The Wargrave Arms is a Dickensian-era pub, with the clout of the Young's Brewery behind it.

The Venue
A short walk away from the bustle of Edgware Road, you'll find little pockets of streets that provide relief from the smoggy grey clouds blighting the busier parts of the area. Brendon Street is a perfect example of this and, on its corner, you'll find the big red block that is the Wargrave Arms. The facade is covered by hanging baskets, grounded picnic benches and Victorian-style lanterns are fixed to its walls. Large windows expose the inside to the passer-by and it makes for a sweet tableau. Once through the door the deceptive nature of its size is apparent as it runs width-ways along the street without much depth to it. Golden gilded mirrors are suitably grand and everything, including the tables, chairs and floor seem to sparkle proudly with a polished wooden gleam to them.

The Atmosphere
The Wargrave Arms has a bit more of a well-to-do feeling than some of its close competitors but this doesn't make it snooty. It has the tall ceilings of a European-style drinking establishment and its decor imbues a sense of importance, even when empty. The spirit of community is witnessed in the posters for a member of staff's leaving do for which a fancy dress night is held and everyone’s invited! Aside from dressed up regulars, the pub is welcoming to big groups, both young and old. The music is quiet and if you’re pernickety about this sort of thing you can enjoy a louder volume late into the night.

The Drink
Young's have taken over the ale pipes with a pint of their bitter setting you back £2.90 and the Special costs £3.05. Lagers on draught include Fosters, Heineken, Kronenbourg (all £3.20 a pint) and Carling (£3.10). On top of a basic selection of wine The Wargrave also specialises in spirits and liqueurs with some interesting port, sherry, fine whiskeys and malts available.

The Last Word
The Wargrave is a handsome-looking venue and it has enough character to retain a charm of its own.

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