The Washington — Restaurant in London

5 Stars – A Timeless Gem in the Heart of the Community! Phil & Beata - Primrose Gardens

Where do I even start with The Washington? This local pub has been a cornerstone of my life—not once, but twice! First back in the late '90s, when it was a proper old-school boozer. This place was a celebrity hotspot, and I’m not just talking about the kind of celebs you see on reality TV today. No, we’re talking real A-listers. Why? Because it was practically Chris Evans' second home—perfectly located near his gaff, and his crew would roll in for pre-drinks before heading up to the now-defunct Haverstock Arms. It was a whirlwind of mad nights, chaotic fun, and the kind of stories you'd only hear in a pub like this. You know, the stuff that would never make it to social media, because, well, it was the '90s.

Fast forward to 2024, and I’ve moved back to the area, just a stone’s throw away from The Washington. I have to say, this place has aged like a fine whiskey. The pub has evolved with the times, but somehow it’s kept that same beautiful, old-school charm. The rowdy energy of yesteryear is still there in spirit, but it’s now a more mature, cozy vibe that makes it feel like a home away from home.

Now, let’s talk about Antonia—the landlady and the heartbeat of this place. She's a total legend! Ballsy and glamorous, always rocking a vintage dress and looking well turned out, she’s got style in spades. But don’t be fooled by that chic, retro look—Antonia is not someone you want to mess with. If you get on the wrong side of her, she’ll handle any drunk with the kind of calm and authority that could give the Queen's Guard a run for their money. She runs the pub with a perfect blend of charm and firmness, and trust me, she’s earned the respect of everyone who walks through the door.

And I have to say, one of the most impressive things about Antonia is the love and respect she gets from her staff. It’s obvious that they truly admire her, and it’s not hard to see why. She’s the kind of landlady who leads by example—welcoming, supportive, and always fair. The staff absolutely love working with her, and it shows in the way they treat the customers. There’s a genuine camaraderie here, and it creates an atmosphere that makes you feel right at home.

And speaking of everything being just right—the food at The Washington is unreal. If you haven’t had their Sunday roast, you're seriously missing out. The roast meats are melt-in-your-mouth perfection, the crispy roast potatoes are legendary, and the gravy alone is enough to make you want to book a table every week. Honestly, if you’re anywhere near, make sure you pop in for one of the best Sunday dinners you’ll ever have.

So, whether you’re a local or a newcomer, you absolutely need to pay a visit to The Washington. Great drinks, amazing food, and an atmosphere that can only be described as “proper pub”—all served up by a landlady who runs the place with style, a firm hand, and the kind of leadership that gets her all the love and respect from her staff. Cheers to The Washington—a true local legend that just gets better with age!

LETS NOT FORGET THE CHRISTMAS TREE,...

Good but still needs some improvements!

So the Washington used to be our fairly regular hang out. From the mid week quiz night to Saturdays and Sundays for the 6 Nations. We even went to a few private parties downstairs that were always fun. Therefore we were interested to see what the new refurb was all about… so here’s the good and bad.

The Good The classical decor has been lovingly retained making it feel like a great British ‘boozer’. The new cocktail bar looks really nice and adds a touch of class with the second pointless door being closed off. The gents toilets being moved has opened up a whole new area for dining tables in a cosy area. The drinks are still good and the food I would say is very good with a menu for kids that is great value.

The Bad Table management - We had booked but still ended up 3 on a table that was a maximum for 2 people eating if at all. It was more like a traditional drinks table. At the same time there was a big table for 4 or 6 next to us with just two drinkers and another in the main part of the bar. The service charge - 10% is already added to the tab, but if you pay by card there is an automatic display of adding a tip - 5%, 10%, 15% etc. We his seems deceptive and isn’t verbalised by the staff. I saw the 10% already on the bill but felt compelled to add a further 5% even though the service was simply ok. To me great service would be noticing 3 diners on a tiny table and 2 drinkers on a larger table and asking them to move. The final point is a minor one… but the pub is loud with conversation, which is great, but the music is too loud so you then have to shout over the chatter and the music. Just turn it down a bit the louder the place gets. It’s great to have music to cover an uncomfortably quiet bar but when it’s noisy with people there is no need.

Anyway, out of 5 I’d give it a 3 overall, mainly because of the first two negative elements. If they can be sorted then I’d be up to...

It is with profound disappointment that I must express my grievances regarding the rapidly deteriorating standards of service at this establishment. My wife and I were once loyal patrons, frequenting this venue on a near-daily basis and participating in quiz nights, where we consistently supported the business by tipping generously and ordering both food and beverages. However, the recent conduct of certain staff members has rendered our experience utterly unacceptable.

While the male staff are generally amicable and professional, the conduct of a specific female bartender—an older woman with short blonde hair—was nothing short of appalling. Her hostile and abrasive demeanor, coupled with a condescending attitude, was entirely unwarranted and inexcusable. Such unprofessionalism not only disregards the value of loyal clients but also creates an unwelcoming environment. Her palpable negativity made it abundantly clear that our presence was neither valued nor appreciated, which is wholly antithetical to the ethos of good customer service.

Furthermore, this establishment’s refusal to accept cash payments is both deeply concerning and, arguably, a violation of the law. In the United Kingdom, cash is considered legal tender under the Coinage Act 1971. While businesses retain discretion regarding payment methods under certain circumstances, outright refusal to accept cash without reasonable grounds, particularly within a legal tenancy agreement, raises significant questions of legality. This arbitrary policy disenfranchises customers and undermines the principle of fair access to services.

In light of these issues, we regret to state that we will no longer be patronizing this venue. We strongly urge the management to address these glaring deficiencies, as the current trajectory risks alienating a once-loyal customer base. To potential visitors, consider...