The Havelock Tavern — Restaurant in London

When I was planning my trip to London, I was searching for a place with a great fish and chip. I came across this place, and its good rating and review of the dish made me want to go. The iconic cobalt blue tile wall exterior caught my eye from the outside. Several people were sitting outdoors with beers, and I saw strollers with babies. That cued me that this was more of a local restaurant. Intrigued by the outdoor space, I went in and was welcomed by the beautiful interior. It was quiet and empty, but it was also earlier in the day.

The cream wall juxtaposed to the sea blue was pleasant and aquatic, giving it the island country vibe. It was met with dimmed lighting, wooden furniture, a fireplace with chopped logs next to it, and other objects that told stories. There was a backyard where people could sit down (see video), but we decided to sit indoors to hide from the blazing sun. It felt like I was in a fairy tale, though I am sure many people in London find this interior a normal part of their lives.

We ordered two beers, a London Pilsner that the bartender or owner had recommended, and a cider of some sort (I cannot remember the name), along with a Scotch egg and fish and chips.

The beers, though fine, did not particularly stand out. Perhaps I was anticipating something mind blowingly different for my first London experience, leaving me wanting more.

The Scotch egg was great; it was nice to try a food that I have never tried before. Meat covering an egg then deep fried? What is not to love about it!

The fish and chips was a tad disappointing. It lacked flavor, which was probably why they gave three sauces, and tasted a bit earthy or muddy. I think I was expecting a well seasoned fish situation instead of having to put sauce on it. The chips that came with it, on the other hand, were hot and crispy, which was great.

The bathroom was big, but I almost hurt my ankle with a misstep (though I think there was a sign), so I would be careful.

With great service and ambiance, I am confident their other dishes would be equally great. I would happily return to try more of their food; it truly felt like a nice place to be, and I will...

Today I revisited the Havelock Tavern in masbrough Road Brooke Green W14 , for a truly excellent Sunday lunch of rose lamb with all the trimmings including Yorkshire puddings homemade roast potatoes vegetables gravy etc

The chefs are amazing and cook excellent dishes but I think they're sandy roast is probably one of the best in the area or that you could probably get anywhere and there is a choice of beef lamb chicken and pork on rotation and when in season.

Not only is the food staffer absolutely professional and friendly under the direction of Rob and his superb team.

The pub has an outside garden area which also can be heated up on cold evenings and s also children family and dog friendly.

Definitely the best pub and restaurant around and definitely the best Sunday lunch around the area and beyond...

Excellent pub and a great place to eat and drink with a imaginative and changing menu you and I highly recommend the great tasting Sunday roast which can consist of roast pork belly , beef , lamb , vegetarian and chicken , all a accidentally cooked and throat with roast potatoes vegetables and I'll course Yorkshire pudding and homemade gravy and sauces . The Havelock also has a good range of starters other main courses including a fabulous burger and probably the best fish and chips in London .

That is a good range of homemade desserts on offer and everything is a very reasonable price in very clean surroundings with excellent friendly professional management and staff.

The pub also has a very well kept garden which is suitable for summer or winter dining and tables outside the main entrance .

Children and dogs are also welcome and the place has a good atmosphere and is very friendly with plenty of local customers and customers from a far and overseas . Basically I love...

PS Hey Tom, welcome back buddy. Emailed yesterday, LMK if need anything?

As a local who used to eat here weekly for years, it’s genuinely disappointing to see how far this once-excellent gastro pub has declined in the past year. The food, which used to be outstanding, has really gone downhill — both in quality and consistency. I believe there's been a change of chef, and it shows.

What’s more concerning is that there doesn’t seem to be any real management in place at the moment. There may be an interim presence, but it's completely ineffective. One particular individual — who seems to be acting in a management capacity — is unfortunately one of the unfriendliest people I’ve encountered in hospitality. He mostly serves himself, pouring drinks, plenty guiness, taking dates on tables outside, or walking behind the bar but not serving and if get busy while he stares at customers he then disappears.

Anytime going he is eating, smoking, and generally having a blast while the rest of the team is clearly overstretched. It all feels incredibly amateurish, especially for a pub with such a well-established reputation.

With Rob now gone, things have really taken a turn. The team behind the bar is often short-staffed but doing their best — they’re a solid group and create a chilled, welcoming atmosphere despite the pressure. The young runner is a great lad and clearly puts in the effort, but overall, the drop in quality across the board is impossible to ignore.

It’s still a nice spot for a drink, but sadly, it no longer lives up to the standard you’d expect from a well-known gastropub. I truly hope they turn...