The Stablehand in Paddington is one of London’s most iconic pubs, having been frequented by some notably colourful characters over the years, from Winston Churchill through to Tony Blair. It was built on the site of an old archery range in 1839 and has been a treasured addition to community life in this corner of west London ever since.
Now reimagined for modern Britain, this traditional boozer treads the line perfectly between a cosy and historical watering hole and a buzzy, contemporary gastropub. Inside you’ll find wood panelling and squishy velvet furnishings that allow guests to sink into their surroundings for a relaxed few hours of merry-making.
From the kitchen, dishes have been designed to highlight classics. These are created using seasonal, local produce where possible or – if that fails – ingredients that have been sourced from places with strong links to the UK. Think lemons from Gibraltar, for instance. The main a la carte features crowd-pleasers like prawn cocktail and deep-fried Baron Bigot (a beautiful British cheese similar to brie), while mains bring steak and kidney pies, fish and chips and a slow roasted lamb shoulder served with mashed potatoes, wild mushrooms and pearl onions. There’s also a Saturday light lunch menu that allows you to select one dish plus a pint of draft beer or a glass of house wine for £12.95. Expect ploughman’s plates, fish finger sandwiches and terrines. Come Sunday, the roast isn’t to be missed with your choice of beef or chicken accompanied by all the trimmings (yes, including Yorkshires).
On warm days, there’s a sweet terrace out front where you can enjoy drinks al fresco while tucking into a some sharing plates with friends, or when it gets cooler, head on in to the bar where a warm welcome is guaranteed.
The Stablehand also offers a range of private hire and function options should you be planning a party.