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Image posted by paulof horsham
Submitted on Tuesday, 20th June 2023
With picture contributions to 7439 other pubs
View all this pub's pictures (2 more images)
Detail Pages
The Stablehand, W2
W2
W2 2SD
Served areas
Reviews of The Stablehand (Average Rating: 7 of 10) see review guidelines
Tris C left this review about The Stablehand
As mentioned, this was originally the Archery Tavern, dating from 1839 and built on the site of an archery range.
I only visited – Saturday two days ago – when prompted by ETA’s review, as this was the last pub that I hadn’t reviewed in the W2 area (apart from the Good Oak).
As described below, the interior is Olde Worlde fake Regency/Georgian, with claret and cream striped wallpaper. The pub was full of locals and tourists alike, to the accompaniment of the stench of fish and chips (or similar).
Cask amounted to two reversed clips – pathetic for an early Saturday evening – with a table next to me laid exclusively for dining; indeed, I rather got the impression that you needed to eat for a seat.
With no chance of a seat, overpowering smell and no cask, I left.
On 22nd September 2026
- no rating submitted
[User has posted 2351 recommendations about 2289 pubs]
E TA left this review about The Stablehand
Originally The Archery Tavern, the a French restaurant, it’s now a town pub, slightly upmarket, in an affluent residential area. The name refers to the urban stables in the mews next door, and it is quite entertaining to see the horses coming and going among the traffic outside. There is a good sized high-ceilinged bar at the front and a second room behind, mainly with tables set for diners. There is a spiral staircase in the corner leading down to a basement, though this was roped off when we visited. The ambience is civilised, pleasant music on the HiFi, equestrian paintings on the walls and the décor in good order. There were a couple of locals in, but the majority of the trade was groups of foreign tourists who weren’t really sure of pub etiquette. The young barman was very polite, overly so perhaps, but he was efficient and helpful. Two ales on draught, Windsor and Eaton Windsor Knot and Guardsman, which were in very good condition but at £7.40 a pint not the best value. Four unclipped stainless taps dispensed, we discovered, W&E Stout, Neck oil, Devon Red cider and a premium lager of unknown origin. Worth a visit for a relaxing, if expensive, nosebag.
On 18th September 2026
- rating: 7
[User has posted 3864 recommendations about 3822 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
john mcgraw left this review about The Archery Tavern
CLOSED.Gutted.(10/03/07)
On 12th March 2007
- no rating submitted
[User has posted 2044 recommendations about 2025 pubs]
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- Official site of The Stablehand - thestablehand.co.uk
- CAMRA page of The Stablehand - camra.org.uk
London Marylebone, 1 miles, 19 min walk (show)
London Victoria, 2.03 miles, 39 min walk (show)
Pub Details
Pub details supplied by members of this site to the best of their knowledge. Please check with pub directly before making a special trip.
- Accommodation : No last updated 15 June 2023 by paulof horsham
- Bar Billiards : No last updated 21 September 2026 by Tris C
- Beer Festivals : No last updated 21 September 2026 by Tris C
- Beer Garden : No last updated 21 September 2026 by Tris C
- CAMRA Discount : No last updated 21 September 2026 by Tris C
- Car Park : No last updated 15 June 2023 by paulof horsham
- Child Friendly : No last updated 21 September 2026 by Tris C
- Darts : No last updated 21 September 2026 by Tris C
- Dog Friendly : No last updated 21 September 2026 by Tris C
- Function Room : Yes - 22:25 and 26:30. - last updated 21 September 2026 by Tris C
- Hot Food : Yes last updated 15 June 2023 by paulof horsham
- Jukebox : No last updated 21 September 2026 by Tris C
- Karaoke : No last updated 21 September 2026 by Tris C
- Live Music : No last updated 21 September 2026 by Tris C
- Live TV Sports : No last updated 21 September 2026 by Tris C
- Micropub : No last updated 15 June 2023 by paulof horsham
- Pinball : No last updated 21 September 2026 by Tris C
- Pool Table : No last updated 21 September 2026 by Tris C
- Real Ale : Yes last updated 21 September 2026 by Tris C
- Real Cider : No last updated 21 September 2026 by Tris C
