Bulstrode Pub

The Bulstrode Pub in London is what happens when your mate's brilliant idea of "just one quick pint" turns into one of those legendary evenings that you'll be talking about for weeks. Tucked away like a cheeky secret just steps from the Underground, this unpretentious gem manages to pull off something rather special – it's both a proper London boozer and an unexpected culinary adventure that won't have your wallet crying into its beer.

Let's be honest, most pubs claiming to serve both traditional pub grub and Indian food usually do neither particularly well. But the Bulstrode has somehow cracked the code, creating a space where your mate can demolish a perfectly pulled pint while you feast on some of the most moreish sheekh kebabs this side of Mumbai. The regulars (and there are plenty) will tell you it's this surprising dual personality that makes the Bulstrode Pub special in London's crowded pub scene.

The magic really happens in their garden, a space that feels like stumbling into your coolest friend's backyard party. String lights twinkle overhead as evening sets in, creating the kind of atmosphere that makes you want to cancel your next appointment and order another round. It's the sort of setup that makes even hardened Londoners forget they're in the city, especially when the weekend DJ starts spinning or live music fills the air.

Inside, the Bulstrode manages to balance traditional pub cosiness with modern touches. Dark wood panels and worn leather seats tell stories of countless conversations, while the well-stocked bar gleams with promise. The sound system pumps out just the right volume of tunes – loud enough to create atmosphere but low enough that you won't have to shout "WHAT?" every time your friend tries to tell you about their day.

The food deserves its own paragraph of praise. Those chicken wings and tikka pieces that keep emerging from the kitchen aren't just good-for-a-pub good; they're properly good-good. The kind of good that has you plotting your return visit before you've even finished your meal. The menu prices are refreshingly reasonable for London, making it entirely possible to enjoy a proper feast and a few drinks without having to remortgage your flat.

Speaking of drinks, the bar staff know their stuff. They'll pour you a perfect pint with the kind of casual expertise that comes from years of practice, and they're just as comfortable whipping up a cocktail as they are recommending which craft beer might suit your taste. The wine list won't win any awards, but it's perfectly decent and won't make your bank account weep.

Here's a pro tip: if you're driving (though with the tube so close, why would you?), there's a small free car park. Just remember to tell the staff your registration number – it's the kind of detail that can save you from an unfortunate parking ticket surprise. And while we're sharing insider knowledge, the pub tends to host some properly good themed nights and DJ sets that are worth keeping an eye out for.

The Bulstrode Pub in London really comes into its own during those in-between times – when it's too late for lunch but too early for the evening crowd. That's when you can really appreciate the space, maybe grab one of those coveted garden tables, and settle in for what might start as a quick drink but often evolves into an impromptu gathering of friends who "just happened to be passing by."

For sports fans, the multiple screens mean you won't miss any crucial matches, though the atmosphere stays more "passionate appreciation" than "rowdy chaos." The pub has mastered that delicate balance between being a proper sports venue and maintaining its character as a place where non-sports fans won't feel out of place.

Look, London isn't short of pubs – you probably passed three just getting here. But the Bulstrode has something special going on. Maybe it's the way they've managed to create a space that feels both local and welcoming to newcomers. Perhaps it's how they've merged British pub culture with knockout Indian dishes. Or it could just be that they've figured out how to keep prices reasonable while maintaining quality. Whatever it is, do yourself a favor and pop in for a pint and some of those sheekh kebabs. Just don't blame me when "just one" turns into "just one more" – some things are worth being a little late for.