The Best Pubs in Knightsbridge and Belgravia

The best pubs in Knightsbridge are hidden in the mews of neighbouring Belgravia, a few minutes' walk from Knightsbridge and Hyde Park Corner stations: the Grenadier on Wilton Row, the Star Tavern on Belgrave Mews West and the Horse and Groom on Groom Place. Closer to Harrods, the Paxtons Head and Tattersalls Tavern are easy, lively locals. Here are seven worth your time, all trading now and checked on their own websites.

The Grenadier

Tucked away on Wilton Row, close to Belgrave Square, The Grenadier is the most atmospheric pub in the area. Look up: the ceiling is covered in banknotes, left by visitors trying to pay off the debt of Cedric, a soldier who, legend says, was caught cheating at cards and haunts the pub to this day. The kitchen cooks seasonal dishes and pub classics, and the beef Wellington is the house signature. It is open from noon daily, until 11pm Monday to Saturday and 10pm on Sunday, at 18 Wilton Row, SW1X 7NR, near Hyde Park Corner station.

The Star Tavern

A Fuller's pub in a Belgravia mews, The Star Tavern has been listed in the Good Beer Guide for all 50 editions, which it says makes it one of only five pubs to manage the feat. Expect well-kept cask beer, refined pub classics from fresh seasonal ingredients, a real fire, board games and function rooms for private events. Dogs are welcome. It opens at noon most days, at 11am on Saturdays, and is at 6 Belgrave Mews West, SW1X 8HT, between Knightsbridge and Hyde Park Corner stations.

The Horse and Groom

On cobbled Groom Place, a mews off Belgrave Square, the Horse and Groom is a small, friendly local with traditional wood panelling and etched glass. It serves home-cooked food with hand-pulled ales, has an upstairs dining room for private parties and puts tables out in the mews when the weather allows. It opens at 11am on weekdays and noon at weekends, and closes early on Sundays at 7pm, so plan Sunday visits accordingly. The nearest station is Hyde Park Corner.

The Alfred Tennyson

Named after the Poet Laureate and set among the boutiques of Motcomb Street, the Alfred Tennyson is part of the Cubitt House group. Downstairs is a proper pub with bar stools, banquettes and a terrace for summer, while upstairs Alf's serves British and French classics, good wines and well-made martinis by candlelight. There are rooms on the first and second floors for private hire. The address is 10 Motcomb Street, SW1X 8LA, a short walk from Knightsbridge station.

The Paxtons Head

Built in 1900 as a gin palace and named after the designer of the Crystal Palace, the Paxtons Head at 153 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7PA, is the most convenient pub for Hyde Park, around the corner from Knightsbridge station. The Victorian interior has red brick, etched mirrors and original tiles. The menu covers burgers, fish and chips and salads, with craft ales, live sport on big screens, karaoke and live music. It is dog friendly and family friendly.

Tattersalls Tavern

Tucked away on Knightsbridge Green, three minutes from Knightsbridge station, Tattersalls Tavern is a traditional British pub that suits a break from shopping at Harrods and Harvey Nichols. The menu runs to comfort food classics like burgers, pies and chilli, with plenty of puddings. It is family and dog friendly and shows live sport. Find it at 1 Knightsbridge Green, SW1X 7QA.

The Thomas Cubitt

Named after the master builder behind much of Belgravia, The Thomas Cubitt is a handsome Georgian pub at 44 Elizabeth Street, SW1W 9PA, a short walk from Victoria station. The ground floor bar is for a pint or a cocktail, while the light-filled first-floor restaurant serves British classics including steaks, fish and chips and a Sunday lunch. It is the furthest from Knightsbridge on this list, but worth the walk.

Good to know

The mews pubs are small, so arrive early on Friday evenings or book a table for food. Opening hours vary, especially on Sundays, so check before you set out. If you prefer a hotel bar, The Library Bar at The Lanesborough is close to the Grenadier and the Horse and Groom at Hyde Park Corner.