Value for money: Reasonable - a 10% discount card is available for free
Atmosphere: Good
Service: Friendly and getting better all the time
I’m quite well qualified to talk about this place given that it’s one of my locals.
Situated at the North Western end of the region in what used to be referred to as Notting Dale, the North Pole has been through many changes over the last decade or so, generally being smartened up for a few months before descending into a general malaise again.
Recently however, its new, younger management really seem to have turned the corner, partly it has to be said by rearranging the furniture to that the large, high backed sofas face each other across low wooden tables to create little social “islands”, but more by improving the quality of the staff and service.
On Sunday evenings they’ve introduced live acoustic acts, which are far preferable in that location than loud dj’s. Nothing against loud dj’s you understand, I am one myself from time to time, but live acts are more appropriate to that setting.
As one of the few remaining independent pubs (Notting Hill has more than its fair share), it sells Timothy Taylor, which amazingly my wife, who is American, loves. As does Madonna (follow that link to see the full story). Also on sale is London Pride, a couple of speciality “bitters of the season” and the usual range of lagers. As an aside, the ales are served at the perfect “cellar” temperature (no it’s NOT “warm, flat beer”!).
The restaurant half of the pub too has had its ups and downs, but right now it’s on an up, serving traditional, but well made “British with a twist”.
Big plans are promised by the management and I’m inclined to believe them, based on what I’ve already seen. If it sounds like I’m biased then, well, I am. I want this place to succeed because a) they’re nice people and b) it’s near where I live, so it’s in my own interests!
13-15 North Pole Rd
London W10 6QH
020 8964 9384
[Donna has also reviewed The North Pole, but more as a restaurant.
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