The Stablehand is a restaurant and pub in Paddington that boasts a bit of history - this neighbourhood pub was originally built on an old archery range back in 1839, and since then it has been frequented by many a famous local politician, from Tony Blair to Winston Churchill.
Over 150 years later, The Stablehand remains a quintessentially British local that offers proper comforting gastropub grub, as well as a range of beers, ciders and spirits all sourced from sustainable producers across the UK. On top of all that, the pub offers a couple of spaces to hire for private dinners. The first private dining room is bright, airy and spacious thanks to large windows, which fill the space with natural light. A large dinner table seats up to 16 guests for dinner, or 20 standing. The second room, meanwhile, is slightly larger, but has a cosier feel as it's located on the lower level of the restaurant - this room seats up to 22 guests, or 30 standing.
Both private dining rooms have been tastefully decorated and furnished, with smart wood panelling, velvet furnishings, and older details of the pub retained so the rooms still have lots of character.
The menu stays true to well-executed British classics. Starters include a prawn cocktail, ham hock and chicken terrine, and smoked salmon with fennel and radish, and there's a slow roasted lamb shoulder with mash potato, and fish and chips. The Stablehand lays on a popular Sunday roast as well, and desserts include the likes of bread and butter pudding, apple crumble, rhubarb Bakewell tart and treacle pudding.
The drinks list also celebrates British producers, with all wines being carefully sourced from English and Welsh vineyards, and spirits showcasing Scottish whiskeys and other drinks from around the UK.