Prince Alfred — Restaurant in London

A True Gem in Maida Vale – The Prince Alfred

I’ve been visiting this wonderful Maida Vale pub near Warwick Avenue for years, and it never disappoints. Most recently, I stopped by with a friend for a few pints and was once again impressed by the charm and authenticity of this historic Victorian gem.

The pub’s authentic wooden interiors are simply stunning, with intricate carvings, snob screens, and beautifully engraved bow windows that capture the spirit of a bygone era. The central servery, surrounded by five original compartments divided by wood and glass partitions, is a rare and extraordinary feature. It’s a space that tells a story with every detail – from the ornate back bar to the mosaic floors and real log fire in colder months.

The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with friendly staff and an eclectic mix of locals and visitors alike. It’s the kind of place where you feel part of the community as soon as you step in.

The food is just as impressive. Whether it’s a classic pub dish or one of their delectable Sunday roasts, the Formosa Dining Room and kitchen deliver dishes made with sustainably sourced, seasonal British ingredients. Pair that with their wide selection of drinks, and you’ve got an experience to remember.

I’m excited to return after their upcoming refurbishment, which promises to give the pub some much-needed TLC while retaining its historic charm. If you’re in the area, don’t miss their pre-closing party on February 1st for a proper knees-up!

Highly recommended for history lovers, foodies, or anyone seeking a true London pub experience.

📍 Prince Alfred 📅 Established 1856 | Grade II* listed (recognised for its unique...

I've been going to this pub on and off for 17 years. It's expensive but a lovely looking place to meet someone. Unfortunately, the service in the last year has become absolutely terrible, to the point that - as of this evening - I will no longer recommend or patronise this pub. In fact, I will be telling people to stay away. We asked for food menus (had to ask twice). Food menus were handed over at the bar at about 8.10pm with the advice that the kitchen closes at 9pm. We tried to order at 8.33 and were told, unapologetically, that the kitchen had closed. Had a conversation with one of the staff members who went and checked what we were planning to order and after some trial and error, came up with something the chef would agree to cook. We could very easily have gone elsewhere in the area, but it would have been a rush if we were hitting up against a hard 9pm kitchen closure deadline elsewhere. We were then kicked out rudely and unceremoniously, with backchat, after being sold drinks we weren't given time to drink. The staff at this place seem to think they are doing you a MASSIVE favour even condescending to talk to you. Other local pubs have failed due to poor service (the former iteration of the Hero being one). This is a beautiful pub, but if your staff don't want to be there and think they are doing you a huge favour by doing their job, then you may as well be closed. The Carlton Tavern have a much better menu, including plant based options, and don't act like you are lucky...

2 people try to eat dinner -but sadly one by one

A disaster of a meal Just two of us eating, and the restaurant was not busy when we arrived, yet we each landed up eating on our own!

My small steak was served with just salad, as I had requested no butter and no chips but had requested some vegetables instead. I was still really hungry after eating it. I had to ask for and wait for the promised balsamic glaze to dress the leaves.. I don't understand then why were there no substitutions when I had asked for vegetables in place of the chips. My companion's butternut squash risotto then arrived but was swimming in oil and cold, as it had been left sitting on the pass waiting, with the chicken breast finally plonked on top and very dry. We did complain and they remade the risotto while I had to eat alone. However, she did not like it the second time. The chicken breast was also dry. When we had complained they took her meal off the bill.

I asked for the bill and was livid when they tried to charge me over £10 for the complimentary glass of wine, then insisted that I had drunk two glasses of wine! Don't they know what they are doing and serving? Apparently not! I did not go out with a friend to sit and eat alone, nor did she. We were both fed up. I came home to eat something having paid £19.00 for a poor plate of food- a small steak and a few leaves, badly picked over with some halves of cherry tomatoes. I would not recommend the Prince Alfred and Formosa Dining Room. They...