A pub with all the gear but no idea.

The Venue
The Grosvenor is located next to a surprisingly dangerous corner of Grosvenor Road; don’t try to cross here - better head to the traffic lights further down. That is, if you happen to be strolling along the river bank in Pimlico and fancy a pint. The pub has symmetrical bay windows, a white and maroon facade embossed with stylish gold writing, and a couple of patio tables for smokers that line the busy embankment road.

As you walk in through the double doors you’re immediately struck by the hodgepodge collection of decorations – a few unknown books, some new seats, some old seats, gold lamps, halogen light fixtures, a saddle, lots of mirrors and other things that can only be described as trinkets. The other feature you’ll notice is the abundance of modern-day entertainment units: a pool table, large screens, one internet terminal, a dartboard, two guitars, a projector, a piano, board games and a beer garden. Somehow you feel deceived by its name and exterior, the first impression of the pub as traditional, almost regal, gives way to something more like an English themed Walkabout Bar.

The Atmosphere
Like the decoration, the atmosphere at The Grosvenor is a mixed bag and mostly dependent on the time of day you choose to visit. On the whole, it's rather quiet and decidedly local. West London council estates, upwardly mobile gated communities, and Qatari Sheiks are all found within a stone’s throw of the pub, and so its clientele reflect this mixture. That said, it’s doubtful the Sheiks pop in very often.

The pub hosts a variety of nights some of which are good, some of which are bad – try checking out the singer-songwriters on Thursday night for light entertainment. Another time to visit is in the evening for that after work drink. The Grosvenor usually has a post-work wind down where the mod cons and toys for grownups help de-stress and disrupt the weightwatcher microwave meal and TV to bed routine.

The Food
Meals at The Grosvenor are hearty and reasonable - all the dishes are closer to £5 than £10, with a snack menu for even less. The food is well cooked and seemingly fresh - as fresh as meat pies and lasagnes can get. The staff serves the food with a smile and there are deep couches to help you digest and watch the three screens from.

The Drink
The attendant bar staff at The Grosvenor pour a decent pint, and because it’s mostly empty you’ll never need to wait long. The lager is typical: Carling, Grolsch, Kronenbourg and Guinness are all on tap. The prices aren’t as steep as neighbouring Chelsea, which is a plus, and the bitter selection is fair: London Pride and IPA.

The Last Word
Not really a keeper – a little bit too mismatched with old and new barely hiding the lack of taste and skimped atmosphere. The Grosvenor has all the gear but no idea: an arcade for adults meets fraying British pub.

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