The unpretentious Greyhound is a no-nonsense pub surprisingly located in Kensington: reasonably priced and friendly, it’s a welcome change from the posh venues surrounding it.

The Venue
You can sit in The Greyhound without imagining what lays in its history, the only hints being the last century photos adorning the wall: this nice pub, occupying a not very prominent location, is pretty common in appearance. Built as a long room, you first step into a drinking area where the bar is located, furnished with comfortable couches and the usual quintessential pub-style complements. The second room at the back of the venue houses the dining area and pool tables: with its modern furniture, the only thing this large, bright space shares with the pub is the carpet and laid back, unpretentious atmosphere. However, wherever you sit you’ll find it hard to accept that you’re in one of the oldest free houses of Kensington, operating since 1690 and once hosting the courts of the manor of Earl’s Court.

The Atmosphere
Kensington square is not exactly a place where you would expect a totally relaxed atmosphere, and this is one of the great bonuses of this pub - serious about staying true to its centuries-old pub nature. Luckily, it has found a crowd of appreciative customers, invading the place mostly at lunchtime (it’s popular for office workers during the day). Suits and ties are rare and most punters are just as unpretentious as the venue: any age in any outfit is welcome, whether for the sports broadcasted on the large screen or for the occasional karaoke sessions. Not exotic enough? In Kensington, The Greyhound is actually a very rare beast, given the exclusive and expensive atmosphere of any other establishment in the W8 postal code.

The Drink
The wines are listed on a separate menu and while there are no big surprises, there is definitely something for all taste buds. Choose between the light and fruity; soft, smooth and velvety; or truly scrumptious sections for the reds, or the fresh; clean and crisp; ripe, aromatic; and fruit-driven chapters for the whites. A few rose, sparkling wines and Champagnes complement the list, comprehensive with about two dozen choices. Once again faithful to its principles, The Greyhound does not charge Kensington prices for its wine: glasses cost between £3 and £5.50 and the most common bottles will set you back only £12-£20. The same is true for the beers, reasonably priced at around £3 for a pint and between £3 and £4 for a bottle. The selection is just as unfussy as the venue: Guinness and Fosters are the bestsellers, but you can get yourself some fancier options like a Spitfire, John Smith Extra Cold, Fullers and others.

The Food
Fish and chips? It would be the most obvious choice; however, this pub has decided to take things further and the menu is a well done affair mixing exclusive ingredients with more regular alternatives. The point common to any dish is the price: you can indulge with a rump steak matured a minimum of 28 days but pay less than £9 for it. And any other option between the starters, mains, sandwiches, jacked potatoes and traditionally British desserts will actually cost you less.

The Last Word
The Greyhound is a truly popular option in all its aspects: recommended for a truly relaxed pint or meal, neither will see you leaving considerably poorer.

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