The Gloucester, SW1

The Gloucester is located on Sloane Street just around the corner from Knightsbridge Underground Station. In this fairly prominent position I was surprised to this pub was quieter than its peers in the backstreets and mews of Belgravia. Maybe the residents and visitors to this part of London are less drawn in by the corporate vision of a London pub and prefer a proper pub, many of which are in this area. The bar is located along the left hand wall with seating opposite and at the rear. The toilets are found upstairs, but I didn’t venture up to see if there was anything else of interest on the first floor. There was some background music playing and World Cup Rugby on terrestrial television was advertised. This was to be shown on the flat screen televisions in the front and rear of the pub that were both airing muted rolling BBC News. The bar was stocked with premium and standard draught products and the three hand pumps were drawing Greene King IPA and London Glory alongside Windsor and Eton’s Canberra. Pub grub is available all day from the standard Taylor Walker menu. I found the service to be friendly enough, but there are lots of pubs in the area that are better than this one with a less transient crowd. I do not see a return on the cards in the near future.

Taylor Walker pub with quite a long narrow interior and a small area upstairs. 5 real ale taps. Food served.