and reviews
4.5out of 5 on Google, from 7,100 ratings
5 out of 5TIM SCHOFIELDon Google, June 2024
The outside of the pub is covered in flowers and looks amazing. Inside it is full of weird and wonderful bits and bobs. The food here was very good as the menu was Thai food, which even on a busy Friday evening was quick to arrive at our table in the bar and, more importantly, tasty. Service at the bar was friendly and quick. It's definitely worth a visit to such a unique pub in London.
4 out of 5Ghassan Khalelon Google, July 2024
The Churchill Arms in Kensington is a delightful pub known for its unique floral exterior and cozy interior. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with a rich history reflected in its decor. The pub serves excellent Thai food and a great selection of drinks. It's a perfect spot for a casual meal or a drink with friends. Highly recommended for a charming and authentic British pub experience!
5 out of 5Rob Eckelon Google, August 2024
Ok, hear me out. This is a British pub serving Thai food. I set my expectations at a low level coming here, but it far exceeded them. It was busy, but I only waited 5 minutes for a table. Service was so quick, the curry I ordered came out just before the drink. The food tasted great, and it was nice to have a real beer with some Thai food! The decor is cool, but it’s also a pub, not some fancy restaurant. Overall, I was impressed, and left full and happy.
4 out of 5Soonyata Mianlamaion Google, July 2024
This place is famous for its flower display but another equally attractive aspect is the Thai kitchen. The Thai dining area is at the back of the bar and open from noon. Great service and hospitality from Thai staff. I would recommend any dishes because they’re authentic except Pad Thai because it lacks a key ingredient which is tamarind sauc. “Pad si-ew” or “Pad nam man hoi” is worth trying. They’re both mild dishes. The bar section is at the front and you can have some aperitif there while waiting for the kitchen to open.
5 out of 5Chris Non Google, August 2024
I always stop in for lunch when I’m in the area and have never once been disappointed. My personal favourite is the Pad Kee-Mao. Expect a disclaimer from the staff that the dish is spicy and they aren’t lying. Always delicious and is identical to when I first tried around 15 years ago. This restaurant is extremely popular so expect to eat and move on rather than spending hours seated at your table. The pub attached is a great traditional British pub and great for an after meal drink either inside or preferably stood outside on the pavement.
Rating and reviews are from Google Maps, as they stood in October 2024. See the latest on Google Maps.