Shabby chic is not only a fashion trend: it’s applicable to pubs as well, and the Builders Arms is a thriving example of getting it right. Forget the frock and go for pauper mock.

The Venue
The tucked away Builders Arms is spread across two floors with a movie theatre upstairs. This room used to show sports and movies and has a double slanted roof, simple low couches, and stools.

On the ground floor, the furnishing gives the impression of refined elegance, partially cancelled out by the worn upholstery and old (although not antique) pieces: budoir chandeliers, grandmother lights, a mosaic above the bar, beaten couches, and well-lived tables and chairs. The shabby-chic decor conveys a pleasant feeling: Builders Arms looks attractive and comfortably lived in - a philosophy easily embraced by all their regulars.

The Atmosphere
This nice pub is a favourite hangout of groups of thirtysomething locals who a bit on the posh side - this is Kensington, after all. The atmosphere is lightened up by the sports and movies on Sundays. The flicks chosen are of the gory variety, including the whole Alien saga, the 28 Days Later series, the soon-to-be-forgotten Dog Soldier and critically acclaimed Blade Runner. When the management is not alert enough, a rare bright comedy can sneak onto the list.

The Food
The menu is populated by delectable choices, straying away from the usual pub grub. However, the offerings are limited - summarised in one single page. Given the quality, freshness and presentation of their food, though, Builders Arms gets the thumbs up.

The mains (£7-£8.50) are an eclectic mix, including the unexpected lamb tagine with coriander couscous, and the exotic Moroccan spiced chicken with avocado on baby spinach. Some more pub-like options appear in the form of Toulouse sausage with mash. The lights (starters, £3.80-£4.20) are as inventive: they serve chicken skewers with chilli and chocolate dipping sauce. No wonder the food is so popular with the regulars!

The Drink
The boho chic drink of preference has got to be beer, if the selection of Builders Arms is anything to go by. Their list is really long, dipping into European lagers and British ales: Becks Vier, Peroni, Hoegaarden, Fruli strawberry, Budvar, Amstel, Paulaner, Heineken, Scheiderweisse, Deuchards IPA, Timothy Taylor, Maredsous Blonde, Liefmans Frambozen, Aspall Blue and Weston ciders, all available on draught. Given the rather modest size of the bar, it seems almost impossible: yet Builders Arms is able to do the magic. Bottled beer is also quite interesting with Chimay, Moretti, Anchor Steam, and Duvel leading the pack. A pint of Guinness is £3.25: perhaps slightly more expensive than average but this is W8.

Since the Kensington residents are often not too keen on beer, Builders Arms has a nice selection of wines but, true to its shabby chic nature, they pour some of them straight from the tap, selling it by the litre. Be sure to get yourself a glass or jug of Exodus Sauvignon Blanc (New Zeland, £20 per litre), Pinot Grigio (Italy £19 per litre) or Shiraz (Australia, £15 per litre).

The Last Word
A cool venue with great beers and unusual food: Builders Arms could easily become one of your favourite locals.

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