The Retro Pub

Taking inspiration from the 1960s, this Kensal Rise/North Kensington corner boozer has recently been recast as a quirky, funked-up 'drinking establishment-cum-social club’. The chattering classes may have colonised much of the neighbourhood, but likeable Retro’s soul is resolutely ‘old-skool’ Portobello. A mix of rare-groove DJs, gigging indie/rock musicians & a pool table keep the local lo-fi clientele entertained, & the place also acts as a sounding board for up-&-coming stand-up comics, who share the mic with more established jokers during Thursday’s free ‘comedy bin’ weekly showcase. Booze & sustenance is confined to a no-frills selection of unpretentious vino, bottled & tap lagers, basic cocktails & nibbles – in fact the wholesale absence of the organic Barolo/bresaola brigade merely ups the Retro’s cool quotient.