While The Belvedere might not replicate the beauty of the eponymous Belvedere Palace in Warsaw, this pristine venue provides much-needed relief from Acton for the indigenous Actonites as well as the strong Polish community it serves so well.

The Venue
The Belvedere is a pristine venue, combining generic pub decor with a boutique element to give a pleasant and contemporary ambience for British, Poles, Australians and any other Londoners. The entire frontage is made up of rows of French windows, which are all opened up in the summer, with homely foliage visible from the outside. Rich reds and browns, bold wallpaper and contemporary lighting combine with high couches and upright chairs and tables to create a warm and welcoming look to this sizeable venue.

There are Polish touches everywhere: Polish food and drink is advertised in the windows, there are Polish signs on the toilets, and the walls are adorned with depictions of Poland, including the Belvedere Palace in Warsaw.

The Atmosphere
Sweet, friendly staff offer excellent and attentive service during the day to the broad mix of customers, from local Acton old folk to workers on lunch, while harmless chart music plays in the background. Things liven up in the evening - particularly at weekends when DJs are on. The popular Friday student night offers punters money off drinks, so expect some lively action from the mixed young crowd.

The Food
A lengthy menu with an impressive choice including starters, sharers, burgers, salads, pasta, and mains like suet puddings, steak, and whole deep fried camembert is complemented by the blackboard displaying the Polish food available. Prices are on the low side, and the food is good – try the feta and roasted vegetable ciabatta for only £4.50. There is also a special meal deal available all day every day, and the desserts include the obligatory sticky toffee pudding.

The Drink
The huge bar gets very busy weekend nights and is extremely well stocked with an impressive drinks selection. Standard drinks and beers are available on draught, including Stella, John Smiths and Guinness. The menu also offers a selection of World Beers. In fact there are just Polish (Tskie, Zywiec, Brok and Okocim) and Australian (Tooheys and VB) beers, in keeping with Acton’s current population. A vodka connoisseur’s selection of bottles occupies a huge eight-foot section of the back bar and includes Belvedere (of course), Wyborowa, Stolichnya, Absolut and 42below. Flavoured and original options are available for each. Finally, the long wine list of seven red, seven white and a couple of roses also features a small selection of champagne and sparkling wine.

The Last Word
The Belvedere is an oasis of thoughtful and contemporary hospitality in the pleasure desert that is Acton High Street, welcoming all Londoners.

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