The Churchill Arms, Kensington
London
Bewertungen
The Churchill Arms is iconic for its exterior, which was beautiful in pictures. The Thai food was simply okay. We had the beef pad see ew and a chicken fried rice. We were hoping for more flavourful spices in our food. However atmosphere was nice and the servers are friendly.
The Churchill Arms is one of London’s most iconic pubs, and for good reason. From the moment you arrive, the flower-covered exterior makes a striking impression, while inside you’ll find a fascinating mix of hanging plants, wartime memorabilia, antiques, and traditional pub charm. Originally dating back to the 18th century, the venue has become a Kensington landmark and a popular destination for both locals and visitors. What sets the pub apart is its unusual combination of a classic British pub atmosphere and a highly regarded Thai restaurant. Many visitors praise the authentic Thai dishes, creating a refreshing alternative to standard pub food, while the extensive beer selection and lively atmosphere make it an excellent place to enjoy a drink. The atmosphere is undoubtedly the main attraction. Whether decorated with thousands of flowers during the summer or transformed into one of Britain’s most famous Christmas displays during the festive season, the pub offers a memorable experience that feels uniquely London. Customer feedback is generally very positive, with visitors frequently highlighting the character of the building, the impressive décor, and the overall experience. Some reviews note that the venue can be crowded due to its popularity, and opinions on pricing and service vary, particularly during peak tourist periods. Rating: 4.6/5 Pros * Iconic flower-covered exterior and unique interior * Historic Kensington pub with plenty of character * Excellent selection of drinks * Authentic Thai restaurant inside the pub * Spectacular Christmas decorations and seasonal displays Cons * Often very busy and crowded * Tourist popularity can affect the atmosphere during peak times * Prices are higher than average London pubs * Service can be inconsistent when the pub is packed Verdict: If you’re visiting Kensington, The Churchill Arms is almost a must-see. It’s not just a pub—it’s an experience. The combination of history, quirky décor, vibrant atmosphere, and surprisingly good Thai food makes it one of London’s most memorable places for a pint and a meal.
I’m going to leave such a great review that you’d think I had money in it, having lived in Thailand for a decade I can not recommend the food enough. Not only is the food authentic but also delicious, the drinks were spot on and the staff were so welcoming and friendly it was like being in my local. I strongly recommend you give it a go and i promise you won’t be disappointed.
This became my local waterhole for 2 weeks, nearly were first name bases. Love hitting the G with the Guinness Pints. The Pol Roger was a big hit by the glass over the bar for my wife and I as well as it also clearly being Churchills favourite Champagne in the day. The Thai food wasn’t too bad. I hit the Jungle Curry to compliment the beers 🤙.
Came for lunch after visiting Kensington Palace (about 12 minutes walk). Very popular pub, and busy at 12:15. Ordering food is a bit wonky. Drinks from the bar, but food is from the Thai restaurant in the rear. As for the food, being vegan, most dishes offered an option to exclude meat. I am unaware what was in the sauces though. The food was good, it was a little bland. We got the #10 and the #13. I asked when ordering if it could be made more spicy and was told that it was not possible, but he would deliver some hot sauce on the side, but that did not happen. Most Thai restaurants that I visited at least have some chili sauce available (Hoy Fong, or Ox brand).
