The King's Head

Cozy Mayfair Pub Delights with Delicious Fare

Ah, The King's Head in quintessentially beautiful Mayfair—a veritable master class in how to bottle London’s historic pub charm and serve it with a spicy Bloody Mary. Stepping into this delightfully cozy sanctuary, the fairytale begins almost immediately upon being greeted by the celestial staff, including the almost too-perfect-to-be-true bar guru, Laura, who manages to cater to your every whim with jovial attentiveness. They say you can judge a good bake by its crust and without exaggeration this establishment nails it with pies so exuberantly stuffed one fears they might burst right into a Shakespearean soliloquy. From spine-tingling, melodious beef rib pie to daring lamb shank masterpieces, if pies had egos, these would boast charming but unwarranted Michelin stars.

Though, what truly elevates this place isn't forged within the sweat-drenched crucibles of some trendy cuisine drama but rather from The King's Head's atmosphere—classic to the core. Picture bizarrely polished wood panelling coyly flirting with fluttering flags and an arsenal of memorabilia from when rugby truly was a gentleman's affair. The bustling street-side banter of suited post-office escapees efforts in earnest contrast warmly with the pub's peaceful upstairs room, where Yorkshiremen whisper reassuringly about surprisingly fair prices for central London. It's quite like stepping through two very different doors in the Tardis, perfuming the air with thick drafts of nostalgia. Moreover, within these stout walls churns an impressive array of libations seemingly calculated to whet and glut simultaneously. The pints flow generously, tipping replenishment awash over the gin-soaked cobbles out front; indeed, girding your loins for the city's intoxicating cerebrum roar is best executed here, with Guinness in hand and comforting cheddar tater tots within reach. — Penelope Savory