The Chamberlayne

We ate here on our first night in London. The food was above average but not stellar. The service was extremely slow. When I ordered a glass of the house white wine, I was given a glass of red. When questioned about it, the bartender insisted it was the white wine. Fortunately I’m not extremely picky and I just drank the red and had a funny story to tell but… it was a little frustrating.

I was treating my best mate to a birthday steak date, and found this place online somewhat by chance. It seemed to have some decent reviews, but I was mostly attracted by the welcoming website, nice-​looking (and yummy-​sounding) menu, and the fact that they take real pride in describing how they source their beef via Smithfield Market and thus boldly claim it to be the best in London! I had to put it to the test after that.
We were booked in at a keen 12.30pm on a Sunday which is when the kitchen opens. We walked in to find a spacious but expectedly empty pub, so walked up to the bar counter to ask about our food reservation. The two stony-​faced women behind the bar looked at me as if I had two heads. I mentioned we’d booked a table and got nothing but continued blank stares. I was starting to feel quite unsettled when thankfully a guy strode out from what looked like a back room to ask how he could help. He even smiled. Relief rushed through me as he led us through to the back room which was actually a more intimate restaurant area — a compact dining room of well-​laid tables, with interesting pictures on the walls and a blackboard chalked menu on one side with the sizes of the day’s cuts of meat.
Our friendly waitress further put us at ease and it was time for the fun to begin. Prosecco to start (always nice) with a round of oysters (fresh, fine, but I do find it difficult to get excited about them). Then onto the main act — we opted for the chateaubriand for two to share which arrived lovely and medium-​rare pink on a thick circular wooden chopping board with some greens. I’m not sure I can call it the best in London but it was certainly high quality, well-​cooked and a decent size for two (we were hungry so chose the larger cut they had in on the day!). Their peppercorn sauce was a touch on the runny side for my liking, but I enjoyed the broccoli and chips sides. The house red was a good soft and fruity accompaniment too.
It’s not cheap but certainly felt worth it for the quality of the food and we left stuffed and very happy. In fact with the attentive staff in the restaurant it would’ve gotten a five-​stars from me, were it not for those two expressionless souls behind the bar. We went back later for a drink with a group of friends and received a similarly gormless service from them. If someone could just get them to crack a smile that’d be great, it just puts a dampener on the mood.
Would defo recommend the restaurant if you’re looking for a special meal in nice but fairly casual surroundings. It probably works best for small groups or couples, and I’d go back if I was in the area — though I’d probably bypass the bar!

A little bit noisy in the pub part of this restaurant, but great steaks and chips make up for it!

The food was great, my partner and I got the huge sharing steak which was really delicious however on the pricey side. We sat at the back of the pub/​restaurant which had a wonderful intimate feel. I will definitely be returning.

Been a couple of times for a drink and always a great atmosphere.
Nice to sit outside in the sun too!

I always think why don’t I come here more often… Just lazy I guess. But a good pub with outdoor seating, plus a good steak and whiskey restaurant at the back including escargots!

Chamberlayne Pub is a great pub that serves good food & wine! The outside area is very pleasant during summer, I had the habit to stay their several night per week, chilling with friends! Anyway, you will not cross the whole london to come there but if you are living around Queen’s Park & Kensal Rise it’s definitely a place to go!
Editing my review after few months adding a star!
Food is really good, especially meat but also all the tradi british food! Really coool place

As (one of) my new neighborhood pubs, I’m happy to report that The Chamberlayne is cozy, yummy, relatively cheap and entertains good-​looking clientele.
The crowd has a median age of about 28. Saturdays seem to be busy, but any other night is pretty mellow.
The food is delish, boasting BIG burgers and fresh chips along with gorgeous-​looking steaks (haven’t tried them yet…)

Another gastropub. or pub and steakhouse as they like to be known. I was only drinking, but could easily be tempted to come back for some grub. Apart from the nice smell as we entered the venue, the food was not too much in your face. It’s no stress if you are just there to drink.
2 ales on tap. Landlord. and I think the other was Doom Bar. Landlord was nice enough. There are areas outside and inside to sit. I suppose the décor is quite modern and trendy, but I kind of liked it.
Had a slightly bad experience with another random punter trying to sponge a free drink of me, but I don’t think this is in any way indicative of the pub.

Technically my local so I may be a bit biased but the Chamberlayne is a great relaxed pub with fanatstic food especially the superb steaks and a fantastic Sunday roasts as well.
It works for a quite pint in the week geting more lively at the weekends, with the restaurant at the back offering more formal dining.