The Churchill Arms - Kensington Church Street

Pubs, Thai·
££££
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SquareMeal Review of The Churchill Arms - Kensington Church Street

Built in 1750, this Kensington Irish pub was once frequented by Winston Churchill's grandparents (expect nostalgic bonanzas every year on his birthday). The façade is covered in masses of flowers, while inside you’ll normally find a boisterous crowd, eager to see a British pub at its most baroque. The decoration is a medley of wicker baskets, chamber pots, Churchill and US presidential memorabilia and flags, while the thriving Thai restaurant serves up curries, stir-fries and noodles amid a jungle of greenery. Unsurprisingly, it’s been a Chelsea Flower Show winner and even claims to be the first-ever London pub with a Thai menu. Long-serving landlord Gerry O’Brien has built a real sense of bonhomie thanks to open fires, candles, amber lights and hot toddies during the winter, while the bar deals in real ales and guest beers which get the CAMRA seal of approval. For restaurant reservations, call 020 7792 1246.

Good to know

Average Price
££££ - Under £30
Cuisines
Pubs, Thai
Ambience
Cosy, Fun, Lively, Traditional, Unique
Perfect for
Dates, Romantic
Food Hygiene Rating

Location

119 Kensington Church Street, Kensington, London, W8 7LN

020 7727 4242 020 7727 4242

Website

Opening Times

All day
Mon 11:00-23:00
Tue 11:00-23:00
Wed 11:00-23:00
Thu 11:00-23:00
Fri 11:00-23:00
Sat 11:00-23:00
Sun 11:00-22:30

Reviews

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4 Reviews 
Food/Drink
Service
Atmosphere
Value

kombizz

12 December 2022  
Food & Drink 3
Service 2.5
Atmosphere 2.5
Value 3
“A Cluttered Bar Inside & Full of Flower Outside”

When I was travelling toward Victoria train station on bus, I saw this pubic house covered with loads of colourful flowers. Then I decided to visit this pub. For sure there were so many flowers all around the building. Inside the pub I saw loads of decoration including chamber pots, USA, Union Jack flags, signs, frames, etc. Although perhaps all these item were collected during years for more attraction for locals or visitors, I found it very cluttered.

Anon

13 December 2020  
Don’t be fooled by the beautiful exterior!

I booked lunch 2 months in advance and made a request to be seated in the pub area. Me and my fiancé turned up yesterday to see the pub all festive, tree up, fire going. For us to then be led out back to the atmosphere vacuum that was the restaurant! No Christmas decs, no fire, bright artificial lighting - it almost felt disconnected to the pub we walked through! When I approached the staff about making my request 2 months in advance and noting a seating request they were very unhelpful and quite keen for me to leave them alone...I was told I'd have wait another 2 hours to be seated in the pub as they are at full capacity so we ended up leaving very disappointed!!!

Yoonjin S

15 October 2011  
Food & Drink 4.5
Service 4.5
Atmosphere 4.5
Value 4.5
The Churchill Arms is a little old man pub whose exterior is covered in flowers and flowerpots. It's always packed with a range of different people, making for a good night out. At the back of the pub is a thai restaurant that has a short, simple menu of tasty food. Starters range from 2-5pounds and mains aren't much more than that. Portions are massive and the food comes out promptly leaving more time to drink and socialise. Remember you don't have to be seated in the restaurant section to order food – you can sit in the pub and go up to the thai counter to order! Best time to go is on week nights when the pub isn't too busy!

Annica W

12 September 2008  
Food & Drink 5
Service 3
Atmosphere 4
Value 5
This has got to be the best bargain in town. I've been coming to Churchill Arms for the past 13 years and the prices have only gone up about a pound a dish since. So what keeps me coming back? Some of the best Thai food London has to offer and bills much closer to Bangkok than Kensington. There isn't as much variety here as you may find in a 'proper' Thai restaurant (if only they added som tam to the menu, I'd be in heaven) but it really can't be beaten on value. The speciality is one-plate meals, which means stir-fries and curries come complete with rice, while large mounds of noodles cover an entire dinner plate – all at just over five pounds a pop. Unsurprisingly, it's very popular and the management runs a strict table-turning policy in the cramped dining room (don't be surprised if they ask you to vacate your table the minute you've finished your food) so, if you want a more relaxed meal, it's worth trying to bag a table in the bar, which gets equally busy but at least you can hold on to your table. Takeaway is an option too. You order by number and the best dish by far is No.8 with chicken or prawns (a stir-fry with chilli, onions, thai basil, french beans and peppers). We also like No.15 (chicken and cashewnuts), No.1 (pad thai – order it spicy with prawns!) and the very garlicky No.13.
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020 7727 4242 020 7727 4242

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