Yes, modern Knightsbridge may be more synonymous with late-night bars and lavish clubs than classic pubs. Driven by the need to entertain a well-heeled international crowd – after all, this area of London is a magnet for the global elite – those shopping, strolling or sightseeing around SW1 will likely fall into one of the borough’s esteemed restaurants or hotel bars to whet their whistle. On the hunt for an old-world boozer? Venture beyond the confines of Brompton Road and Sloane Street to discover a handful of proper pubs tucked away in cobbled mews and flanking embassy street corners. Step inside some of the most historic, and iconic, pubs in Knightsbridge and Belgravia below.
The Star Tavern
The Star Tavern first opened in the 19th century as a watering hole for the servants who worked in the posh properties of Belgravia – but it wasn’t until the 1960s that this pub was properly put on London’s map. It is best known for being the locale where Bruce Reynolds et al hatched a plan for the Great Train Robbery: one of the biggest heists in history, whereby an 18-man gang stole around £40 million in today’s money. And they’re not the only criminals to frequent The Star. Two of London’s most famous cat burglars, George ‘Taters’ Chatham and Peter Scott, were also regulars here; it’s rumoured that Scott even popped into The Star after stealing a £200,000 necklace from Italian film star Sophia Loren, announcing, “I hear poor Sophia has been robbed,” before pulling out a roll of notes from his pocket.
The Star’s guestbook also features the likes of Bing Crosby, Princess Margaret, Peter O’Toole and Diana Dors. Go today to discover an all-singing, all-dancing Fuller’s pub with a wide range of beers – it is one of just a handful of pubs to have been included in all 50 editions of the Good Beer Guide – and a menu featuring classic pub grub.
6 Belgrave Mews West, SW1X 8HT, visit star-tavern-belgravia.co.uk
The Wilton Arms
Images: The Wilton Arms
This Grade II-listed pub on Kinnerton Street dates back to 1826, when it was known as Shepherd Neame. Under this name, it was a locals’ watering hole and attracted the staff and grooms of nearby aristocracy, later welcoming the likes of Tom Jones and Priscilla Presley. The pub opened a new chapter in 2021, when it was overhauled and reopened by Inda Pubs, seeing the addition of a first-floor dining room. Now adorned in a warm peach hue, step inside to discover a charming bar complete with a log fire and wood-pannelling, as well as the Green Room and Gallery for dining. Food highlights include Colchester oysters, lobster arancini and Suffolk chicken, leek and tarragon pie.
71 Kinnerton Street, SW1X 8ED, visit thewiltonarmssw1.com
The Grenadier
This pub takes its name from a rather dark legend – but it’s a good story nonetheless. Rumour has it that, back in 1818, a Grenadier Guard named Cedric was caught cheating at cards here and was beaten to death as punishment. Ever since, visitors have stuck cash to the ceiling in order to repay his debts (and ward off his ghost, which is said to be trapped here). However, while the pub has documented some eerie happenings, the ghouls haven’t deterred ritzy clientele, including the Duke of Wellington and King George IV, from visiting.
The pub is now split into two spaces: the Boot Room, which houses the bar, and The Wellington, which is a dining room. Order sausage rolls, Scotch eggs and duck croquettes at the former, or enjoy a full sit-down affair at the latter, with the menu featuring signatures including beef Wellington, steak and Guinness shortcrust pie and grilled whole plaice.
18 Wilton Row, SW1X 7NR, visit grenadierbelgravia.com
The Alfred Tennyson
Image: The Alfred Tennyson
Image: Cubitt House
Named after legendary local poet Lord Tennyson, this gorgeous pub looks like something straight out of a Parisian film set, adorned with pin-stripe awnings and fringed with wooden outdoor seating. It's located on the cobbled streets of Belgravia, just a stone’s throw from many of the world’s embassies, and now spans four floors. Inside, the wood-panelled bar is a welcoming space serving perfect pours of Guinness and fine wines (we recommend taking yours outside to watch the world go by), while upstairs is home to Alf’s: an up-market British-French restaurant dressed in statement fabrics and period art.
10 Motcomb Street, SW1X 8LA, visit cubitthouse.co.uk
The Beauchamp
Images: The Beauchamp
Mere moments from Harrods and the Natural History Museum, The Beauchamp blends both a restaurant and pub. It is part of the Jak’s chain, which also has bars and clubs in Chelsea and Mayfair, but started life almost 200 years ago as The Grove Tavern, which was then adjacent to a cricket pitch that hosted the first-ever match between Australia and England in 1880.
Today, The Beauchamp spans four floors: an underground lavish club which comes alive after dark with a busy bar and resident DJ, a two-floor restaurant and lounge specialising in Mediterranean cuisine and the first-floor pub. Rendered in flags, a mish-mash of bright colours and contrasting furniture, the latter is a delight for the senses.
Beauchamp Place, SW3 1NX, visit thebeauchamppub.com
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