Pub in Bayswater
Cow
89 Westbourne Park Rd, Bayswater, W2 5QHClosest station: Westbourne Park, about 8 min walk4.4out of 5 on Google, from 852 ratings
Details last checked October 2024. Things may have changed since.
About Cow
Gastropub with a compact upstairs dining room for oysters, seafood and seasonal British cuisine.
Built in 1858 as the Railway Tavern, which it remained until 1992. Possibly re-named after the drovers who used to take their cattle on the hoof to Smithfield Market. The pub is owned by the Conran family and is famous for its house-speciality oysters and seafood menu generally. There is an unpretentious smallish ground-floor bar with a good cask ale reputation; and a first floor restaurant serving an excellent fish stew. Food times given are for the saloon bar; restaurant hours are different, see venue website.
The pub has been described in a magazine as "Good beer, oysters, chops, Victorian vibes, friendly bar staff, regulars and no music. Seating on the ground floor is pub-style with small round tables, stools, and banquettes. It's a very posh pub, though." The pub has many loyal customers including, press reports state, "Posh Spice" aka Victoria Beckham who lives nearby. Beer and food prices reflect the venue ownership.
Note steep steps to WC. Note also that proof of age may be required here and that there may be door supervision Thursday to Saturday evenings. Last bar orders are 10.45pm.
Description from WhatPub, CAMRA’s pub guide, with a summary from Google Maps.
Features
- Dog Friendly: Must be on lead. No yapping or barking or whining.: Curfew 6pm.
- Outdoor Seating
- Family Friendly: But children must leave by 5pm. Pushchairs are discouraged.
- Serves Food
- Serves Lunch
- Serves Dinner
- Restaurant: Upstairs Dining Room
- Real Ale
- Reservable
- Good for Groups
- Serves Coffee
- 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
- Tom Conran Restaurants
- Price
- 2 out of 4 (Google’s price level)
- Phone
- 020 7221 0021
Photos
Photos from Google Maps contributors, stored when the pub was last checked.
Google rating and reviews
4.4out of 5 on Google, from 852 ratings
5 out of 5David Richardsonon Google, September 2024
Lovely meal with friends, absolute quality. Had oysters, the fish stew, bangers and mash, and the banoffee to finish. Stuffed and super happy. Decent Guinness too. Staff were great fun and professional. Would definitely recommend, a lot of history and unlike a lot of places on the Eve Standard’s top 50 pubs, this totally justified it.
3 out of 5Curtis Bullon Google, September 2024
The roast beef was nice, although the rest of the roast was average. Oysters were good, but overall value and decor was sub par. One of my pet hates is disposable tablecloths, it made me feel like I was at a fast food place Very average establishment, but at £80 a head it felt very mediocre. Wouldn’t go again in a hurry.
5 out of 5H. G.on Google, August 2024
What a jolly, interesting and unique establishment! I’ve been a patron for the last 4 years and never had a bad experience — great staff, delicious and hearty food, and good company all round. A must visit for those visiting London for an authentic, independent pub experience. The Cow is filled with character, from the artworks, décor and patrons.
5 out of 5Ben Mon Google, April 2024
Proper pub. Old school vibe, service and food. Can't go past the Irish oysters and Guinness. Only ate downstairs at the bar but would love to get back and see what the restaurant is about
5 out of 5Dai Treeon Google, February 2024
A well worn and much loved pub sitting on a corner close to Westbourne Park. The Cow, with a Welsh flag hanging proudly over the door, ahead of the Six Nations Rugby game against Ireland! Great to see. The Cow is a small place but packs a big punch, offering a great menu with lots of fishy things including three versions of oysters available. Other foods also available! A great place to visit.
Rating and reviews are from Google Maps, as they stood in October 2024. See the latest on Google Maps.