The Queen's Head
Traditional pub with open fires, serving real ales and eclectic pub menu including flatbread pizza.
About
Just what London needs - another pub named after British royalty. The Queen's Head in London initially struck me as yet another cookie-cutter establishment trying to cash in on tourists' inexplicable fascination with the monarchy. But like that one friend who won't stop talking about their CrossFit journey, it eventually wore down my resistance.
Let's address the elephant in the room - yes, The Queen's Head is about as originally named as a John Smith in a British phone book. But while I rolled my eyes hard enough to see my own brain upon first entering, I've grudgingly come to appreciate this London pub's particular brand of charm. It's like running into an ex you're prepared to hate but who turns out to be... actually quite lovely.
The interior does that carefully calculated "authentic pub" thing that normally sets my teeth on edge, but here it somehow works. The fireplace area - which they'll let you book for private gatherings if you're feeling fancy - manages to be cozy without crossing into tacky territory. It's the pub equivalent of that friend who dresses effortlessly well while the rest of us look like we got dressed in the dark.
What really forced me to reconsider my initial skepticism was the food. Look, I've eaten enough pub grub to know that "decent" is usually the highest praise one can muster, but The Queen's Head in London has the audacity to serve fare that's actually... good. Their buffet options (available for private events) range from silver to gold tier, though in my experience, the silver hits the sweet spot between quality and value. The regular menu similarly delivers without requiring a second mortgage.
The staff deserves mention, if only because they've mastered that rare art of being attentive without hovering like anxious helicopter parents. During busy periods, they maintain their composure better than I maintain my New Year's resolutions. Even during private events - which could easily turn into chaos - they handle everything with the kind of efficiency that makes you wonder if they've cloned themselves.
For those keeping score of practical matters: yes, they take cards (welcome to the 21st century), there's actually decent parking (a miracle in London), and - brace yourselves - they allow dogs. The outdoor seating area provides a front-row seat to London life, though whether that's a pro or con depends entirely on your tolerance for street theater.
Live music features regularly, and while I typically approach pub entertainment with the enthusiasm of a cat facing a bath, I've yet to encounter anything that made me want to flee. They've somehow managed to book acts that enhance rather than assault the atmosphere. It's almost annoying how well they balance everything.
The drinks selection hits all the right notes - craft beers for the hop enthusiasts, wines that won't make sommeliers weep, and cocktails that demonstrate actual mixing skills rather than just heavy-handed pouring. The prices won't make you gasp in horror, which in London's current climate feels like a minor miracle.
The Queen's Head has wormed its way into my regular rotation of London pubs, much to my professional chagrin. It's like finding out that reality TV show you watched "ironically" is actually good - you can maintain your cynical facade, but deep down, you're invested. The place manages to be both a proper local and a worthy destination, walking that line between tradition and relevance with surprising grace.
If you must know - and I say this through gritted teeth - The Queen's Head in London is worth your time. Whether you're planning a private event, seeking a reliable pub lunch, or just need a well-pulled pint in pleasant surroundings, you could do far worse. And in London's oversaturated pub scene, that's higher praise than it might seem. Book ahead for events, bring your dog if you're so inclined, and prepare to become one of those irritating people who's found their "regular" spot. Just don't tell them I sent you - I have a reputation to maintain.
Contact Information
Address
2 High St, Chislehurst BR7 5AN, UK
London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (the)
Phone
+44 20 8295 2873Website
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