6.00pm - 7.00pm

The Britannia
1 Allen St
Kensington W8 6UX

- Jumping somewhat belatedly on the gastro bandwagon, the Britannia is an early attempt from Young's to cash in on the beer and expensive grub trade. In our opinion there was nothing much wrong with old place, it might have needed a lick of paint here and there, but it was warm, inviting place - the atmosphere helped enormously by the three real fires. However, whether it was a response to competition or an attempt to increase margins, the pub's recently been modernised. Thankfully, the fires are still there, but the decor of the place has been considerably brightened up. Young's excellent beers have been supplemented by continental invaders (eg Leffe) and then there's the appearance of extensive drinks lists - starting with champagne, naturally - on the tables.

7.00pm - 7.45pm

Kensington Arms
41 Abingdon Road
Kensington W8 6AH

- We always had a soft spot for this one. It wasn't flash, it wasn't foodie and it certainly wasn't what you'd expect off the side of High Street Kensington. We thought such a regular boozer wouldn't be long for this world and so it has proved, as this one - just like its near neighbour the Britannia - has been remodelled and upgraded. The makeover has produced a stark and bright interior, reminiscent of style bars from the turn of the (twenty-first) century. The one aspect that's remained the same is the multi-screens for the sport, though they're now clustered around the bar leaving the back of the pub free to operate as more of a dining space. The pub has strong Cornish connections now, with landscapes photos on the wall, Cornish beers behind the bar and Cornish food on the menu. Those beers are from Sharp's Brewery (IPA and Doom Bar) and they're rare sights in London. All in all, an intriguing mix but it's one that slowly won us over. And you can fairly say - unlike many pubs which claim the accolade - there's nothing quite like this one around. Though did we really see the Cornish Pasty on the menu priced at £8?

7.50pm - 8.30pm

Hansom Cab
86 Earls Court Rd
Kensington W8 6EG

- Another pub that's been refitted by Mitchells & Butlers and another pub that's been improved as a result. A fine range of options behind the bar (Adnams and other ales on the hand pumps as well as some Belgian beers) and a spruced-up interior in which to enjoy them. Just like many other M&B pubs - The Washington in NW3 springs to mind - the refit has managed to combine with good effect smart furniture with traditional pub glasswork. It all adds up to a very decent little pub, and one patronised by a fair range of drinkers. As pubs go in this neck of the woods, it's one of the best. Just watch out for the rather too boisterous groups who take advantage of the late licence and you won't go far wrong here.

8.35pm - 9.15pm

The Scarsdale Tavern
23a Edwardes Square
London W8 6HE

- Offering the sort of old world experience you'd expect in this neck of the woods, the Scarsdale Arms is a cut above most of the nearby pubs. The darkened interior evokes a genuine atmosphere as does the intriguing history of the place (it was reputedly built as living quarters for the officers of Napoleon's conquering army). Rather than being a full on gastropub it's first and foremost a pub, yet one with very good food. It also sports a restaurant space at the back if you're after a grander dining experience. Over the years plenty of punters have done so, if the empty champagne bottles that ring the walls of the pub are anything to go by. Rather similar in style and clientele to the Grenadier in Knightsbridge (though this pub is a tad larger), its refined feel is upmarket yet not ostentatious. Busy all days of the week, but definitely worth a look.

9.20pm - 10.00pm

The Crown & Sceptre
34 Holland Rd
London W14 8BA

10.pm - closing

The Radnor Arms
247 Warwick Rd
London W14 8PX

- This lovely little pub in Kensington has apparently been trading since 1862, but there appeared to have been some doubt about its future - there was a bit of a media blow-up about it, started by CAMRA, with a petition and everything and it looks like it might have worked. It's a great place for a quiet pint of an afternoon. The back room, with it's comfy sofa is good for chilling out (if there isn't a darts match on) with a huge fish tank to watch. You'll probably be joined by the pub dog and cat, who spent a lot of the time we were last there in a state of unconsciousness. The well-kept beers include Everard's Tiger as a regular and Skinners was on as a guest last time we were in. It does get busy at lunch and commuting times, however. And even though the petition appears to have been successful, go and visit it anyway - our continued custom means its continued existence. It would be a shame to lose another great pub.

10.30pm - closing

The Britannia Tap
150 Warwick Rd
West Kensington W14 8PS

A small Young's house with an even smaller beer garden, this one has all the attributes of your archetypal friendly community pub. It's recently had a change of management and on our visit at least seemed a little underwhelming. Perhaps suffering a bit from the more established competition (the nearby Radnor Arms) this one's still worth a look should you find yourself in this neck of the woods.