About This Pub
Ah, let me tell you about The Anglesea Arms – it's one of those pubs that really captures the heart with its rich history, dating back to 1712 and sitting on a street where Charles Dickens once called home. I love how it blends that old-school charm with award-winning food; they've snagged a 1 AA Rosette, and from the buzz, their Scotch eggs and Bloody Marys are absolute standouts that could make your meal memorable. The spot's dog-friendly too, with a cosy vibe that's just right for catching up over drinks or even hosting a small gathering. But, and I say this as a mate who's been around a few pubs, it's not all smooth sailing – service can be hit or miss, with stories of long waits and unhelpful staff that might leave you a bit frustrated. Some reviews mention dodgy seating situations, like not getting a table for the group when it's available, and overall, things have felt inconsistent lately, with a few meals that were just okay rather than brilliant. Still, if you're in South Kensington and fancy a pint in a place with real character, it's worth popping in – just keep your expectations balanced and maybe go on a quieter day for the best of it.
Pros and Cons
Pros
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The historical charm is absolutely delightful; it's a traditional pub dating back to 1712, right on the street where Charles Dickens once lived, making it feel like a step back in time.
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Their food is a real winner – with a 1 AA Rosette for culinary excellence, you can expect cracking dishes like an amazing Scotch egg and a bloody awesome Bloody Mary to keep things tasty and satisfying.
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It's dog-friendly and has a cosy, inviting atmosphere that's perfect for unwinding, plus they've got WiFi and can host functions, which adds to the flexibility.
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The location in South Kensington is spot on, and it's been hailed as one of the best pubs in London by SquareMeal, with a solid reputation for excellent drinks and a welcoming vibe.
Cons
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Service can be a bit of a letdown at times; some folks have waited ages just to get noticed, and there have been reports of staff being dismissive, which puts a dampener on the experience.
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Seating arrangements might frustrate you if you're with a group, as tables don't always get allocated fairly, leading to a few grumbles from visitors.
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Food and overall experiences can be inconsistent – while some dishes shine, others are just alright, and recent feedback shows a dip in quality that might leave you wanting more.
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It can get busy, and with mixed recent reviews, you might not always have that seamless visit, especially if you're hoping for quick and attentive care.
Contact Information
15 Selwood Terrace, South Kensington, London SW7 3QG
+442073737960
Pub
Closed today
Opening Hours
Monday | 12:00 - 22:00 |
Tuesday | 12:00 - 22:00 |
Wednesday | 12:00 - 22:00 |
Thursday | 12:00 - 22:00 |
Friday | 12:00 - 23:00 |
Saturday | 12:00 - 23:00 |
Sunday (Today) | 12:00 - 22:00 |
Recent Reviews
Looks like a nice pub on a corner at Chelsea borough and we decided to give it a chance based on the above but the first red flag came when we couldn’t sit on a bigger table (for 4) and we were offered a small table for 2 for the bigger table was later used by a couple…🤦🏽♂️🤦🏽♂️
Then came the worst; the Sunday roast Beef or Lamb MUST BE avoided at all cost; both were very disappointing; both were extremely chewy, lacked of good juice and had little flavour…
Only good to highlight from the menu was the dessert
I’ll keep it a place for Drinks only…
I had such a disappointing experience at the Anglesea Arms. We waited an unreasonably long time just to be served, despite repeatedly trying to get the attention of the staff. Shockingly, when we finally managed to speak to someone — who turned out to be the manager — he was completely dismissive and didn’t seem to care at all about how poorly we’d been treated. To top it all off, the Guinness was honestly terrible. Won’t be rushing back.
The pub is great. The Scotch egg was amazing, but the roast was all right, not excellent. On the other side, the bloody Mary was bloody awesome.
AF
Andrés Felipe Verástegui Prieto
The Anglesea Arms, nestled in South Kensington, is a classic pub with an atmosphere that truly takes your breath away. The charm of its setting makes it an inviting spot to unwind and enjoy a meal. The food is a standout feature—creative, delicious, and thoughtfully prepared, showcasing a level of quality that’s hard to beat. That being said, prepare to pay on the high end of the city's price point for your meal here.
Unfortunately, the drink offerings fell short of expectations during my visit. The cask ales were soured, suggesting the lines and cellar could use more attentive care. Even the cider I had was somewhat flat, which was disappointing given the overall potential of the pub.
Service was courteous and informative, but the pace was noticeably slow, which detracted from an otherwise enjoyable experience. While the ambiance and food were exceptional, the issues with drinks and service left room for improvement.
If you’re visiting The Anglesea Arms, I’d recommend it for the food and the setting but suggest caution when it comes to the ales (maybe try a cocktail or a bottled/canned option for beers/ciders). With some adjustments, this pub could truly shine.
Came here for lunch on the guidance of Rick Steves and had a wonderful time. Went on a Saturday near lunch time and had not issue getting a table near the bar. Service was great and the food was delicious. Would definitely come back if back in the area!
Although tipping is not very well known in the UK, this restaurant does include a service charge in your bill. Just an FYI…
TV
Trenton Van Dusseldorp
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