Warrington Hotel, Maida Vale

Flanked by K2 red telephone kiosks, this is one of the most opulent of London pubs. This spacious, stucco-fronted hotel was put up in the middle of the 19th century. It was given a major update later in the century, probably in the 1890s, and the glorious tiled columns to the entrance porch and a huge mosaic floor bearing the name of the pub give some idea of the richness that lies on the other side of the doors. It is also beautifully carpeted throughout.

The main room is on the right and has a grey marble-topped counter with unusual, bulgy pilasters and lozenge decoration. Grey marble also appears in the columns of a three-bay arcade which marches across the right-hand side of the room, embracing the generously scaled staircase to what is now the upstairs restaurant. Some of the windows have lively stained glass, while over the servery is a semi-circular canopy, decorated with Art Nouveau-style paintings of naked ladies. More such paintings, with the signature Colin Beswick 1965, appear on the back wall and are meant to evoke the unlikely story that has grown up that this was once a brothel.

The left-hand room was once clearly divided into three as the patterning in the ceiling shows. The lowest status part has matchboard wall panelling and an ornate, much decayed mirror advertising Bass pale ale. Other things to note are the attractive and unusual high-level chequerwork glazed screens, the skylight over the first-floor landing and the deep, decorative cornices on the first floor.

Artist and illustrator Edward Ardizzone drew "The Lounge at the Warrington" and his illustration is in Maurice Gorham's famous book "Back to the Local". There are suggestions in his drawing of illicit assignations upstairs!

The extensive food menu includes Sunday roasts, kid-size portions, and veggie and vegan dishes.

Note that sale of alcohol is forbidden unbder the licence terms before 10am Mondays to Saturdays or noon on Sundays.

As at late May 2022 it is understood that the freehold of this pub is on the market via Davis Coffer Lyons and with vacant possession. There have been reports since then of non-availability of cask ale at certain times. Further updates welcome.