261 Old Brompton Road,
Earls Court,
London,
SW5 9JA
(020) 7373 8337
The ViewLondon Review
There are many pubs and bars to choose from on Old Brompton Road, and this may be the downfall of this recent conformist to the gastropub empire.
The Venue
Right next to the famed Troubadour is this refurbished gastropub. It doesn’t look that striking or appealing on first glance but when you go inside your mind slowly changes.
The setup and decor is typically gastropub in design with rustic tables with candles placed upon them, dark brooding colours for the walls and furniture and a grand chandelier hovering above the bar. The circular bar is the main focal point of the space and the big bouquet of flowers upon it makes it look very welcoming.
The front portion of the pub serves more as a bar whereas the back is designed for dining. A great feature about The Pembroke is definitely the upstairs bar; it contains more space than downstairs and comfortable sofas.
The Atmosphere
The Pembroke is a very popular location and tends to be pretty buzzing most nights of the week, but they find it hard to compete with next door. The music and bar staff are excellent and the clientele responds well to this. The restaurant staff, however, can be a bit touch and go at times, so maybe it would be best to grab a snack in the bar area as opposed to getting attitude from the restaurant. Expect to find professionals and locals who want good food and wine in attractive surroundings.
The Food
The food at The Pembroke is well worth a try. Starters consist of vegetable soup (£4.50), and pork, veal and pistachio terrine with cranberry chutney (£6). Be careful with the terrine as it’s very rich.
For the mains there is pan fried sea bass, saffron potatoes in a chive sauce (£13.50), game pie with root vegetables and kale (£12.50), and lamb shank with mash and spinach (£14.50). Desserts are modern British and very indulgent, with quince and plum crumble with custard, chocolate fondant with raisin and rum ice cream, and sticky toffee pudding with vanilla ice cream all at £5. On Sundays they do an impressive roast, which is popular to say the least, for £13.50.
The Drink
If you like your beer then you’re in luck as there is a vast selection on offer at The Pembroke. Starting at around £3.20 a pint beers include Edelweiss, Aspall, Kronenbourg Cold, Amstel, Guinness, Heineken, Bitburger, Birra Moretti, Sagres and guest ales.
If it’s wine that tickles your fancy, The Pembroke has a decent selection to choose from. The house white is a 2007 Bergerie de la Bastide for just £12.95 a bottle and the house red is equally well priced at £14 for the 2007 Alameda Sauvignon Blanc. There are also some tasty bottles like the English 2006 Three Choirs (£19), 2006 Chablis (£23) and the 2007 Sancerre (£26). For people in the mood to party, the small sparkles list might get you going. With prosecco at £20 and Champagne Palmer for £7 a glass, you don’t have to miss out if you can’t afford the more expensive Veuve Clicquot (£45) and a 2000 Dom Perignon (£99).
The Last Word
Although The Pembroke has changed into a gastropub it is still a pleasant place to visit for a pint or a glass of wine. However, it doesn’t stand out from the crowd and trying to tempt customers to come here is evidently tricky, given it sits right next to The Troubadour.
The Pembroke has been reviewed by 5 users