“Fancy a pint in a pub with history etched into its very glass?” That’s what I always say when introducing The Kilburn Arms. It’s more than just a pub. It’s a step back in time.
The Kilburn Arms stands proudly on Willesden Lane. It’s been a local landmark for over a century. Originally named The Prince of Wales in 1899 it was renamed in 2018. The exterior still whispers its original name. Look up and you’ll see the inter-war extension. It sports a pediment with a bust of the Prince of Wales who later became King Edward VII.
Notice the Art Deco details. They mark what might have been an off-license shop. The original pub is divided into two bars. A glazed partition separates them. The right-hand bar boasts an impressive vestibule entrance. Cut and etched windows adorn it. The curved bar counter dates back to the inter-war period. It matches the paneling in the single-story part of The Kilburn Arms.
Admire the four-bay bar back fitting. It features beautiful cut and etched glass panels. Floral and fruit designs decorate them. The third bay is a door. An “Office” sign is etched on its glass panel.
Step into the left-hand bar. It has a modern vestibule entrance. Rare curved cut and etched windows catch the eye. They also showcase floral and fruit decorations. Old dado paneling adds to the charm. The five-bay bar back fitting mirrors the right-hand side. Good cut and etched glass panels display floral and fruit motifs.
The Kilburn Arms has an enormous amount of superb etched and cut glass. Both vestibules and bar-backs contain it. This makes it a One Star pub. The Campaign for Real Ale’s National Inventory recognizes its special national historic interest.
The large room to the left might have been for functions or billiards. Its blocked-in skylight has brightly colored panes. A good plasterwork cornice and a dado of fielded paneling enhance the room.
The Kilburn Arms offers more than just history. It is a pub that offers a gastro experience. It is a bar and even a hotel. Fish and chips are a popular choice here. It is open every day of the week.
Live performances fill the air. Sport events play on screens. The Kilburn Arms caters to all tastes. Whether you want outdoor seating a takeaway meal or to dine in. The Kilburn Arms has friendly bar staff and nice decor. Tasty dinners include butternut squash risotto sausage and mash and of course fish and chips. It’s a place where memories are made and stories are shared. So raise a glass to The Kilburn Arms. A true London gem.