Masons Arms, Kensal Green  

Well, the Taylor Walker sign has gone and the QPR shirt has been replaced on the wall with sepia shots of olde worlde Kensal Green; all signs that the Masons Arms has been made over. The old place was a rather ramshackle affair for sure, but its worn carpet, solid gold 60s jukebox and old-timer clientele held a place in our affection. Arguably though, the refit has enhanced the Victorian interior and the new pub still plays host to some of the old punters. Heartening too, that despite the makeover this one is still a pub first and foremost, unlike its reworked - and gastrofied - local rivals. Oh, and with the dartboard, bar billiards and pool table (which is upstairs) competitive types are kept happy (though in the warmer weather the outdoor seats may see more action). Sensible pub grub and a decent array of drinks fill in the rest of the details. As pub refits go, this one gets the thumbs up - though if only they kept the old place's jukebox: we were itching to choose something from 'Classic Irish Colleens' to blank out the noddly jazz-funk heard on our last visit...

reviewed:
10/05/2006

pub features:(click on an icon to see an explanation)

TV

outdoor seating

pool table

darts

disabled facilities

ATM on premises

dogs welcome

jukebox

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