The Nag's Head willfully resists change and if this kind of attitude irritates you, then you may well suffer a personality clash. A number of pubs included in the Inside Guide to London provoke extreme reactions from visitors; some love the quirkiness and originality while a (definitely) smaller number cite a single visit where they felt spurned by the staff, or other drinkers. Speaking personally, I would far rather have to jump through the odd hoop in order to have an 'original' option, instead of streets full of identikit, glass fronted mega-lounges. For that reason, I'm a fan of the Nag's Head.

They want to keep the pub in a traditional guise, a place where a few drinks (ales especially) will loosen the mask or wall that many Londoners erect on a daily basis. One of the necessities in order to navigate the overcrowded streets and transport systems. People will and do speak to you here and mobile phones are banned. There are notices informing you and although you may get away with a spot of under the table surfing - the point of the Nag's Head is to detach yourself from modern burdens like mobile phones, texts and emails. Just kick back for a while and do nothing. The world will survive very well without you for an hour or two. If you're in the mood for a 'mini-crawl', you could also take in another nearby pub The Grenadier, a few streets away. Best to check Google maps at the bottom of the page as both are just off the beaten track. However, make sure you pocket that phone smartly before entering.

The Nag's Head is 300 years old, wood panelled and the bar and decoration are pleasingly traditional. With cartoons and posters adorning the walls (every inch of them) and odd, vintage bric-a-brac tucked into available recesses. There's a What-the-Butler-Saw, a late Victorian 'Peep-show' which was the epitome of saucy, 19th century entertainment - traditionally located at the end-of-the-pier (like the 'top-shelf' in a newsagent's). Few pubs do this well - the Windsor Castle, Marble Arch is another. You've got to jump all the way in, rather than dip an exploratory toe in the water. There's a back bar downstairs with more memorabilia and it has to be said the Nag's Head is not overburdened with space, but that matters far less than you'd think. It does food, but nothing of note, it's a pub for drinking, rather than eating. For many it's a place you might regularly stop by as you move on elsewhere, but the welcome is refreshing and if you're visiting from abroad - there aren't many pubs like this left. If eccentricity and a flavour of traditional pub theatre are on the wish-list for your trip to London, then drop by.

It does tend to be more accommodating in the summer, when you can spill onto the pavement outside. This area is one of London's most exclusive residential addresses, so you'll get an interesting mix of regulars and people stopping for a cheeky one. If you do spot someone coming in with a mobile phone, talking loudly and self-importantly, rearrange your seating for the best view of their belittling. Like raising the bascules of Tower Bridge, it's an event that happens periodically, rather than often - and a theatrical treat worth savouring when it does.


Mon-Sat 11am to 11pm
Sun - 12pm to 10.30pm
Food - Every day - 12pm to 9pm

The Nags Head, 53 Kinnerton St, Belgravia, Westminster, London SW1X 8ED

Nearest Tube: Knightsbridge or Hyde Park Corner

Call:      020 7235 1135

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