The Carlton Tavern in City of London, Westminster

The Carlton Tavern is located on the edge of the Paddington Recreation Ground, which is a park in Maida Vale, City of Westminster. In the 70’s & 80’s I used to visit the Park to race on my bike as there was a Velodrome there. I visited The Carlton Tavern for a reunion of us old racing cyclists who used to race on the Paddington velodrome. There was a seating area outside of the pub where we all enjoyed the company and sunshine. The staff were very patient with us all as we all drank too much and were showing our age reminiscing about things before most of them were born. There were quite a lot of us, and the staff served us in a timely manner, and I have no complaints. I was initially disappointed when I arrived that they did not serve Guinness (My tipple of choice) but the staff offered me an alternative “London Black, Porter” which I must admit was a great alternative, so I was a happy chap. I would happily return if I was in the area.

The phrase ‘best pub in London/I’ve been to’ is often thrown around, but it is completely true of the Carlton. With an amazing resurrection story, a hundred year heritage and a totally independent ownership, it is one of a kind. Warm and cosy, with an incredible scotch egg and Sunday roast, not to mention the selection of independent and popular beers, there is something for everyone. Their entertainment schedule features a SUPERB pub quiz, live music, occasional comedy and themed events such as Oktoberfest, summer BBQs and St Patrick’s Day, all of which deliver to an incredible standard. The team running the Carlton are wonderful, Tom and Ben have done an amazing job to champion this pub and make it a real cornerstone of the community. Our small group of friends live nearby, and all of us have brought our family, pets and friends from outside London to the Tav. We feel completely at home in the Carlton and cherish our time there. The refurb project is set to elevate this local even further and we can’t wait to see what the team do. We 💙 the Carlton!!

Ho passato una piacevole serata in compagnia di mia mamma! Abbiamo ordinato un rosted beef e fish & chips il tutto accompagnato da una birra London Black. Super consigliato

After a recommendation from the nearby windmill website, we had lunch here (after a visit to said windmill - also worth a visit). Flippin" scrummy; generous but not overwhelming amount of food, good value and tasty 😀😋

I ordered some food and drinks at the bar. The barman said "OK, that's £37 please". It seemed rather high, but I gave him my card, he took payment, and I asked for a receipt. The receipt showed a 15% service charge on the food and drinks. I queried this, and he said that it was mentioned on the menu. I looked at the menu and it said that a 10% service charge would be added when ordering a main course. Well, firstly 15% is not 10%, and secondly I don't expect to be charged a service charge on drinks just because I am ordering a main course. Otherwise I would just order them separately. I queried this, and the barman said that the 10% was wrong, and the menu (of which identical copies were available all over the pub) was an old one. He said that he didn't like my attitude, and that I was being rude. After a five minute wait I got reimbursed. But this was totally out of order.

I really enjoyed my two visits to this pub. You would never know the history unless you do some research, but if you do, it’s incredibly interesting. The pub was literally destroyed by a greedy developer who was forced to rebuild it, in the same condition that it was in pre-World War II. The food I had was very good. The service was fine, the beer was good and the staff was friendly. I strongly recommend it. It’s not fancy but it’s a very good basic pub, not crowded or noisy. Just a nice place to have a drink or a casual meal

Went there last night and was really excited as it was my sons birthday. The table had been booked for months. The pub was packed to the rafters, you could hardly move. The table was booked for 630pm and we were there at 615pm. We couldn't use the restaurant part because the church had turned up so everybody who was having a meal was put on tables around the pub. The people on our booked table refused to move so we were put next to the bar there the staff were coming in and out. Eventually our original table became free and we moved over to it. It was steak night so we had steak and it came with chips, I asked for salad and tender broccoli but was told they couldn't separate the 2, my husband asked for the same but his came with chips. The steak was 4 lumps of meat that was chewy and looked and tasted like brisket. The ladies toilet was terrible, the toilet itself was dirty, loo roll over the floor and the hand dryer didn't work. My son got a lager as a gift or apology we are not sure what. As we left one man was standing up with a bowl in his hand eating a dessert. Needless to say we won't be returning.

Located just along the side of Paddington Park, the Carlton is a pleasant ten minute walk through the park from Maida Vale station. It has an interesting recent history in that it was illegally demolished by developers in 2015 but the local council ordered it be rebuilt exactly as it was and, thankfully, that has happened. So precise was the rebuild that you would barely notice that anything had happened. As such, we are left with a traditional, characterful pub with a good range of ales, mainly from smaller breweries and some local. There is a smallish but interesting (not cheap) food menu. My heart really wants to give this place five stars but my head says four, for two reasons: firstly, the Cassoulet (£18.50) which I chose, although quite nice, was a bit on the dry side; secondly, they add service charge onto the bill. Now, I could not see any mention of service charge on the menu and furthermore the service was applied to the drinks as well, even though we collected them from the bar ourselves. We probably would have left a tip anyway, but this does seem a sneaky way of getting extra money out of customers. This practice is by no means unique to this pub - it seems to have proliferated since lockdown and whilst I appreciate pubs have had a difficult time lately, service charge should be at the customer's discretion.

Many years since I had visited this area. Brought back lots of good memories. A long awaited lunch with family was added to by the friendly service and very good food.Great portions and very tasty.Highly recommend.

Started coming here at the end of Easter 2022 and been back since for drinks and food. So glad it has risen from its destruction. The bar snacks are so good, including the tempura veg, scotch egg, sausage role etc. My wife and I have had the vegan burger, onglet steak and fish and chips that were also good. Just wish there were a few specials to mix up the menu. A reasonable selection of ales is available, which is why I say the pub is almost perfect. On each occasion they seem to offer two very similar beers, such as two IPAs, which could be easily addressed.

Unfortunately on my visit the pub was more like a clubhouse for the local hockey club. Shame as it seems like a nice pub. That said at £5.30 for a 4% cask ale that is brewed 7 miles away... not worth it for me.

Wow what a transformation. Not long ago this pub was a pile of rubble. Ben and Thom have done a great job of bringing this sleeping giant back to its very best. The outdoor decking area is great, the vast majority of the garden is covered for this time of the year. The food is fantastic and the menu continues to be tweaked giving a new option regularly. I love the range of beers you guys have

Very good quality good, we had a delicious pie and a scrumptious fish & chips, lovely staff and for the quality, it’s reasonably priced. It’s exactly what you’re looking for in a pub experience.

We visited the Carlton Tavern on Friday night - four adults and three young children. The atmosphere in the pub was lovely - bustling, fun and friendly. We sat in the back room which was a quieter dining area - it was full and we could see why. The menu was varied and interesting but extremely reasonably priced - plenty of choice for me as a vegetarian and some great options for the kids - far better than the usual limited and plain ‘kids food’ options, but choices available for fussier eaters too. The food itself was amazing - by far the best pub food we have had in a long time (and we eat out a lot!). Fresh, homemade, and delicious. Service was excellent - efficient and friendly throughout. We will certainly be returning before long and would highly recommend a trip to this pub. Thank you.

Popped up here following a recommendation and I’m so glad we visited. Fantastic friendly service and the food is wonderful. Salmon starter, followed by the special of sea bass and bread and butter pudding for dessert. High quality food at great prices. Please give a try, you won’t be disappointed I promise.

Wonderful. V pleased to at last visit the restored pub. Such a good story of Phoenix from the Ashes. Delicious ingredients, generous portions and the arrancini were especially good. Great service with a smile and efficient but not hurried. Many thx & HNY to all...

Beat gnocchi I’ve ever had, and same goes to the buffalo cauliflower. Great staff, good beer, and just overall an awesome pub.

We visited for my birthday lunch. I used to use the pub quite a bit before it’s attempted demolition so was keen to return. The beers weren’t great and overpriced and a gin and tonic was hideously expensive. The meals were good but you could...

Visited for the first time today fantastic and friendly service would definitely recommend had a nice lunch and drinks thank you

Celebrated my 30th here this weekend, and what a great night it was! Was so good to be back here now that it's finally back open again, and the staff were so good to us. The food is excellent (particularly the starters, LOVED the chorizo),...

The pub is famous locally - or perhaps infamous - for having been knocked down just as it was about to be listed - and having to be rebuilt by the developers brick by brick on the orders of City of Westminster. This was our...