A few years ago, my never-ending search for London’s best pubs to wind down (or wind up) during World Travel Market (WTM) led me and my equally devoted cadre of travel industry brothers to the excellent Grenadier in the city’s quiet Belgravia neighbourhood.
While there, a friendly local suggested we also try another nearby establishment – The Nags Head – not least because live jazz was in the offing on that particular Sunday afternoon.
Who were we to argue?
Not to be confused with a similarly named pub in Covent Garden, the Nags Head was a revelation – a blast from the past and a welcome respite from not just the hectic city, but the modern world outside. Indeed, there are two house rules, diligently enforced: No cell phones allowed, and hang up your jacket. And, I might add, don’t move around any chairs or engage in other such insidious indiscretions lest ye be similarly nagged by the otherwise friendly and engaging staff.
Not surprisingly, the pub has no web site, which further illustrates its attitude and sense of place, which dates to the mid-Victorian era.
Tiny – it is said that 100 people can fit it, but that seems excessive – the Nags Head has split-level front and back sections – both served by the same bar. Navigating to the loo upstairs is a journey unto itself.
When the weather suits, there is a patio in the mews out front, but inside is the place to be. Fireplaces warm both front and back as patrons elbow around too-small tables in the crooked interior, and not an inch of the oak-panelled walls or ceiling are uncovered by paraphernalia, both serious and kooky, ranging from paintings to photos, flags, hats and cartoons. Note oddities scattered about, like vintage one-armed bandit and Edwardian ice skates.
Food is mainly pub grub and Adnams the preferred beer, though other brands are served – some via 150-year-old beer pump handles.
And, yes there is jazz, albeit limited to the first Sunday of the month (after 2:30). In true pub fashion, the informal sessions seem part of, rather than apart from, the proceedings, as musicians jostle for space and lightheartedly engage with patrons. But no one seems to mind, for it is clear that – occasional nagging aside – the atmosphere is something special and it really doesn’t get any better than that.
As for our gang, all it took was that first unexpected visit to the charming and lively time capsule to turn The Nags Head into a permanent fixture on our annual WTM pub crawl. (For the third and final venue, stay tuned).
The Nags Head is open (in a non-Covid environment) 11-11 every day excepts Sundays (open till 10:30).
“Pub Crawl,” is an ongoing series in which we reveal some of our favourite public houses, both at home and abroad – and, in the spirit of the establishment, invite you to share with us yours. Send suggestions to baginski@travelindustrytoday.com.