Anglesea Arms
South Kensington, London
Capital Pub Company managed house
The idea of a country pub in the middle of London may sound like a fantasy, but that is exactly how licensee Jenny Podmore describes the Anglesea. "We sell brilliant ales and the atmosphere has a real country pub feel to it," she says.
The Anglesea serves six real ales - five permanent and one guest ale that changes every couple of days.
The pub has a wet:dry split of 70:30, although the food side of the business is steadily growing. The appointment of Paul Shoemaker as chef three years ago marked the beginning of these changes, with the emphasis moving to dishes made on the premises using fresh ingredients.
Also in the last 18 months, the Anglesea has moved to serving a full menu in the bar area as well as in the restaurant. Traditionally, only snacks were served in the bar. The smoking ban has also helped with the success of meals in the bar area.
"The Anglesea's reputation for good food is growing and now more people are coming for a meal. Plus you can now get food in the bar area in a smoke-free environment," says Podmore.
Although situated in South Kensington, the pub is on a side street, which helps to enhance the country feel. "Because we are not on a main street, we tend to be a destination pub and we get a lot of repeat customers," says Podmore.
The décor of the Anglesea is formal, but inviting. The large open bar has a bare wooden floor and dark mahogany panelling. Ornate mirrors and prints decorate the walls and the seating is a selection of button-back padded leather benches, pews and spindled chairs.
With no music playing, Podmore describes the atmosphere in this friendly and unpretentious pub as "happy chatter".
Its reputation for good beer started in the 1970s when it was one of the first freehouses to sell real ale from independent breweries.
"The ales are key to our success and we look after them very well," says Podmore. "We also provide good service, which is very important. Our staff retention is very good and employees know their products."
