The Princess Alice

The Princess Alice in London is what happens when a traditional British pub decides to be everyone's favorite local without putting on airs. Nestled in the heart of the city like a well-worn leather armchair that's been waiting just for you, this unpretentious gem has been serving up hearty fare and pulling pints with the kind of casual confidence that comes from knowing exactly what it is – and what it isn't.

Let's get one thing straight: if you're looking for artisanal cocktails served in mason jars or deconstructed gastropub fare that requires a dictionary to decode, you've wandered into the wrong establishment. The Princess Alice London is that rare breed of pub that remembers when value meant more than just the number on your bill, and hospitality wasn't measured in Instagram likes.

Walking in, you're greeted by that distinctive mix of aromas that only a proper British pub can master – the sweet-malty scent of beer meeting the savory promise of roasting meats. The wooden interior, while not exactly cutting-edge design, has that lived-in charm that makes you feel immediately at home. There's something genuinely comforting about a place that's more interested in keeping your plate full than keeping up appearances.

Speaking of plates, let's talk about the food. The carvery here is the star of the show, operating with a beautiful simplicity that would make your grandmother proud. Help yourself to unlimited vegetables (yes, unlimited – this isn't some measly portion-controlled establishment), and watch as generous slices of meat are carved right in front of you. The roast potatoes, when they're fresh from the kitchen, achieve that perfect balance of crispy exterior and fluffy interior that's practically a British birthright.

Breakfast deserves its own paragraph, because The Princess Alice London takes the most important meal of the day seriously. From traditional full English to lighter options, they've got early birds covered. And while it might not be the fanciest breakfast in London, it's exactly what you need when you're craving honest-to-goodness morning fuel that won't require a small loan to finance.

The drink selection is reassuringly straightforward – well-kept beers, decent wines, and all the usual suspects you'd expect from a proper pub. The staff pour with the kind of efficiency that comes from experience rather than mixology workshops, and prices remind you that affordable pints in London aren't entirely extinct.

What really sets this place apart is its democratic approach to dining. Families with kids, workers on lunch break, seniors enjoying an early dinner – everyone's welcome, and nobody feels out of place. The children's menu isn't an afterthought, and the vegetarian options show that tradition can adapt without losing its soul. The outdoor seating area, while not exactly the Riviera, offers a pleasant spot for those rare sunny London days.

Time your visit right, and you'll hit the sweet spot – early enough for the carvery to be in its prime, late enough to avoid the main rush. Weekend breakfasts tend to draw a crowd, but midweek mornings are peaceful affairs perfect for planning your day over coffee and toast. The payment options are thoroughly modern (they take everything from contactless to cards), though the prices feel refreshingly old-school.

Here's the thing about The Princess Alice: it's not trying to reinvent the wheel. Instead, it's keeping that wheel rolling smoothly, offering reliable sustenance at prices that won't make your wallet weep. Yes, sometimes the vegetables might be a touch too firm, and during peak times you might need to queue for your roast. But in a city where simple pleasures often come with complicated price tags, this place is a reminder that good value and good food aren't mutually exclusive.

Pop into The Princess Alice London when you're hungry for something real. Whether it's a hearty breakfast to start your day, a satisfying lunch that won't break the bank, or a dinner that reminds you of Sunday roasts at home, you'll find it here. Just don't expect miracles – expect honest food, fair prices, and a slice of London life that's refreshingly free of pretense. And really, sometimes that's exactly what you need.