The Horse & Groom, Belgravia

West London does tucked away sleepy mews pubs like no other. With its cobbled street and dripping flowers the Horse & Groom is visually up there with the West End’s finest.

Approaching over a cobbled street and drinking in its splendour, projecting something of a signature affluent West London look, it’s unmistakable that you could be anywhere else in the world other than glorious London Town.

Inside is absolutely tiny and the dark wood and low ceiling boxes you in creating a cocoon away from the embassies and multi-million pound Oligarch houses.

I was surprised that they have a functioning upstairs which has the same footprint. Sadly the dartboard doesn’t get much action I was told. It’s somewhere I’d love to throw some arrows over a few pints as the chatter from the terrace below wafts up through the open window.

Food here is honest pub grub and priced competitively. On a visit in late Summer 2020 for a spot of luncheon the burger and chips was just £11.50, which on this manor was a bargain. I often find trendy pubs really undercook the meat in burgers and it’s far too pink for my taste. Here there was no messing about and it was cooked to perfection. The chunky chips did the job too.

A pub for all seasons and with that village mews backdrop this is one enjoyed in the dead of winter hunkering down inside or, when the pub comes into its own, in the warmer months as patrons embrace the cobbles and al fresco drinking.

Serving pints in the quiet backstreets for centuries, this traditional Shepherd Neame boozer is a natural survivor. A must visit for anyone enjoying the hustle and bustle of nearby Knightsbridge, museums or the Royal Albert Hall who wish for a reprieve in a little sanctuary, nestled within the heart of West London.