Devonshire Arms Kensington — Restaurant in London

With 3 months left to work on my beach body in time for my trip to Australia, I did what any sensible person would do - I traded in my bikini for a napkin and plastic bib to sample some of London's finest fried chicken from a pub (iknorite??)

I don't normally eat fried chicken, so what do I know? I wasn't sure either, but after eating at D.A., I tried 4-5 other places for fried chicken (none of those greasy £3 chicken shops!) to figure out what makes good fried chicken... and I fully back the claim that D.A. makes some DAMN good fried chicken!

presentation. 5 pieces of chicken served in these mini fryer baskets, set on a wooden plank with a side of chips and coleslaw. The baskets are awesome b/c the skin stays nice and crispy, and never got soggy The batter actually stayed on the chicken, and it wasn't overly greasy. Nicely seasoned, CRISPY batter, nice and juicy meat... ugh, amazing!! When I tried a few other restos for their "amazing" chicken (names omitted but its in Soho), the batter was soggy and clung to the chicken like a loose double chin. apple celeriac colesaw is SO GOOD. Its a twist on the standard coleslaw, but I'm not complaining! I'm picky when it comes to coleslaw, mainly b/c its such a simple and tasty side, but I've never been able to find a place in london that can make a basic tasty slaw, until now!! Value. I admit it, I'm a cheap Asian. I've also got a massive appetite. For £14, I received 5 pieces of deep fried chicken (I think this was a half chicken, seriously), a side of chips and apple & celeriac coleslaw. And I know I got my money's worth when I could no longer move to reach that last piece of chicken.

Aside from the main dish, I did order mac n cheese for £3, which honestly - is cheap and some of the better mac n cheese I've had in this city. We also ordered calamari for £6, but its forgettable. I've heard great things about their other dishes, but I'm vouching for the chicken. I promise you won't be disappointed.

Live in America - I don't eat fried chicken Move to London - crave fried chicken

Go figure!

#friedchicken...

I went to The Devonshire Arms on Sunday and have to say it was an absolutely dreadful experience. I ordered the Sunday roast with beef. It was so overcooked that I could barely cut it and tasted abysmal. I'm not one to take food back but as I had chosen the most expensive meal on the menu I decided to let them know. I very politely told who I thought was the manager (the slightly older bar lady that was there) and she was unbelievably rude to me. First she snapped at me saying "well there is no other beef left, so what am I supposed to do." The entire time she was sneering at me and acting like I was being difficult. She then said "well what else can I get you" in a particularly surly tone.

Due to how rude and uncomfortable she had just made me I said don't worry and went back to my seat and thought I would just eat the veg and that it wasn't worth the confrontation. The lady then stormed over and gave me a steak knife to eat my roast beef as what she thought would be a solution. She was more polite at this point because my boyfriend was there and we agreed that instead of trying to carve my way through this indigestible beef I would have the roast chicken instead. This then arrived and the chicken was so under cooked that I couldn't eat it. Soggy would be the word.

I did not complain this time about the chicken as I couldn't be bothered with the hassle of having to speak to the bar lady / manager who had been in the corner glaring at me throughout the meal.

At no point was the difference in the prices of meals offered to be refunded, and no one bothered to ask how my food was.

Awful place, rude staff and...

The Devonshire Arms, Kensington – A Hidden Gem

Tucked away in the heart of Kensington, The Devonshire Arms is everything you could want from a quintessential British pub with a modern twist. From the moment you walk in, the warm, inviting atmosphere sets the tone for an unforgettable experience.

The interior strikes a perfect balance between cozy and classy, with its charming wooden beams, plush seating, and subtle contemporary touches. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel at home, whether you’re popping in for a quick pint or settling in for a full evening.

Speaking of pints, the drink selection is outstanding. Their range of craft beers, ales, and wines ensures there’s something for everyone. The bartenders clearly know their craft, and they’re more than happy to recommend the perfect drink to suit your mood.

The food? Absolutely top-notch. The Devonshire Arms serves up a menu that’s both comforting and refined. Their Sunday roast is nothing short of legendary – perfectly cooked meats, fluffy Yorkshire puddings, and all the trimmings. The fish and chips? A crispy, golden dream. And don’t sleep on the desserts; the sticky toffee pudding is a revelation.

What truly sets this place apart, though, is the service. The staff are genuinely welcoming, attentive without being overbearing, and they clearly take pride in making every guest feel special.

Whether you’re a local or just passing through London, The Devonshire Arms is a must-visit. It’s a shining example of what a great pub should be – excellent food and drink, a fantastic atmosphere, and service that leaves you smiling....