Top Cafes in Maida vale, Greater london

This place has three different spaces; the pub, the grill and the library (cocktail bar).

The pub is beautiful, but I wouldn’t visit it as a regular pub. All tables in the pub space are reserved for food…. And you will have to have a reservation, this place is busy! There is space to perch at bar or go outside but it feels more like a food place than a pub, which is a shame. The nice big fire isn’t a central point, the focus is the bar. You may have a table with lots of people stood by you which is off putting.

When we arrived our table wasn’t ready. We ordered a wine at the bar. We told the barman we didn’t like natural / new style wines. The barman assured us that the wines were classic style. When we received our wines they were natural, we were disappointed and felt bad complaining. When we got to our table out our waiter guided us to a delicious wine.

The menu is a little bit different to online. We ordered scotch eggs, beer battered cod collars, peas and chicken pie with mash. The menu is well priced and the food is delicious. Really good on a cold day.

We weren’t seated at our table until 15 mins after our reservation time. What was very disappointing was we were rushed a lot to leave after 1 hr 15. I was still eating and the host came over 3-4 times to rush me. There were no apologies. I also wanted to try the desserts but wasn’t given the opportunity.

The food here is great but I would probably only return to try the grill restaurant. The Baring and Parakeet, other gastro pubs in London give you an overall more welcoming experience with just as nice food. This place you feel leaving feeling like you are just a number.

Downstairs bar area is roomy, good atmosphere, upstairs is smarter, tables or comfy bunkettes. Very enjoyable lunch in The Grill, 1st floor. Very good service but not overbearing. Food was excellent, and I'd urge you to try the smoked trout (I suffered starter envy, but my raw beef on hash brown was delicious). Sweetbreads were delicious. The meat mains are generous servings for two. My fish was well cooked. Good wine selection starts at £42. Delicious bread. Couldn't fit in a dessert but they looked great. Wish this was my local. Will go back.

It was absolutely lovely! The place is magical! Has so much style and charm. Clientele is classy and polite. Staff is really professional and super friendly. Food was yum! Blackcurrant sorbet was a bomb! I don’t eat gluten and dairy and they were very careful and helpful with my dietary restrictions. Quite a few options on the menu even for someone like me. Loved it!!! 100% recommend.
Locals hidden gem