Walk down Earls Court Road and you’ll miss it. Most people do. They’re too busy looking at their phones or rushing toward the Tube station to notice the dark wood and gold lettering of The Hansom Cab Kensington. It’s tucked away. A relic? Maybe. But it’s the kind of relic that actually works.
You know that feeling when you walk into a London pub and it smells like bleach and desperation? This isn't that. It’s got that specific, heavy-curtain-and-polished-brass vibe that makes you want to order a pint of London Pride and forget that your landlord just raised the rent. It’s a Young’s pub, sure, but it feels more like a living room for people who have interesting secrets.
The name itself—The Hansom Cab Kensington—isn’t just some marketing guy’s idea of "vintage." It’s a nod to Joseph Hansom. He’s the guy who patented the hansom cab back in 1834. Think of it as the 19th-century version of an Uber Black. It was fast, agile, and only needed one horse. This pub sits right in the heart of what used to be a buzzing hub for these carriages. You can almost hear the hooves on the cobblestones if you drink enough.
What’s the Real Deal With the Decor?
Honestly, most "traditional" pubs in London are fakes. They’re refurbishments from the 90s made to look like 1850. But The Hansom Cab Kensington feels different. It has these deep, leather booths that swallow you whole. The lighting is low. It’s the kind of place where you could write a novel or break up with someone and both would feel appropriately dramatic.
There’s a fireplace. A real one. In the winter, it’s the most valuable real estate in West London. If you manage to snag the seat right next to it, you’ve won the day.
I’ve spent hours observing the crowd here. It’s a weird, beautiful mix. You’ve got the Kensington locals who look like they own three Labradors and a house worth six million pounds. Then you’ve got the backpackers from the nearby hostels who stumbled in looking for a cheap burger and realized they’ve found something much cooler. It works because it doesn’t try too hard.
The Menu: More Than Just "Pub Grub"
Let’s talk about the food because, let’s be real, that’s why half of us go to the pub anyway. At The Hansom Cab Kensington, they do the classics, but they don’t mess them up with "fusion" nonsense.
The Fish and Chips? Huge. The batter is crisp, not oily. The peas are mushy, as God intended.
- The Sunday Roast: This is the heavy hitter. They do a slow-cooked beef that actually pulls apart with a fork. No chewy, gray meat here.
- The Burgers: Solid. They use British beef, and you can taste the difference.
- The Pies: This is a Young’s specialty. They usually have a seasonal rotation. If there’s a venison or ale pie on the board, just get it. Don't think about it.
One thing people get wrong about this place is thinking it’s overpriced because it’s in Kensington. It’s not. Well, it’s London, so it’s not cheap, but it’s fair. You aren't paying a "tourist tax" here like you would in Covent Garden or Leicester Square.
The History You Actually Care About
Joseph Hansom was an architect. He designed the Birmingham Town Hall, which is impressive, but his "Safety Cab" is what made him a household name. Before his invention, carriages were clunky and prone to tipping over. His design lowered the center of gravity. It made it possible to navigate the narrow, crowded streets of Victorian London at high speeds.
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The Hansom Cab Kensington stands as a tribute to that era of innovation. The pub is situated near the old stables and coach houses that served the wealthy estates of Kensington. When you're sitting in there, you’re basically sitting on top of layers of transport history.
I once talked to a regular there—a guy named Arthur who had been drinking at the Hansom for forty years. He told me the pub used to be even darker, filled with tobacco smoke and carriage drivers' ghosts. While the smoke is gone, the atmosphere remains thick. It’s a place that respects its walls.
Why It Beats the High Street Chains
You could go to a Wetherspoons. You really could. You’d save three pounds on a pint and lose your soul in the process. Or you could go to The Hansom Cab Kensington.
The service is human. The bartenders actually know how to pour a Guinness—which involves patience, something most people in 2026 seem to have lost. They don't rush you. If you want to sit with one drink for two hours and read a book, nobody’s going to give you the side-eye. That’s the mark of a true London local.
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The Secret Upstairs
A lot of people don’t realize there’s often more space than what you see at the street level. Depending on the night, the upstairs or the back nooks offer a bit more privacy. It’s a prime spot for "quiet" meetings that inevitably turn into loud sessions after the third round of drinks.
The acoustics are surprisingly good. You can have a conversation without screaming over a generic pop playlist. They tend to keep the music at a level that supports the room rather than dominating it.
How to Get There (And When to Go)
If you’re coming from the Earl’s Court Tube, take the Warwick Road exit. It’s a short walk. If you’re coming from High Street Kensington, it’s a bit longer but a much nicer walk through the residential backstreets where the houses cost more than the GDP of a small country.
- Best Time for Peace: Tuesday afternoons. It’s dead quiet and perfect for thinking.
- Best Time for Vibes: Friday nights around 7:00 PM. The transition from the "after-work crowd" to the "night-out crowd" is fascinating to watch.
- Best Time for Food: Sunday at 2:00 PM. But you better book a table. If you just roll up, you’ll be eating your roast standing at the bar.
What People Often Get Wrong
There’s a misconception that The Hansom Cab Kensington is a "tourist trap" because of its location. It isn't. A tourist trap is a place that serves frozen pizza and warm beer for twenty quid. This place is a community hub.
Another myth? That it’s "stuffy." Just because there’s wood paneling doesn't mean you need a tie. I’ve seen people in full suits sitting next to guys in gym shorts. It’s Kensington. Everyone is welcome as long as they aren't a jerk.
The Verdict on the Drinks
The beer selection is curated. You’ve got your standard lagers, but the real draw is the cask ale. Young’s takes pride in their cellar management. If you haven’t tried a "Special," you’re missing out on a bit of London liquid history. It’s malty, slightly fruity, and goes down way too easily.
They also have a surprisingly decent wine list. Usually, pub wine is basically vinegar in a glass, but here they actually put some thought into the bottles. The Malbec is a solid choice if you're eating the steak.
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Actionable Steps for Your Visit
Don’t just walk in and grab the first table you see. If you want the authentic The Hansom Cab Kensington experience, follow these steps:
- Check the Chalkboard: The specials change frequently based on what's fresh. Don't just stick to the printed menu.
- Ask About the Guest Ale: They often rotate taps with local London breweries. It’s a great way to support the smaller guys.
- Look Up: The ceiling and the upper moldings have details that most people miss. It tells the story of the building better than any brochure.
- Walk the Backstreets After: Once you leave, turn left and wander into the mews. These were the original carriage houses for the area. It ties the whole history of the hansom cab together.
- Book for Sundays: I can't stress this enough. If you want a roast, call ahead or use their website. The Hansom isn't a secret on Sundays; it's a destination.
London is changing. Every day, another unique pub gets turned into a block of "luxury" flats or a generic coffee chain. The Hansom Cab Kensington is holding the line. It’s a place where the floorboards creak, the fire crackles, and the beer is cold. It’s exactly what a pub should be. No more, no less.
If you find yourself in W8 and you need a break from the noise of the city, turn the handle. Step inside. Take a breath. You're in good hands.