5 Regent Street,
Kensal Green,
London,
NW10 5LG
(020) 8969 2184
The ViewLondon Review
Tucked away on a side street just seconds away from Kensal Green station is a funky little pub called The Regent. It might look like your average local from the outside, but inside lies a modern watering hole that serves a mean burger, plays fabulous tunes and is bustling to the brim.The VenueThe interior of The Regent combines dark wooden floors and furniture with modern chandeliers and grand mirrors. Although there are no walls to physically separate, the venue is divided into four parts. With the bar located in the centre, the areas to the left and right are furnished with tables for sitting, drinking and dining. Be sure to note the quirky popcorn-making machine at the bar, offering patrons a freshly popped snack to nibble on whilst they enjoy their bevvies at the bar. Behind the bar is another area with leather couches for lounging and few tables and chairs that are cleared away when the sun sets and the DJ comes out to spin.
Beyond the lounge area lays a wonderful little terrace, decked out with more leather couches, white wicker chairs, and sparkling fairylights. There are heat lamps to keep the night’s chill away and an optimistic open roof – perfect for some summer patio fun.
The AtmosphereThis is where The Regent gets full points. If you are out for a night of drinking and mingling, this pub gives you plenty of both. Young media types, artists and hospitality workers fill the place to the brim. The Regent is a fusion between pub and bar – laid back with a funky edge.
The FoodIt seems The Regent burger menu wins over most patrons, as the plentiful options, hearty patties and good prices are enough to please anyone. You can choose beef, chicken or a vegetable patty in any of the wide array of options. The Blue and Green Burger (£8.50) brings together stilton, bacon, spinach and red onion salsa. The Farmhouse (£9.50) somehow works combining gherkin, honey roast ham and an egg with your patty.
However, if burgers don’t rock your boat they also offer more than the average pub grub. To start, The warm Greek salad (£4.50) is a tasty option, along with the mozzarella wrapped in pancetta with watermelon dressing (£4.50). Vegetarians will be happy to know that there are options for them as well - vegetable stuffed aubergine with chargrilled halloumi (8.95) is cooked perfectly, but could use a bit more zing. The organic spring lamb chops served with sweet potato mash and roasted cherry tomatoes on the vine (£9.95) can be a little tough but complimented with the fabulous mash and costing less than a tenner, all is forgiven. The Regent’s homemade desserts are worth saving room for. Be sure to try the tangy and creamy mango and coconut cheesecake (£4.50), which satisfies a sweet tooth without the heaviness that often accompanies such a dish.
The DrinkThe Regent has a nice selection of reasonably priced wine. Red wine drinkers should indulge in the tasty and award winning Rioja Criaza Tinto 2003 (Spain) at £6.40 for a large glass and £19 bottle. Fans of white wine can sip Pinot Grigio di Vento (Italy) for £5.50 a large glass and £15 a bottle. Champagne is served by the bottle only, as it should be. A bottle of Moet et Chandon will set you back £45. If your drink of choice is beer, they also have a decent selection of draught and bottles to keep you satisfied. Pints of Kronenberg are £3.50 and a bottle of Corona is £3.
The Last WordWith a cheap menu, good selection of tipples, and enough great music and laughter to wash your woes away, The Regent is a one-stop shop for a good night out.