The Beaufort

Delightful Service and Cozy Outdoor Seating

Ah, The Beaufort in Colindale—a labyrinth of delightful contradictions. A local pub that seems to both dazzle and disappoint, depending on whom you ask. With a cocktail menu so beguiling it would make Bond reconsider, and courteous staff like Vivienne and Madison who come up more often than your aunt’s favorite celebrity crushes at family dinners, this establishment strikes the fascinating balance between neighborhood staple and mystifying enigma. On my visit, I was greeted with a stellar sheepishness, as Viv and co. offered a saga of hearty dishes from fish and chips to more extravagant brunch options, despite the sporadic culinary hiccup.

Certainly, not every element sings harmoniously. Prices can feel plucked from London's giddy West End rather than its humble outer zones, especially if you've just weathered a disappointing brush with a foreign beer that leaves you longing for the fond embrace of Foster's. Yet, there's something undeniably charming about being nestled in cushion-clad seating, feeling as if you've chanced upon a well-kept secret. Perhaps here lies the true allure of The Beaufort—the radiant pockets of warmth and hospitality, embodied by vivacious staff amidst promises of nostalgic pub classics that keep you coming back, even when the occasional detraction leaves you momentarily aghast. This is a pub that thrives on character, buoyed by an ensemble cast of adorably dedicated servers and a parade of fervently forgiving patrons. — Penelope Savory