Duke of Kendal

Stop everything you're doing and get yourself to the Duke of Kendal in London RIGHT NOW. I've just discovered this absolute gem of a pub tucked away in Connaught Village, and I swear it's about to become your new favorite spot in the city. This triangular slice of pure London magic sits pretty on the corner of Connaught Street, serving up the kind of vibes that make you cancel all your other plans.

You know those places that feel like they've been waiting for you your whole life? That's the Duke of Kendal London in a nutshell. The moment you walk in, you're hit with this perfect mix of proper British pub charm and "I could totally start a spontaneous piano singalong here" energy. Because YES, there's actually a piano, and YES, magical things happen around it on Sunday nights!

Listen, whether you're plotting a first date that'll actually be memorable (unlike that awful coffee shop meetup you're still trying to forget) or organizing a group night out that won't end in the usual "where should we go?" text chain of doom, this place has got you covered. The front bar area is basically a social butterfly's dream - tables close enough together that you might start the night with your crew and end it with a whole new squad of friends.

And can we talk about the FOOD for a second? Their pizza game is STRONG. Like, "why-am-I-even-considering-getting-delivery-from-anywhere-else" strong. The back dining area feels like your fancy friend's dinner party setup, but without any of the pretension. Perfect for when you want to feel grown-up but still want the option to get delightfully silly after a few pints.

Speaking of drinks - they've got everything from perfectly poured pints of London Pride for the traditionalists to a solid selection of wines that'll make your sophisticated aunt actually impressed with your pub choice. The prices hit that sweet spot where you can treat yourself without having to sell a kidney. We love that for us!

But here's what really sets the Duke of Kendal apart from every other London pub claiming to be "your local": the VIBE. The staff here actually seem like they enjoy their jobs (shocking, I know), and there's usually a friendly pub dog around who's ready to be your new best friend. It's like walking into the living room of that one friend who always throws the best house parties, except this time there's professional bartenders and you don't have to help clean up afterward.

The outdoor seating is prime people-watching territory, especially since you're in one of London's poshest neighborhoods. (Fun fact: you might spot Tony Blair or Claudia Winkelman walking by - they live just around the corner!) And inside? The triangular layout somehow creates this perfect storm of cozy corners and social spaces that work whether you're trying to have an intimate chat or make friends with everyone in the room.

Here's your insider intel: Sunday evenings are when the piano comes alive and the place transforms into something straight out of a feel-good British movie. Get there early to snag a good spot. If you're coming with a group, the back dining area is reservable - absolute game-changer for birthday celebrations or those "everyone's finally in London at the same time" reunions.

Let me paint you a picture of your perfect evening: Start with a few drinks at the front bar, migrate to the dining area for some seriously good pub grub, then end up back at the bar joining in on an impromptu singalong with a mix of locals and people who'll swear they've been your best mates for years. The Duke of Kendal London isn't just a pub - it's the starting point of all your "you'll never believe what happened last night" stories.

You're literally a quick walk from Marble Arch tube, so you have zero excuses not to check this place out. The Duke of Kendal is serving up exactly what central London's been missing - a proper pub with proper character that doesn't take itself too seriously. Don't be that person who has to hear about all the legendary nights secondhand. Get yourself down here and thank me later. Your next great London story is waiting!