The Metropolitan

Where The Metropolitan leads, other musically inclined pubs tend to follow. For a start, this large, unpretentious boozer – a hop & a skip from Westbourne Park tube – attracts an enthusiastic crowd with its regular programme of live bands & weekend DJs: the ‘Portobello acoustic sessions’, which take place in the upstairs lounge on Thursday evenings, provide a platform for new musical talent (an unsigned Ellie Goulding once played here) with four acts playing for free each week. On the last Sunday of each month, you can also tuck in to a roast lunch to the laid-back sounds of live jazz. Meanwhile, the dark downstairs bar with its quirky tasselled lampshades serves London-brewed Camden Pale Ale, plus lagers & a well-edited wine list. Foodwise, sharing plates top the charts.