The Pelican stands at 45 All Saints Road in the heart of Notting Hill, offering a blend of Victorian heritage and contemporary gastropub culture. This historic boozer, dating back over 150 years, underwent a significant transformation in 2022 when it was revamped by a team connected to The Hero in Maida Vale. The venue now serves gutsy British fare with quality ingredients, earning recognition from the Michelin Guide for its no-nonsense approach to flavourful food.
The Pelican has established itself as a popular destination for both locals and visitors seeking authentic pub dining in one of London’s most vibrant neighbourhoods. The space combines traditional pub atmosphere with a refined dining room, while also offering facilities for private events and group bookings. Head chefs Owen Kenworthy, who previously worked at Brawn and Julie’s, along with Jack Kemball, lead the kitchen team responsible for the current menu.
The Pelican Notting Hill Menu
The menu at The Pelican focuses on classic British fare prepared with quality ingredients, organised across several categories from bar snacks to substantial mains. The offering reflects a commitment to traditional cooking methods while maintaining competitive pricing for the area.
Bar Snacks and Starters
The snack selection has drawn particular praise from reviewers. Highlights include oysters served individually or in half-dozens, pork scratchings at £4, a sausage roll for £8.50, spider crab toast at £16, Welsh rarebit for £10, and mince on toast priced at £14. The starter section features bone marrow with parsley (£15), smoked trout (£13), and rabbit with salsify (£12).
Critics consistently highlight the sausage roll, Welsh rarebit, and spider crab toast as standout choices, with multiple sources noting their bold flavours and generous portions.
Main Courses and Pies
The mains section showcases a range of British classics. Onglet with shallot costs £25, pork fillet £26, cod £28, and monkfish with bacon £30. A vegetarian option of pumpkin with kale is available for £14. Seasonal specials include venison with beetroot (£32), seabass (£33), and a bone-in sirloin weighing 650g priced at £88.
The beef Guinness pie remains a signature dish at £26, while sides such as chips, mash, and Cornish mids are available for £6 each. An autumn vegetable soup option rounds out the offering at £9.
Beverages
The drinks programme includes classic cocktails, with a Negroni priced at £13.50 and an Old Fashioned at £12.50. Non-alcoholic options are also available. Wine enthusiasts have noted offerings such as Krug by the glass at £31, reflecting the establishment’s attention to beverage quality alongside the food menu.
The Pelican Notting Hill Opening Times and Contact
The venue operates with consistent daily opening hours from noon. Monday through Saturday, The Pelican serves until midnight, while Sunday service concludes at 11:30 PM. These hours make the establishment suitable for both afternoon visits and evening dining.
Getting in Touch
Contact with the restaurant is managed primarily through their website. The official site at thepelicanw11.com provides a booking form for reservations. Unlike many establishments, The Pelican does not list a direct phone number in available public sources, making the online booking system the primary channel for enquiries and table reservations.
Multiple sources recommend booking ahead whenever possible, as the venue tends to fill quickly, particularly during peak dining periods in Notting Hill.
The Pelican Notting Hill Reservations
Table bookings at The Pelican are handled directly by the restaurant through their own booking system. Guests are encouraged to secure reservations in advance, given the venue’s popularity within the Notting Hill dining scene.
The establishment accommodates various group sizes and offers private dining options for those seeking a more intimate experience. Whether planning a casual meal at the bar or a dedicated private event, prospective guests should utilise the official booking platform to arrange their visit.
The Pelican Notting Hill Reviews
The Pelican has garnered attention from both diner communities and professional food critics. The Michelin Guide features the venue, describing it as a destination for no-nonsense, flavourful British food in a vibrant Notting Hill location. This recognition places The Pelican among established gastropubs worthy of note in the capital.
Andy Hayler’s review, published in August 2024, describes the venue as a Victorian-era pub and sister establishment to The Hero. The Major Foodie website rates the food at approximately 66% overall, with particular praise directed toward bar snacks. Mains such as guinea fowl, sea bass, and langoustines have received scores ranging from 13 to 14 out of 20, while some vegetable sides received lower marks around 11 out of 20.
TripAdvisor reviews note that while the food quality is generally appreciated, certain items like steaks can command premium prices. Portion sizes and some vegetarian options have received mixed feedback from diners.
Local residents have expressed appreciation for the venue’s presence in the neighbourhood, though expectations of crowds during busy periods are warranted. The combination of a traditional pub atmosphere with elevated food offerings contributes to its appeal among those seeking authentic British dining experiences in West London.
The Pelican Notting Hill History
For approximately 150 years before its transformation, The Pelican operated as a conventional neighbourhood boozer. The venue’s origins trace back to the Victorian era, when many public houses across London were established to serve local communities.
The significant revamp occurred in 2022, when the space was renovated and reopened as a gastropub. This transformation, connected to The Hero in Maida Vale, brought new energy to the establishment while preserving elements of its historic character. The renovation stripped back previous decor to reveal the building’s Victorian bones, creating a setting that balances tradition with contemporary gastropub standards.
Head chefs Owen Kenworthy and Jack Kemball brought experience from notable London venues including Brawn and Julie’s, contributing to the kitchen’s approach of focusing on quality British ingredients prepared with skill and intention. This culinary leadership has been instrumental in establishing The Pelican’s reputation since the 2022 reopening.
Timeline of The Pelican
Understanding the evolution of The Pelican provides context for its current position in the Notting Hill dining landscape.
- Victorian era: The building originated as a public house serving the All Saints Road community
- Pre-2022: The venue operated for approximately 150 years as an ordinary neighbourhood boozer
- 2022: Major renovation and reopening as a gastropub under new management connected to The Hero in Maida Vale
- 2024: Recognition from the Michelin Guide and review coverage by professional food critics including Andy Hayler
What We Know and What Remains Unclear
Various sources provide information about The Pelican, though some details require direct confirmation from the venue.
- Established: The venue’s address at 45 All Saints Road, W11 1HE, its Victorian origins, and the 2022 revamp are consistently confirmed across multiple sources including the Michelin Guide and professional reviews.
- Established: The venue’s status as a gastropub serving British fare and its connection to The Hero in Maida Vale are well-documented.
- Established: Head chef information citing Owen Kenworthy and Jack Kemball appears in professional review coverage.
- Uncertain: Specific details regarding Christmas menus or seasonal events are not mentioned in available sources; direct enquiry with the venue would be recommended for such occasions.
- Uncertain: While reservations are confirmed as available, the exact booking cut-off times or special requirements should be confirmed via the official website.
The Pelican in Context
Notting Hill hosts a diverse range of pubs and dining establishments, from traditional locals to elevated gastropubs. The Pelican occupies a particular niche by combining authentic Victorian pub architecture with a serious approach to British cooking. This positioning differentiates it from nearby alternatives that may prioritise either traditional pub atmosphere or refined dining.
The venue’s layout serves multiple purposes effectively. The bar area accommodates casual drinkers and those seeking bar snacks, while the dining room provides space for more structured meals. Private dining facilities add versatility for group events, addressing a demand frequently sought in the hospitality sector. M&S UK continues to adapt its foodhall offerings in response to similar consumer preferences for quality British produce.
The 2022 transformation reflects broader trends in the gastropub sector, where historic venues have been reimagined to meet contemporary expectations for quality ingredients and skilled preparation. The connection to The Hero in Maida Vale suggests a cohesive approach across both venues, potentially sharing suppliers, philosophies, or operational practices.
Sources and Expert Views
Coverage of The Pelican spans both professional food criticism and community feedback platforms.
“An ordinary boozer for 150 years, the team decided to strip back the decor and give it a new lease of life.”
— Top 50 Gastropubs
Andy Hayler’s assessment describes the venue as a Victorian pub that serves as sister establishment to The Hero, noting its place among London’s gastropub offerings. The Michelin Guide’s inclusion of The Pelican provides institutional recognition for its approach to British fare.
Community platforms like TripAdvisor and various food blogs contribute additional perspectives, though these user-generated sources naturally vary in their assessments. Andy Hayler’s review and TripAdvisor feedback offer contrasting viewpoints on value and consistency.
Summary
The Pelican at 45 All Saints Road represents a successful transformation of a Victorian boozer into a contemporary gastropub. Its 2022 revamp brought new culinary ambition to a historic Notting Hill venue, earning recognition from the Michelin Guide and attracting both local regulars and visiting diners. The menu’s emphasis on gutsy British dishes, from bar snacks to substantial mains, reflects a commitment to quality ingredients and skilled preparation. Practical considerations include daily noon opening, with late-night service on most evenings, and a booking system accessible through the official website. Jamie Oliver Net Worth – $200 Million Estimate 2025 illustrates how prominent figures in British food culture have shaped expectations around pub dining across the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Pelican’s address?
The venue is located at 45 All Saints Road, Notting Hill, London W11 1HE.
What are The Pelican’s opening hours?
The venue opens at 12 PM daily. Monday to Saturday closing time is midnight, while Sunday service ends at 11:30 PM.
How can I make a reservation at The Pelican?
Reservations are handled directly through the restaurant’s website at thepelicanw11.com. Booking ahead is recommended due to the venue’s popularity.
Is there a phone number for The Pelican?
No direct phone number is listed in available public sources. Contact should be made through the website booking form or enquiry system.
Does The Pelican offer vegetarian options?
The menu includes vegetarian items such as pumpkin with kale and autumn vegetable soup. However, some reviews suggest vegetarian side options have received mixed feedback.
Who are the head chefs at The Pelican?
Owen Kenworthy and Jack Kemball lead the kitchen team, bringing experience from notable London restaurants including Brawn and Julie’s.
Is The Pelican child-friendly?
As a pub and gastropub, The Pelican welcomes families during daytime hours. However, the atmosphere may be more suited to adult dining during evening service.
Does The Pelican have private dining facilities?
The venue offers private dining options for groups seeking a more intimate dining experience. Enquiries should be made through the official booking channels.
Jack Thomas Clarke Thompson is a staff writer for PopCultureDaily.co.uk, covering entertainment news, film, television, streaming and celebrity culture. He works under Editor-in-Chief Harriet Winslow and Managing Editor Lucas Bennett, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.