The Carlton Tavern

The Carlton Tavern is located on the border between Kilburn and Maida Vale in North West London. The nearest Tube is Kilburn Park, it’s a five minute walk to get here. The original pub on this site was built in 1864. In May 1918 a WW1 bomb hit the pub which all but destroyed it, the pub was rebuilt in 1921. During WWII the pub narrowly avoided destruction again, the pub was the only building in the area to survive the Blitz. On the 7th April 2015, a day before the property was to be listed, the pub was demolished by developers. After a well publicised campaign by local residents the developers were forced to rebuild The Carlton Tavern brick-by-brick, the pub thankfully reopened In April 2021. This is a sizeable two bar pub that is traditionally decorated. The bar on the right has a sturdy solid servery, plenty of seating and calming sage green walls. The bar to the left has a more cosier feel with sumptuous banquettes and welcoming wing chairs. At the back of the pub is a dining area with an impressive vaulted ceiling. There is also a long beer garden that stretches down the left hand side of the pub. The beer choice is excellent, there is a diverse selection of local London craft, cask ales and premium continental lagers. I decided on a pint of Stiegl, my pint was excellent, love a Stiegl, price point was to be expected. There is a classic pub grub menu available which also has a varied selection of small plates. My Son and I were feeling hungry and took advantage of the 3 for £16 deal on small plates. Our food was delicious and really hit the spot. We arrived just after 7pm on a humid early evening in mid-September. The inside of the pub was quiet as the majority of punters were sat outside in the packed beer garden. There was a friendly vibe about the place, this pub has a warm local pub feel. The service was on point, the chap who served us was welcoming and courteous.