The Grenadier

Photos and First Impressions

 

Main Entrance on Wilton Row

Patio and Side Entrance

A Well-Staffed and Well-Stocked Bar

A Wee Bit of Proper Seating

Chronicling from the Barstool

The Grenadier really leans into its namesake. Military regalia and paraphernalia cover most every wall. I suppose that’s only appropriate given the pub’s history. Founded in 1720, it began life as an officers’ mess and watering hole for the nearby garrison. It opened to the public nearly a century later in 1818, its name honoring the Grenadier Guards who served at the Battle of Waterloo.

Still, I’m not sure how many soldiers they could squeeze into the place. As you can see, it’s a rather confined space. You pretty much have the bar area and a small seating room and that’s it. However, the side street has a good-sized patio, which I imagine could accommodate the spillover. I was there on a rather chilly day, so it was sparsely populated.

If I had to sum up this pub in a single word, I would say “cozy” or “quaint” would best capture it. The red doors and blue around the windows pop against the largely white exterior. Surrounded by grey and brown brick, as well as greenery from the hanging plants, nearby trees, and trained vines along the lattice, it exudes a quite homey feel. The regulars—young and old—who pack the place would surely agree.

Despite the welcoming vibe, the pub is allegedly haunted by a man who was beaten to death in the pub some years ago. His crime? Cheating during a card game. They take that honor aspect rather seriously it would appear.

The Grenadier ghost hasn’t scared away the clientele, and strangely enough, this unassuming venue has played host to a number of historical A-listers: the Duke of Wellington, King George IV, Prince William, and Madonna.

 

Also in the pub’s founding year of 1720…

• George I rules Britain.
• Edmond Halley appointed Astronomer Royal at Greenwich Observatory.
• Mustard first sold in paste form (the condiment we know and love).
• Pirate Anne Bonny captured and convicted.
• Treaties of Stockholm and Frederiksborg cease hostilities between the Danes, Prussians, and Swedes, marking the beginning of the end of the Swedish Empire.

On Draught

 

London Pride Amber Ale

Fuller's Chiswick

4.7% ABV

 

As always, I try to drink local when I travel, which has meant a lot of cask ales. This beer is a departure. A bit fuller than the others I've had so far, it's much closer to what I typically drink. I've always felt amber and red ales were underrated options, so I was happy to try this one. Smooth, balanced, and definitely worth another round.