The Curtain's Up

Following its gentrification by gastro-specialists Geronimo Inns, this watering hole above the Barons Court fringe theatre hasn’t looked back. As ever, the group has injected a big dose of charm into the once-tawdry site, with its trademark mix of real ales, gussied-up interiors & cheery staff. The sizeable bar is flanked by sofas & refectory tables, but there’s also a cosy dining room where you can sample unfussy food with a homespun flavour – pies, fish gratin with peas or macaroni cheese made with Stinking Bishop. Drinkers can chomp Scotch eggs at the bar, while the weekend brunch offers brilliant value: enjoy mushrooms & goats’ cheese on toast with a cup of coffee for under £5. Come evening, culture vultures use the place as a warm-up before nipping downstairs to the bijou theatre.