Pub in Maida Vale
Prince Alfred
5A Formosa Street, Maida Vale, W9 1EEClosest station: Warwick Avenue, about 3 min walk4.4out of 5 on Google, from 1,330 ratings
Details last checked October 2024. Things may have changed since.
About Prince Alfred
Victorian pub with carved mahogany, etched glass, skylit dining room and a vaulted cellar for hire.
A spectacular Victorian pub built in 1856 and refitted around 1896 with an extraordinary set of fittings, now very rare survivors from the days when so many London pubs had small drinkers' compartments surrounding the servery (those at the Princess Louise, Holborn, marvellous as they are, are a twenty-first century reinstatement).
The central peninsular servery, complete with snob screens at one end, is surrounded by its five original compartments, each with its own entrance from the street, divided by wood and glass partitions, these punctured by low service doors for "pot boys" to slip through to collect drinking pots and glasses. The ornate back bar draws the eye up to the highly decorated ceiling and these, together with the intricate carving on the partitions, impart a rococo feel to the place. Light is provided by the magnificent full-height engraved bow windows.
The passageway and bar area to the side sport some delightful wall tiling and floor mosaics as well as a fireplace in which, in colder weather, a real fire burns. Beyond is the open kitchen and separate restaurant, the Formosa Dining Room. The full menu offered here is served in all areas of the pub itself, where sandwiches are also available between noon and 4pm on weekdays only. The food offering includes Sunday roasts but the pub is often packed with locals at Sunday lunchtime so be warned!
Unobtrusive screens offer sports TV which, this being Maida Vale, is often rugby or tennis.
The very special nature of this venue was recognised in 2022 when its listing was raised to Grade II*.
Artist and illustrator Edward Ardizzone drew "The Saloon Bar at the Prince Alfred" and his illustration is in Maurice Gorham's famous book "Back to the Local".
Description from WhatPub, CAMRA’s pub guide, with a summary from Google Maps.
Features
- Dog Friendly: Very!
- Outdoor Seating: Porches
- Real Fire
- Sports TV: Terrestial for selected events such as World Cups
- Family Friendly
- Serves Food
- Serves Lunch: Plus sandwiches 12-4 Mon-Fri only
- Serves Dinner
- Restaurant
- Real Ale
- Real Heritage Pub
- Function Room: Cellar booths, dining room and pub compartments can be reserved.
- Events: Per website
- Disabled Access
- Accessible Restroom
- WiFi
- Reservable
- Good for Groups
- Smoking: Porches
- 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 – 12:00 AM
- Saturday
- 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- 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
- Young's
- Price
- 2 out of 4 (Google’s price level)
- Phone
- 020 7286 3287
Photos
Photos from Google Maps contributors, stored when the pub was last checked.
Google rating and reviews
4.4out of 5 on Google, from 1,330 ratings
5 out of 5Elkeon Google, September 2024
I had a burger and fries with a gluten free burger bun! Really pleased because I thought I’d have to have it with no bread. Very friendly service. The fish and chips are good too (especially the chips). My mum had the Orzo and feta salad (pictured).
5 out of 5Simon Cooperon Google, April 2024
My pint glass runneth over with Youngs Original (AKA Ordinary, a very fine pint). A proper old school boozer close to Warwick Avenue tube station. Small public bar and snug on the corner, divided from the dining room by wood panels with hinged access doors. We ate excellent fish and chips / bangers and mash. Comfort food at a realistic price. Thank you Prince Alfred, simply delightful
5 out of 5Will Neillon Google, September 2024
Great pub, I live about 25 minutes away and always knew about the beautiful interiors; have been visiting and drinking here intermittently for the past 6 months. Friends are always impressed when I bring them here, and remark on how fantastic this looks, and how good the service is. I never usually drink Espresso martinis (made tonight by Morgan)but the ones served here are fantastic tasting and great value! Aromatic and not too sweet, as they should be!
5 out of 5Javier Perezon Google, April 2023
Wonderful old pub with modern British food with very high quality. We loves the Scottish Egg, the scallops and the Sausages. I liked the updated version of British food, and the service was a 10. Will come back, as Jose, the chef always surprises you with a day recommendation
5 out of 5Ray Son Google, January 2024
What I love about London is the plethora of quaint and quirky places to eat and drink and the Prince Alfred proves no exception. A short walk from London's Little Venice on the way to Maida Vale, I was greeted with a walm welcome from Olly. Just look at the bar, with its narrow openings to access the divided seating areas. You might need to go on a diet to squeeze through the narrow openings! Enjoy the atmosphere and enjoy this idiosyncratic establishment. I'll be booking a table at the restaurant soon - really looking forward to it!
Rating and reviews are from Google Maps, as they stood in October 2024. See the latest on Google Maps.