Step Inside the Stunning West London Pub that Transports You to the 1960s

A stunning pub in West London has been awarded the top accolade at this year’s esteemed Pub Design Awards. The Blue Stoops, situated on Kensington’s Church Street, is an exquisite retrofitted gastropub that evokes the charm of a 1960s dining establishment, complete with booth seating and atmospheric lamps. Its bar front is adorned with vintage-blue ceramic tiles, which are beautifully highlighted by LED lighting.

As the only establishment of Samuel Allsopp & Sons in the capital, the Blue Stoops uniquely offers its signature lager alongside the renowned Double Diamond beer, a beloved brand that had been absent from the market for over three decades until its revival by Allsopp. Beyond its striking aesthetic, the Blue Stoops serves as a delightful waypoint for those journeying between Kensington High Street and Notting Hill, conveniently located a short distance from the Churchill Arms. The bar boasts air-conditioning, and the amiable staff are more than willing to provide table service.

A Celebration of Innovative Design

The Pub Design Awards, orchestrated by CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale), recognised the Blue Stoops as a joint winner for the ‘best conversion’ category, sharing the honour with Liverpool’s St Peter’s Tavern. CAMRA praised the transformation of the Blue Stoops, stating that the conversion has “completely transformed the building.” They further noted, “The interior has been re-imagined with half-height partitions and glazed screening, complemented by new fixed seating, alongside a revamp of the exterior with updated signage and lighting.” The striking ceramic bar front featuring the historic Allsopp’s trademark stands out as a significant highlight in this latest addition to West London’s pub scene.

Andrew Davison, Chair of the Pub Design Awards judging panel, remarked, “Despite the mounting pressures facing the hospitality industry, there remains a willingness among individuals to invest their time, resources, and creativity into pubs and bars. The Pub Design Awards celebrate the remarkable effort, imagination, and high-quality craftsmanship that have contributed to these projects. In these challenging times, pubs continue to play a crucial role in our communities, and those dedicated to preserving, repairing, and renovating them deserve commendation.”

A Legacy Revived

Samuels Allsopp & Sons Brewery acquired the Blue Stoops, previously known as the Kensington Wine Rooms, in early 2024, with the pub opening its doors to the public in September of the same year. The name pays tribute to the brewery’s original pub of the same name located in Burton-on-Trent. Jamie Allsopp, a former hedge fund manager, has revitalised the brewing company founded by his seventh-great-grandfather. He expressed his enthusiasm to a local publication, stating, “It has been a lifelong ambition of mine to revive my family’s lost beers, and I’m delighted to open our first pub in 90 years. Allsopp’s beers are incredibly drinkable, and they deserve their place not only at the taps of the Blue Stoops but in public houses across the nation.”

The Blue Stoops can be found at 127-129 Kensington Church Street, making it a must-visit destination for those exploring the bustling area.