The Hand & Flower, Olympia

Authentic English Charm, Friendly Atmosphere!

Nestled in the heart of Kensington, with the venerable Olympia Arena as a fellow neighbor, The Hand & Flower certainly holds a peculiar charm that mirrors its prestigious surroundings. Stepping into this traditional English pub is like boarding a cozy time capsule; its old-world allure complemented by a lively yet unpretentious vibe. I recently ambled in for both dinner and breakfast – because, simply put, why not double the delight when there's a hearty English breakfast on the line? While my dinner took the cautious phrase "your eyes are bigger than your stomach" to new heights, the breakfast redeemed itself robustly. That Yorkshire Gold morning repast, complete with glorious bacon and flawless beans, felt like a warm embrace on a drizzly London morning.

That said, not everything sparkled quite so brightly. The fish and chips, traditionally a crown jewel in any British pub's culinary arsenal, had a few bones to pick, mostly concerning a tartare tsunami that could've been reined in by ramekins, for heaven's sake! Nevertheless, what The Hand & Flower may lack in culinary consistency, it compensates with bubbly hospitality and attentive service, qualities embodied by characters like Jazz behind the bar, who brings genuine warmth and wit. From managing a lively crowd recuperating after exhibitions, to ensuring comical banter feels as crisp as the freshly poured pints of gluten-free IPA – this pub knows its audience and looks after them diligently. Yes, despite some hiccups and an occasional brusqueness at late-night closing, it's the atmospherics and affable service that etches a memorable impression on this tavern's ticking clock face. — Milo Tastemaker