Stablehand, Paddington

This is a new gastropub on the site of the old Hall & Woodhouse Archery Tavern (a separate entry in this WhatPub database), which closed at the start of 2006 when the lease ran out. The site dates from 1839 and the old pub was named after the archery range on which it was built. The site then became a restaurant. It is on the corner of Bathurst Mews which also contains Hyde Park Stables, offering horse riding lessons in the park to adults and children.

In its new incarnation the gastropub states "we aim to be London’s only gastro pub sourcing all of our ingredients from the British Isles, and where that is not possible, we look to source ingredients from countries and territories with close links to Britain". The food offering includes bar snacks, sharing platters and Sunday roasts.

At the date of our visit, soon after opening, the handpumps were as yet unused and an ale cask was available on stillage. It is expected that the handpumps will offer two cask beers from Windsor & Eton and Rebellion IPA. Only one available Aug 23, further updates welcome. Note that a service charge may be added to all bills.

Note also the rather splendid licensing sign at the top of the building.