Friendly, down-to-earth pub

A long time ago, when we didn't know any better, we would often arrive at Paddington after a long journey and wonder where on earth we could go for a decent pint before the pubs closed. And we'd end up in a pretty dismal sort of place, only because it was the only pub sign we could see, beckoning us from the station.

If only we'd known about the Royal Exchange. A five minute walk away from Paddington Station gets you to a fine, traditional boozer of the old school.

Serving real ales, hot and cold Guinness, Murphy's and a bunch of other traditional tipples, this place is a real down-to-earth, honest pub. The atmosphere is friendly, as is the service, the food is proper pub grub and the pub hasn't been renovated to within an inch of its former life.

If you want to visit an example of a pub as they used to be (and as some of us remember them), you'd better get here, before someone decides it's worth "improving".

FOOD REVIEW: Roasts served every lunchtime. Get there quick though, as by the time we arrived at 2pm only the Roast Pork was left. Pretty good, however - nice cut of meat & well cooked veg. But the best thing? Only £4.95.

FOOD RATING: 2
FOOD VALUE: 1

CLIENTELE: locals, office workers
NEAREST STATION: Edgware Road station
PHONE NUMBER: 020 7723 3781

The Royal Exchange
26 Sale Place, W2 1PU