I'll be in London in mid-July following a tour to the countryside. I'm a young, "hip" - Senior (is that an oxymoron?) who enjoys good times. Since I'll be solo I'm wondering where it would be appropriate to have cocktails/dinner at an age appropriate venue where I won't feel like a chaperone, I'm staying in the Kensington area so I'd "prefer" places in the vicinity...not a deal-breaker. BTW, I am very mobile and healthy; not your typical "old lady"! Thanks for your input. BP
Posted by
Los Angeles by way of Providence and Rome
557 posts
According to my college-student daughter, if you want hip, "Sketch" is the most-instagrammed restaurant in London. We are headed there for tea next month.
Have fun!
Posted by
Land of La
8649 posts
Far from hip but I got out in London solo all the time.
Having a meal in a pub is easy and you won’t feel like a chaperone. Give a try one evening.
Posted by
Troy, Oh, USA
2775 posts
I agree with Claudia, pubs are a great place to eat. There are tons of pubs in the Kensington area, if we knew what part of Kensington you are staying in then could suggest places.
Posted by
OP
68 posts
Hi, I'm staying on Queens Gate Rd (?) Doubletree Hilton/Kensington Hotel.
Posted by
Reading, PA, USA
1584 posts
Well, Rick's favorite London pub, Anglesea Arms, is just down the street from you at 15 Sellwood Terrace.
Posted by
Troy, Oh, USA
2775 posts
The Queens Arms, 30 Queen’s Gate Mews it’s a 3 minute walk from your hotel.
Posted by
Windsor, Ontario, Canada
4037 posts
My favorite pub in the area, the Hereford Arms, is a block or two away on Gloucester Road. Both food and selection of beers are above-average. herefordarms.co.uk
If you call up your hotel on Google Maps, then click the Nearby menu, you can search for pubs in that neighbourhood (or any other). No guarantee of quality but usually a link to the pub is included for further information. Note that many pubs put on a big "roast" meal Sunday afternoons, including the Hereford (pronounced "her-furd"; it's a breed of cow.)
I like the Queen's Arms too but before and after performances at the nearby Royal Albert Hall it will likely be jammed.
Over several decades many pubs have been absorbed by chains. In general this consolidated has improved the menus. As in North America, bars and pubs now need the revenue generated by a respectable kitchen. Beer is not enough, at least for commerce.
Time Out has an extensive pub guide or try Fancy a Pint or the Campaign for Real Ale.
Posted by
Kingston, Surrey
239 posts
Another vote for the Queen's Arms. It's a bit pricey, but it is Kensington. Good food, excellent beer, lively and friendly atmosphere.
Posted by
OP
68 posts
Thanks to everyone for your suggestions. Regards, BP
Posted by
Chicago
1942 posts
Since you're solo, I would look into going on a London Walks(www.londonwalks.com) pub walk tour at night. Your guide takes you though a neighborhood and goes into 2-3 pubs along the way where you can get a drink and chat to the other participants. I've had a lot of fun on these tours-Along the Thames was my favorite.