The Pembroke Castle — Restaurant in London

It was a rather weird experience yesterday when I ordered my beer through the link found on the QR code on the menu. My beer 🍺 was not arriving and my friends were half way through their drinks that they ordered at the bar. I went to the bar to inquire when my beer was going to come (or just collect it myself if easier) and I was being questioned by the bar tender how I ordered it as they don't have an online system. Well...I started doubting myself that perhaps I ordered for another pub or something. So I showed her my screenshot (also putting it in here) and the QR code on their menu that I used...she looked so confused ...so I showed her how it worked. Then she still treated me as if I wanted to rob her out of a beer and asked me for an email confirmation which apparently I should have. I checked and I had that too. So only then she confirmed with her colleague that the beer was on its way...after all this gaslighting. Very unprofessional and the beer arrived around 15 min. from ordering. Wetherspoons at its busiest does it 10 times faster and without gaslighting.

Ad Note: you can also clearly see what I ordered on the screenshot I was showing as...

The Pembroke Castle (Primrose Hill) – A Perfect London Pub Experience

As a first-time visitor to London from the U.S., I was looking for an authentic pub experience, and The Pembroke Castle exceeded all expectations. From the moment I walked in, I was welcomed into a warm and lively atmosphere that perfectly captured the charm of a traditional British pub.

The service was outstanding, and a special shout-out goes to Anna, the Aussie bartender who made the night even more memorable. She was friendly, attentive, and went out of her way to make me feel at home—so much so that she insisted I didn’t need to leave a tip, which caught me off guard as I wasn’t aware of the differences in tipping culture here. Her honesty and hospitality were refreshing, and it’s clear she takes pride in making sure every guest has a great time.

The food was equally impressive—classic pub fare done right. Everything from the fish and chips to the ales was top-notch, making for an authentic and satisfying meal.

If you’re looking for a pub in London that delivers on atmosphere, service, and quality, The Pembroke Castle is the place to go. I’ll definitely be back next time...

The food at The Pembroke Castle is unfortunately as dire today as it was back in 2004 when I first visited which is a real shame as this pub has tons of potential - a great location and a steady stream of local (and visiting) clientele willing and able to spend in return for quality. We popped in for a pint and a snack as all the other pubs in the area were packed for lunch (first clue) The grilled chicken wings (5 for £5) were passable although just barely. The nachos on the other hand were laughable. A plate of broken, tasteless chips and three small dollops of sour cream, salsa and guacamole (well I think that's what it was since all three tasted the same). Oh and some jalapeños on the top for colour I presume. Yours for £8.50. In fairness I shouldn't complain. I did have the opportunity to send it back as my girlfriend suggested but being halfway through my second Camden Pale, I thought I'd just chalk it off to another disappointing Pembroke visit and try again in another 15 years... or maybe its time I...