PUBS UP 2 !!!!

The expat adventure in the realm of London pubs goes on… Mr Winter is now lurking on our doorsteps;  the days are becoming shorter and shorter and the light is desperately, inexorably fading…  For those who are soul-stricken by these circumstances, there is nothing more cheerful than the merry hubbub of a pub.  When you add some aesthetics to the premises, tasty and beautifully presented food, exquisite wines and alcohols, the battle is won :  « Touché, Mr Winter » !

Well, The Thomas Cubitt*, named after London’s genial master builder of the second quarter of the 19th century, is undoubtedly such a place.  Located in one of Belgravia’s prettiest streets, Elizabeth Street, it was entirely refurbished in 2010.  Run by a local family,  it offers the features of a country house with fireplaces, old mirrors, candles, oak floors, light grey wooden panels and right in the centre of the main room, a beautifully hand-made, oak bar.   Antlers add a touch of sport to this classic and harmonious decoration and old London maps remind you of the gigantic work Thomas Cubitt undertook.

When it comes to food and wine, The Thomas Cubitt is simply heaven :  each dish is a harmony of colours and shapes, aromas and tastes.  Portions are just right and the wine list is pleasant without being overpriced.   Colours, smells, tastes:  a never-ending stimulation of all five senses !




For those who may prefer a more secluded room, the first floor dining room offers a relaxed and intimate setting where you can try the Sunday roast,  one of the most honourable British institutions.  

More than a traditional pub, rather a gastropub**, The Thomas Cubitt will check you in for an enjoyable trip to the enlightened world of  aromas, flavours and textures, a very good way of escaping the darkness of winter !

And, good news, The Thomas Cubitt has «  little brothers » in London :

-    The Orange in Pimlico Road,
-    The Grazing Goat in New Quebec Street
-    The Pantechnicon in Motcomb Street.

To learn more:  www.thethomascubitt.com

Thomas Cubitt plaque, Brighton.

*Thomas Cubitt :  born in 1788 / deceased in 1855, leading master builder in London and other parts of England, his gratest achievement remains the creation of buildings  in Belgravia around Belgrave Square and Pimlico, which exemplify Thomas Cubbitt’s architectural style and design.

**Gastropub: created in the United Kingdom at the end of the 20th century, it is a mix between a bar and a restaurant and serves high-quality food and alcohol.  This new concept allowed a revival of the pub culture and slowed down – if not stopped – the disappearence of pubs.


Written by Florence Tilkens who works as a volunteer at FOCUS Information Services.