The Antelope

The Antelope in London is one of those rare pubs that makes you question everything you thought you knew about British drinking establishments. Nestled in its cozy corner of the city, it's not just another watering hole – it's a vinyl-spinning, craft beer-pouring love letter to what makes London's pub culture truly special. Think less sticky floors and stale peanuts, more carefully curated ambiance and the kind of atmosphere that makes you want to cancel your evening plans and settle in for the duration.

Walking into The Antelope London feels like stumbling into your coolest friend's living room – if your friend happened to be a master of vintage decor and had impeccable taste in music. The warm wooden interiors and eclectic mix of furnishings create an environment that's simultaneously classic and contemporary, like a perfectly aged whiskey with a modern twist. There's something undeniably charming about watching the bartender flip a vinyl record while pulling your pint – a simple act that somehow makes everything taste better.

The real magic of The Antelope happens around its bar, where the staff operate with the kind of knowledge and enthusiasm that makes beer aficionados weak at the knees. They're not just serving drinks; they're curating experiences, offering tasters until you find your perfect match like some kind of hoppy dating service. It's the kind of place where "I'll just have whatever's on tap" turns into a 15-minute conversation about flavor profiles and brewing techniques, and somehow, you don't mind one bit.

The outdoor space deserves its own standing ovation. In typical London fashion, The Antelope has transformed its beer garden into something that works year-round – a feat that deserves recognition in a city where the weather has a reputation for being, let's say, temperamental. Whether you're seeking sunny afternoon pints or huddling under heaters with a warming winter ale, the garden adapts to your needs like a chameleon with a hospitality degree.

What sets this place apart from the countless other London pubs claiming to be 'different' is its commitment to creating a genuine community space. The pricing hits that sweet spot where quality meets accessibility – you're not breaking the bank, but you're definitely getting more than your money's worth. Their food menu, while not trying to compete with London's fine dining scene, delivers pub classics with enough flair to make you forget about that fancy restaurant you were planning to visit.

The Sunday roast deserves its own paragraph – actually, it deserves its own sonnet, but we'll stick to prose. The trio of roasts (featuring chicken, pork belly, and beef) has achieved near-legendary status among local residents. The pork belly, in particular, has been known to cause spontaneous outbursts of joy and the occasional tear of happiness. It's the kind of meal that makes you understand why Sunday roasts are practically a religion in Britain.

For those wondering about practicalities, The Antelope ticks all the important boxes. They take cards (including contactless), welcome four-legged friends (often with more enthusiasm than their human companions), and offer both street parking options nearby. The staff's "make yourself at home" attitude extends to little touches like being perfectly fine with you bringing in coffee from next door – a level of chill that's increasingly rare in London's hospitality scene.

Let's be honest – London isn't exactly short on pubs. You could probably throw a stone from The Antelope and hit three others (though we don't recommend testing this theory). But what makes this place special is how it manages to be everything a proper London pub should be while still feeling uniquely itself. It's traditional without being stuffy, modern without losing its soul, and welcoming without being overbearing.

So here's my advice: next time you're in London, searching for that perfect spot to while away an afternoon or kick off an evening, make your way to The Antelope. Order something you've never tried before, settle into a comfortable corner, and watch as the vinyl spins and the conversations flow. Just don't blame me if you end up staying longer than planned – it happens to the best of us.