Take a few footsteps from Notting Hill Gate, and you might find yourself stepping back in time at The Uxbridge Arms. But does this unmodernised pub stand up to its more progressive competitors in this trendy part of West London?

The Venue
Tucked away in a peaceful terraced backstreet directly behind the bustling and hectic Notting Hill Gate, The Uxbridge Arms is within easy reach of the tube station and main shopping area. It’s also particularly handy for a quick drink before or after a trip to the Coronet and Gate cinemas. With a quaint appearance from the outside, you’ll feel warmly welcomed by pretty hanging baskets, potted plants and outdoor seating, while inside the delightfully old-fashioned interior there are warm crackling firepaces in the winter, heavy mahogany tables, thick carpets and a large open bar area. The overall appearance suggests that little has changed here in several decades, but the layout is functional and lends itself superbly to open and noisy debate across the full length of the pub from some of the more colourful local patrons.

The Atmosphere
The Uxbridge Arms really is a unique and unusual venue. There is no music playing, and the robust and fearsome landlady has ruled out bringing in arcade machines or anything more progressive than the regular quiz nights and book club that meets here. What really sets it apart though is the frankly bizarre mix of punters. You’d be forgiven for thinking you’d stumbled onto the set of a sketch show, with characters including heavily-whiskered retired military men, perfume-soaked local ladies, braying W11 estate agents who have made this a regular haunt, and a number of artisans and businessmen who live locally. It really makes for a quirky gathering, and the pub’s intimate layout makes it near to impossible not to get chatting to your fellow drinkers. Odd as it may sound, the mixed crowd works perfectly in this venue (even Richard Branson is a big fan of this pub), and makes sure that an hour spent in here is fascinating whether you’re just a people-watcher or confident enough to engage in conversation.

The pub reinstated its Sky Sports subscription a few years ago, so you can pop in to watch major tournaments. Check which fixtures are being shown on notices at the pub before turning up in expectation though, because the landlady keeps the television’s remote control on an extremely short leash.

The Food
The Uxbridge Arms doesn’t serve food, which is probably why it’s far lesser known than other local pubs. The advantage of this is you won’t see any tourists, and there are dozens of takeaways nearby when you’re heading home.

The Drink
Three real ales (always including London Pride) and Carling lager are always on draught at The Uxbridge Arms, and prices are cheap at between £2.80 and £3.50 a pint. Glasses of wine are only around £4-5, so cash-conscious locals pile in here on weekend nights to socialise without breaking the bank. The loyalty of local customers and the landlady’s longevity indicate a well-run cellar.

The Last Word
The Uxbridge Arms has to be seen to be believed. The punters are the opposite of what you expect from Notting Hill (some seem to have stumbled straight out of Little Britain), and the old-fashioned interior is remarkable in an industry that loves to rip out and replace. It’s a comforting break from other local venues.

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