The Cow Saloon Bar & Dining Rooms

On the recommendation of the waitress, both See Yun and Wendy went for the signature fish stew with rouille & croutons. They weren't disappointed...

The cow is a small, bustling, ever so slightly cramped pub and restaurant that has an upstairs dining room from which we were shooed away instantly; as if we could have had a table without booking in advance.

So we schlepped downstairs to find one table free. I'd heard a lot about The Cow and my dining companion had been before and knew of my love affair with oysters.

Good things come in small packages - that includes a menu in my book. For me, half a dozen of West Mersea rocks and for my friend, the chicken kiev. Some walnut bread and a carafe of rose duly ordered, I spent the next half hour drinking in the handsome plates coming out. Our neighbours had ordered rare steaks with a potato gratin that looked to die for. I had to ask - they said their meal was absolutely divine, the steaks done to perfection.

The bread duly arrived and here's where I could tell that quality is at the forefront here. Delicious walnut bread and French, creamy butter were a delight to savour and when the oysters arrived, they smelled of the sea and were gobbled with gusto, a spoon of raspberry vinegar and a little tabasco helping them along. As for the kiev, the very best that I have had the pleasure of eating, was moist, juicy and with just the right smack of garlic. So often it's overpowered and over cooked. Not a bit of it here. The creamy mash would have your cardiac surgeon running for the hills - delectable.

A good, quaffing chateau La Grave rose was a very pleasing drop and I really couldn't fault any aspect of our meal.

Such quality doesn't come cheap - a starter, a main, bread, salad and wine came to just under sixty quid including service. When you come face to face with such stunning standards, however, who gives a hoot.

The Cow

89 WESTBOURNE PARK ROAD

 LONDON

W2 5QH

020 7221 5400

🚇Westbourne Park 🍺 £6.70 Guinness ❤️ Great grub, Great Guinness. . The Cow is located on a quiet backstreet in Westbourne Park. The nearest tube is Westbourne Park which is a five minute walk, Royal Oak tube is also close by. . This pub was built in 1858 as the Railway Tavern. In 1992 the pub was renamed The Cow, rumour has it the new name was the nickname of the previous landlady. The pub is owned by Tom Conran, the son of famed designer and restaurateur Sir Terence Conran. . The pub has essentially three areas. On the ground floor is the Saloon bar which has a dining area at the back and a drinking area at the front, upstairs is a cosy restaurant. The decor here has the feel of an Irish bar which is a little rough around the edges. There are some lovely touches here, the Guinness signs, the red leather topped stools, the standout feature is the vibrant mural up the side of the stairs. . The beer line up was good and had two cask ales available. This pub is famed for its Guinness so I thought I’d give it a try. My Guinness was great and lived up to the hype, it was a little pricey though. This pub is also famed for its seafood and British pub grub classics like sausage and mash with onion gravy. To accompany my pint I ordered a few oysters, a little squeeze of lemon and down the hatch, as fresh as you like. . I arrived just after midday on a Saturday back in May. There were a few other punters in, a group dining at the back plus a couple of solo imbibers. The atmosphere here was calm an relaxed with a soulful soundtrack playing in the background. The service was good, the chap who served me was pleasant and courteous. The Cow is a popular destination for celebs, don’t be surprised if you see Arsenal legend Ian Wright quaffing a Guinness or two. . @thecowlondon was an absolutely superb visit. I loved the ambience here, this pub was so easy to settle in to and such a relaxing place to have a pint. This is an Irish pub at heart with superb Guinness and top notch food. This is a must visit pub and one of my favourite pubs I’ve visited this year. . ℹ️ Info correct 13.05.23

The best pub in London, superb food - all cooked from that tiny kitchen when you’re on the ground floor! The vibe is amazing and everything is perfect here, rustic and atmospheric. Nothing beats a pint of Guinness, amazing service from the staff and a happy tummy at the end of the day.

Birthday meal for my son. Food all great but my fish stew was the best ever including s of France! Service good and they know all about the food they are serving. Wish it was my local!

The Cow is a local institution mostly known for its oysters and beer. The Crab tagliolini is also pretty special. I did hear the table next to us describe it as INSANE. Good small selection of British isles and Irish oysters. Staff are sweet and friendly. The upstairs dining room is bright and civilised. It’s slightly overpriced for what it is hence the 4 stars. £2 cover charge pp –which isn’t customary in the UK restaurants – and nothing in return? In Europe that would cover bread for the table. All dishes are marked up to the max of their limit. Idk, I guess the Portobello location justifies that? Who knows 🤷🏻‍♀️. I still like the place and would defo go back.

Haven’t been here in ten years and was a bit wary but boy it did not disappoint. The seafood platter was sooooooo fresh. Prawns were super juicy and sweet and full of roe. The oysters were plump and fresh. And my favourite fish stew was THE BOMB. Slightly spicy. Super tasty. OMG. Can’t wait to come back. Service was great too.