This is a tiny little bar where I go if I am in Portobello area, recommened to me by my dad's crazy…read morefriend on the premise that it is one of the only bars in the area that still retains its own little sense of character. And he is right! this place is really cool, it is a shame it is small. Although I do reckon the intimacy would be lost if it is any bigger, it is just hard to squeeze in there sometimes on a busy night. If you can, get on the big, squasy leather arm chairs- very comfy. They serve amazing cocktails including one called 'you mum'. Am planning to try that next. Suits the slightly er.. bohemian vibe. Drinks are not too badly priced, but it is not the sort of place where you would be buying too many, just one or too to have a nice chat with mates before you hit the town for bigger and glitzier places. Mau Mau is just chilled out with live music every now and then and all sorts of other events. Just go there and check out what is going on!

The Mau Mau is a Portobello institution and famous for its music connection with live performances…read moremost nights. Everyone seems to know one another, most regulars are local musicians. It's relatively small which is part of its charme. There are a few tables near the stage towards the back of the bar - with gents and ladies on either side of the stage. Or if you're lucky you may get a stool at the bar as you arrive. There's always a crowd of smokers hanging out on Portobello.

A Wonderful Afternoon Tea at The Swan - Thanks to Theo!…read more I had the absolute pleasure of enjoying afternoon tea at The Swan, and what truly made the experience exceptional was the outstanding service from Theo. From the moment we arrived, she greeted us with a warm smile and genuine hospitality that set the tone for a lovely afternoon. Theo was attentive, friendly, and incredibly professional throughout. She made sure everything was perfect--from keeping our teapots topped up to explaining each of the delicious items on the tray with care and enthusiasm. Her attention to detail and calm, welcoming manner made us feel completely relaxed and well looked after. The food itself was delicious--beautifully presented sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and a tempting selection of sweet treats--but it was Theo's service that turned a great tea into a truly memorable occasion. If you're planning an afternoon tea at The Swan, I highly recommend it--and be sure to ask for Theo. She's a true star! Excellent service.

We came here without a reservation and seated at a two person table in the back of the empty first…read morefloor. A bit too cozy with no windows in view. Wife had the 23 GBR sea bass which was decent but a very small portion perhaps 4 oz, I had the 20 GBR fish and chips which came with mushy peas. The fish was fantastic at least 8 oz fresh and moist with plenty of flavor. The chips were only so-so, and not up to McDonalds quality. Loved the 9 GBR sticky toffee pudding which came with a dab of vanilla ice cream. When I went upstairs to use the bathroom and found out the place had great views of next door across the street Hyde Park. Three stars for sitting downstairs but would have been four stars if they had seated me in the packed upstairs.

This place is just rad! Don't be confused, it's tiny as hell but man the vibe is exhilarating. The…read morepianist is out of this world, he can play ANYTHING. For real, ANYTHING. From rap to indie, to British pop, he sings it loud and proud and he does it damn well! Plus, the whole place can' help but join in with him. Get there early if you want somewhere to sit, or to try to get in at all. Since it's small, it gets filled up quick. Not a great selection on mocktails and it is a pricey joint but certainly a night I'll never forget and hope to return too soon!

Very nice atmosphere. Piano singer was very talented and had a lovely voice. Waiters were attentive.read more

Nice neighborhood pub with good food. Non-touristy, just how we like it, even though we are…read moretourists.

The fish and chips were spot on. I even ate the mushy peas. My Mr. Loved his cold beer.read more

There are a few problems here at Charlie's…read more First, this is not a Gentlemen's club. This a hostess bar. The girls chat with you and drink Champagne at minimum 165 GBP plus 50 GBP per hour for the girl. The bar tender will 'accidentally' forget the price of bottles and services in order to round up about 50-100 GBP on the final total. She will also then push for a big tip. Push, push, push. Your hostess will be attractive. There are several. However, and in the most unfortunate manner possible, they will sit across from you in the coldest least engaging manner possible. Their hope here is that their looks alone will captivate you enough for to disregard the several hundred GBP tab at the end in which you had a conversation the likes of which you could have had with the check out lady at Sainsbury's local. Don't waste your time. Or your money.

From the owner: Charlie's Club is simply the best club in London for discerning Gentlemen…read more For your enjoyment we have some of the most gorgeous hostesses in London, fine wines and champagne as well as world beers and spirits, a private VIP lounge, karaoke, cabaret and nightly live adult entertainment featuring our amazing resident Jazz singer. We also have a late bar licence, meaning you can enjoy yourself well into the night. Charlie's Gentlemen's Club truly is the perfect place to relax and unwind.

On my first trip to London, our only plans were to visit the major sites, eat local food, and wing…read moreit. Found this place on Yelp on our first night and have to say we are so happy went here! Everything is so delicious, the mac and cheese balls with the chilli sauce, the classic burger, backed mac, dumpling burgers. We showed up late 10p (on a Wednesday) just as the kitchen was closing and they still took our order. The music vibe was 90s hip hop and RnB Jayz, Foxy, Brandy, etc. If you are looking for a good time, good food, and drinks this is the place to go. Oh yea, Fri/Sat they bring in a DJ!

The brunch was going great...almost a 5 star review until the server behind up dropped an entire…read moreplate of food on my partners back. Ive never had an experience where someone does something like that yet nobody apologized or made sure anybody was ok. They continued about brunch like nothing happened. Theres food and stains all over his coat, shoes and jacket. Maybe its a British thing to be nonchalant when you have an accident but that totally ruined the experience.

I swung by here Sunday afternoon and ordered at the bar the king prawn roti for takeaway (the…read morepumpkin curry was out). The server behind the door, a young guy with short cornrows, had a huge attitude: avoiding eye contact, muttering answers to my questions as if I was annoying him, and just being generally unpleasant. I walked away and waited for my order feeling as if I was the problem- for god forbid paying this establishment for food. I debated getting a juice as they were cheap at £3.20 but refused to give this place any more money. It also took FOREVER for my food to arrive, despite the place not being busy at all. It seemed the cooks and staff (including that horrid server) had better time joking behind the bar than working. I could imagine your food would take centuries if one came at a busy time. The roti itself was delicious: chock full of juicy prawns, chickpeas, veg and potatoes. The roti was firm enough to hold the goodies but soft to chew and delicious. Mild spice (and this is coming from someone who doesn't do spicy sadly). It's a shame the food (and the price at £7.95 for the huge roti) is so great bc the crud attitude means I would never return nor recommend anyone would. Good riddance.

The Tabernacle is a strange place. I had heard of it when I moved nearby, but it wasn't until a…read morecouple of years ago, I discovered it for myself. Completed in 1888, the Romanesque red brick and terracotta building has been decribed as the 'Taj Mahal of North Kensington'. When the area went into decline in the 1900's it ws the centre of many slums in the area and race riots. In 1975 it closed down as a church and taken over by the local council. Demolishion plans were twarted and it was converted into the multi use community building that it is today. Joe Strummer of the Clash appeared here in the 70's and it also hosted gigs by Misty in Roots and George Melly. In 1995 it closed to be upgraded, to reopen in 1998. It is still going strong as a multi-use venue.They hold art exhibitions, concerts, dance lessons, fitness and sport activities as well as concerts. It's a great place to go for a drink or snack, and is very reasonable. It also has a full bar. I like sitting outside when the weather is nice in the large courtyard in frotn of the building. I highly recommend you visit this place, should you be in the Portabello Market area.

Portobello Lounge is located at The Muse at 269, but it is -not- The Muse at 269. That would be the…read moreart gallery next door. Plus, according to the bartender behind the counter, they're under different ownership as well. Whew. With all of that confusing business out of the way... It's worth noting that their website apparently hasn't been updated yet to reflect that they no longer have a chef here. Ergo, they no longer serve food. It's questionable whether or not they'll look to replace their chef (who departed less than a month ago at this point), so if you're looking to nip in for a nibble and a show, you'll only get half of that experience. Not to worry, there are plenty of edibles within walking distance. Similarly, this past Wednesday evening found me standing at the bar, asking if they had a cocktail menu. Bartender: Sorry, we don't have menus right now. Me: As in... you're -out- of menus? Or you don't have a cocktail menu at all? Bartender: We don't have any at all right now. They're being redone. Me: Oh. But you serve cocktails? Bartender: Not at the moment. We have various liquors... Me: How about a gin and tonic? Bartender: I can do that. Me: Great then. I'll have two. When dealing with a bar situation where they don't really serve cocktails and are having new menus worked up, it's probably best to stick to basics. And it's generally hard to mess up a G 'n' T. A simple drink, smooth jazz, and great company make for a pleasant Wednesday night. If invited out again, I'd be totally willing to give Portobello Lounge another go. However, I can't say I'd make the haul of my own volition.

Delicious italian place with generous portions, properly cooked pasta, and sensibly priced coffee…read more(£1.50 for an espresso macchiato.) After an insalata caprese and a carbonara, I needed the coffee to digest. Service is lovely, the big windows at the front let it an abundance of light, and there were paintings on the wall from a temporary exhibition called "Quietude" which were lovely. A 2-course lunch for 2 (with coffees) was £30 with a good tip! No service charge is applied, so you leave what you wish. Looking forward to going again for lunch next time I go around portobello market. :) YUMMMM!

Standing arena seats are under $10. There is a GREAT lounge area if you get tired of standing…read more This is one the World's greatest concert halls.

Came here for the 2nd to last night of the proms. It was my first time here and also my first time…read morefor proms. Such a cool place and a glad to have attended at least one of the proms nights. It was a little stuffy and the show was amazing even if you're not into classical. Some of the patrons were a bit rude and some have been going here for ages. A nice cultural experience.

The service is surly but the pub is pretty damn cool. It's like stepping back in time to another…read moreera! Old fashioned everything and you can really imagine what it was like back in the 1950s. Come here on a rainy day when you'll be forced to sit inside and absorb the atmosphere!

We popped in this off the path, quaint little neighborhood pub with friends late one evening, and…read moreluckily got a table. The people were friendly the wait staff courteous and the atmosphere was pure English pub. Enjoyed it immensely. Did not have anything to eat just a few Gin & tonics.