Key Points
- The Blue Stoops, located at 127–129 Kensington Church Street in West London, has won the top prize in the “Conversion to Pub Use” category at the prestigious CAMRA Pub Design Awards, sharing the victory with St Peter’s Tavern in Liverpool.
- Originally operating as the former Kensington Wine Rooms, the site underwent a massive refurbishment commissioned by Jamie Allsopp of the heritage Midlands brewing family, marking the return of Allsopp & Sons to the capital for the first time in over 90 years.
- The interior features a retro-fitted 1960s aesthetic complete with booth seating, ambient lamps, half-height partitions, glazed screening, and a front bar magnificently coated in vintage-blue ceramic tiles manufactured by Craven Dunnill Jackfield to display the bespoke 3D relief “Allsopp Hand” logo.
- The pub serves as Samuel Allsopp & Sons’ sole outlet in the capital and is the exclusive London location to pour its signature revival beers, including the historic Allsopp’s IPA and the long-lost Double Diamond keg beer, which vanished from shelves for over thirty years.
- Critical reception has been overwhelmingly positive, with The Times restaurant critic describing it as “a brilliant little pub trying out great new things”, The Oldie calling it a “place of pilgrimage for anyone interested in the history of British brewing”, and food reviewers praising its seasonal British menu overseen by executive chef Lorcan Spiteri and head chef Jacob Farley.
London (The Londoner News) July 25, 2025 — A “beautiful” and meticulously retro-fitted gastropub situated in the heart of West London has officially captured national acclaim, securing a top victory at the highly anticipated Pub Design Awards. The Blue Stoops, nestled on Kensington’s bustling Church Street, transports patrons straight back to the 1960s through its thoughtful design, featuring intimate booth seats, glowing ambient lamps, and a striking bar front coated in brilliant vintage-blue ceramic tiles illuminated by modern LED arrays. Beyond its visual charm, the establishment represents a monumental milestone in British brewing heritage, marking the triumphant return of the historic Allsopp family brewery to the capital after an absence spanning more than nine decades.
What makes The Blue Stoops stand out architecturally?
According to details highlighted by Amy Houghton, a contributing writer for Time Out London, CAMRA’s Pub Design Awards exist to recognise
“the UK’s most visually stunning, lovingly restored and historically significant pubs”.
Taking the number one spot in the highly competitive “Conversion to Pub Use” category—jointly shared with St Peter’s Tavern in Liverpool—The Blue Stoops triumphed due to its extraordinary transformation from a former wine bar into an atmospheric haven.
As outlined by Sam Barker, a staff writer for Secret London, the interior layout relies on half-height wooden partitions and glazed screening to offer guests a comfortable sense of privacy while maintaining an open, community-focused tavern atmosphere.
Elaborating on the craftsmanship behind the venue, architectural suppliers Craven Dunnill Jackfield noted that the team brought the iconic “Allsopp Hand” logo to life by crafting a bespoke 3D relief tile. The deep blue glaze adds profound elegance, seamlessly merging traditional ceramic techniques with contemporary interior design to anchor the room.
Furthermore, the West London branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) noted that the restoration included the installation of specialized beer engines outfitted with high “swan necks”.
As documented in local surveyor records, these features allow staff to pump cask ales directly up from the cellar in a theatrical and engaging manner for patrons seated at the bar.
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How does the pub connect to deep brewing history?
The establishment draws its evocative name from a long-lost Allsopp house originally located in Burton-upon-Trent, where the family business began crafting cask ales back in the 1730s. Speaking on the significance of the opening, founder Jamie Allsopp emphasized the deep-rooted family connection to the trade.
As detailed by regional CAMRA researchers, the venue serves as Samuel Allsopp & Sons’ exclusive outpost in the capital, acting as a living museum filled with vintage brewery memorabilia, antique mirrors stamped with historical insignias, and subtle nods to mid-century advertising. Most notably, the pub has reintroduced legendary products back into the London drinking circuit.
Among these is the famous Double Diamond keg beer at 3.8% ABV, which completely disappeared from the commercial market for over three decades before being chemically and historically revived using original yeasts and modern pale malt paired with Citra and Mosaic hops.
Walls near the seating areas feature affectionate homages to Peter Probyn’s classic “Double Diamond Little Man” cartoon advertisements, creating an immersive historical experience for visitors.
What is the culinary and critical reception of the venue?
While the aesthetic and beverage offerings draw heavy praise, the dining experience has earned equal renown. According to profiles from the Top 50 Gastropubs guide, the kitchen operations are spearheaded by head chef Jacob Farley, who collaborates closely with executive chef Lorcan Spiteri—the founder of the renowned converted barge restaurant Caravel.
Together, they curate a daily changing menu centered on straightforward, seasonal British cooking intertwined with classical European influences. Dishes range from wild Burgundy snails with bacon and frisée to pork and rabbit terrine, hogget chop with cime di rapa, and traditional braised beef and peppercorn pies.
Critical acclaim has poured in from across the British press. As reported by local news curators, a prominent restaurant critic for The Times visited the site and stated that
“the headline on the Blue Stoops for me is that it is very good and not very expensive… it is a brilliant little pub trying out great new things”.
Additionally, a well-known national beer writer commented that the venue successfully marries high-end gastropub cuisine with perfectly conditioned cask ale—a combination “rarely found in the same place”.
Capping off the praise, a review in The Oldie magazine declared that the Kensington site “should be a place of pilgrimage for anyone interested in the history of British brewing”.
With its award-winning transformation, commitment to mid-century stylistic flair, and dedication to reviving long-forgotten brewing milestones, The Blue Stoops firmly cements its status as one of the most distinctive and celebrated drinking establishments in modern London.
