A site now nationally-famous to CAMRA members; after being illegally demolished the developer was forced by Westminster Council to rebuild this pub brick by brick. (For the old pub see the WhatPub entry under "Carlton Tavern, demolished".) The architect was Francis J. Potter, working from original plans.
Much was salvaged from the wreckage of the old pub, including tiles, reusable bricks and the original bar and fireplaces, and some of the decorative ceilings were also rescued.
The opportunity was taken to redesign the internal layout by moving the kitchen to the basement, which had previously been used as changing rooms for a local hockey team. The inside is quite roomy, stretching around the bar to a dining room at the back. Outside is a garden/patio area also used for dining in summer.
The new pub showcases the best brewers and distillers in London, alongside a fresh, seasonal menu in the new dining room. The ale offerings include a house bitter. As at date of this entry ale is sold cheaper on Monday nights.
The pub is halfway between Kilburn Park and Maida Vale tube stations and the area to the south is affluent, with the pub clientele reflecting that.
Winner of the West London branch Pub of the Year in 2022. Our pic shows owners Ben and Tom receiving the award with Alex Langford, West London branch chair, and John Cryne from North London branch.
As of late 2023 the pub is crowdfunding to help pay for a badly-needed refurb of the WCs.
Restoration
A site now famous because, after being illegally demolished in 2015, the developer was forced to rebuild using matching materials inside and out, resulting in a handsome pub harking back to its first incarnation from 1921. Much was salvaged from the wreckage, including tiles, bricks, bars and fireplaces, whilst the kitchen has been moved to the basement. The left hand bar is accessed from the side door retaining its original tiled floor, but modern tiling on the walls. The panelled bar counter is original but the bar back is modern. An original tiled, ceramic and wood surround fireplace survives (some wood replaced). The ornate plasterwork ceiling has been skilfully replicated. Good but new fixed seating. Front right bar is new apart from some of the bar back and counter. The dining room has cross beams and more plasterwork detail. You will find real ales and meals being served.
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This Pub serves 3 changing beers and 1 regular beer.
Carlton Tavern, Kilburn
Changing beers typically include: Big Smoke (varies) , Five Points (varies) , London Brewing (varies)
Source: Local