The Builders Arms — Kensington Court Place Pub
A classic Kensington pub with cosy period character, modern British comfort food and a lively, neighbourhood atmosphere.
A lively, well‑established Kensington pub known for updated British comfort food, a wide craft‑beer and wine selection, a cosy interior with original Georgian touches and a small sunlit terrace. Popular for Sunday roasts and casual dinners, the pub mixes rustic wood panelling and washed‑brick dining spaces over two floors, creating an approachable neighbourhood atmosphere in W8 5BJ.
A brief summary to The Builders Arms
- 1 Kensington Ct Pl, Greater, London, W8 5BJ, GB
- +442079376213
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 12 pm-11 pm
- Tuesday 12 pm-11 pm
- Wednesday 12 pm-11 pm
- Thursday 12 pm-11 pm
- Friday 12 pm-11 pm
- Saturday 12 pm-11 pm
- Sunday 12 pm-10:30 pm
Local tips
- Reserve for weekend evenings and Sunday roasts—space is limited and the terrace fills quickly in good weather.
- Try a rotating real ale or craft tap selection to sample local and seasonal brews alongside the food menu.
- Ask staff about upstairs seating if you prefer a slightly quieter dining area away from the main bar.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Information Boards
The Builders Arms location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about The Builders Arms
Origins and character of the building
The Builders Arms sits in a handsome, period streetscape on Kensington Court Place; its façade and interior nod to Georgian and Victorian-era palates with painted timberwork and warm panelling. Inside, the bar retains a traditional pub silhouette—wood counters, brass fittings and an open fireplace—while the dining areas introduce modern, washed-brick walls and a vaulted skylight that throws natural light into the space.Food and drink offering
The kitchen specialises in contemporary takes on British classics: seasonal mains, burgers, battered fish, and a roster of brunch and early‑evening plates that are approachable and often priced for regular dining rather than a special occasion. The pub is also known for a broad drinks list that includes rotating real ales, craft beers and a considered wine list, making it as much a place for a serious pint as for a convivial meal.Layout and visitor experience
Split over two floors, the building offers a downstairs bar area with bench seating and a brighter upper dining room that feels lighter and airier thanks to pale brickwork and higher ceilings. A narrow terrace provides al fresco seating in fair weather; the interior mix of snug corners and larger tables suits couples, small groups and solo drinkers alike. The layout supports both quick drinks at the bar and longer meals on weekends.Weekends, roasts and social rhythm
Sunday roast service is an emphasis here, with multiple roast options and traditional accompaniments forming a focal point of the weekend rhythm. Evenings see a steady local crowd; the place balances the intimacy of a neighbourhood pub with the liveliness of a dining destination. Lighting, timber tones and the occasional live‑sport showing contribute to a buzzy but comfortable ambience.Design details and small touches
Interior notes—pistachio and pepper tones, exposed brick finishes and vintage lighting—lend the pub a slightly bohemian, curated look. Service counters, chalkboard menus and an array of bottled beers behind the bar are part of the visual texture. Upstairs rooms can be repurposed for small private gatherings, adding practical flexibility to the building’s historic bones.Why it fits Kensington
Set within a genteel Kensington neighbourhood, The Builders Arms offers the kind of unpretentious, all‑day pub experience that complements nearby cultural and shopping corridors without trying to be flashy. It functions as a comfortable local anchor—suitable for a relaxed weekday lunch, a lively Friday drink, or a leisurely Sunday roast—while remaining readable to visitors seeking classic British pub fare in an accessible setting.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Kensington War Memorial
0.4 km
A solemn gothic cross memorial honoring Kensington’s fallen soldiers, set beside the historic St Mary Abbots Church.
142 Cromwell Rd
0.5 km
Historic Victorian office building in prestigious South Kensington, steps from world-class museums and transport hubs.
37 Thurloe St
1.1 km
Historic Victorian townhouse in South Kensington's cultural heart, steps from world-class museums and the Underground.
Queen Victoria Monument
1.1 km
A majestic tribute to Queen Victoria, blending imperial grandeur with rich symbolism in the heart of London’s royal landscape.
Béla Bartók Memorial
1.2 km
Celebrate the legacy of Béla Bartók, the Hungarian composer and ethnomusicologist, through this evocative bronze memorial in London’s South Kensington.
Speke Monument
1.2 km
A Victorian obelisk in Kensington Gardens honouring explorer John Hanning Speke, who identified Lake Victoria as the source of the Nile.
Empire House
1.4 km
Historic Edwardian landmark in South Kensington offering luxurious apartments near London’s premier cultural and shopping districts.
George Orwell Plaque
1.5 km
A literary landmark on vibrant Portobello Road celebrating George Orwell’s enduring legacy in London’s cultural heart.
Edward Jenner Memorial
1.5 km
Victorian marble tribute to the physician who conquered smallpox and invented vaccination.
Celebrity's Secret Door
1.7 km
Explore the enchanting Celebrity's Secret Door on Portobello Road, a hidden gem in London that connects you to the city's vibrant celebrity culture.
Norwegian War Memorial
1.7 km
A solemn granite tribute in Hyde Park honoring British-Norwegian friendship and support during World War II.
St Luke's & Christ Church
1.7 km
Explore the serene beauty and rich history of St Luke's & Christ Church, a hidden gem in the heart of London, perfect for reflection and cultural immersion.
Space Apart Hotel
1.7 km
Modern serviced apartments in historic Kensington Gardens Square, offering stylish comfort and easy access to London’s top attractions.
Brompton Cemetery
1.7 km
Explore the tranquil beauty and historical significance of Brompton Cemetery, a Victorian landmark in London offering a unique retreat.
St Peter's Church, Notting Hill
1.8 km
A serene Victorian Anglican church blending classical architecture, rich history, and community spirit in the heart of Notting Hill.
Unmissable attractions to see
Kensington Palace Green
0.5 km
A peaceful royal garden oasis beside Kensington Palace, blending lush greenery with centuries of British history in central London.
Sambourne House
0.6 km
Step into Sambourne House, a Victorian treasure showcasing the art, design, and life of Punch’s celebrated cartoonist in the heart of Kensington.
Kensington Palace
0.6 km
Discover centuries of royal history and serene gardens at Kensington Palace, a majestic London landmark and former home to British monarchs.
Queen Victoria Statue
0.7 km
A majestic marble statue of Queen Victoria by her daughter, marking the birthplace and childhood home of one of Britain’s most iconic monarchs.
Imperial Cinema
0.7 km
A cozy, student-centered cinema blending academic culture and entertainment in the heart of South Kensington.
Royal Albert Hall
0.8 km
Experience the grandeur and timeless cultural legacy of London’s iconic Royal Albert Hall, a world-famous venue for music and the arts.
The Albert Memorial
0.8 km
A breathtaking Victorian Gothic monument in Kensington Gardens, honoring Prince Albert’s legacy with intricate sculptures and gilded grandeur.
Queen's Tower
0.8 km
Discover the Queen's Tower, a stunning historical landmark in South Kensington, showcasing Victorian architecture and rich cultural heritage.
Round Pond
0.8 km
Historic ornamental lake in Kensington Gardens, home to model yachts and diverse wildlife, set against the iconic backdrop of Kensington Palace.
the Design Museum
0.8 km
Explore the cutting-edge world of design in London’s iconic museum, where creativity meets culture and innovation shapes everyday life.
Science Museum
0.8 km
Explore London’s iconic Science Museum with interactive exhibits, live demos, and iconic artifacts celebrating scientific achievement.
Earl’s Court Police Box
0.9 km
Discover London’s last classic blue police box, a nostalgic landmark blending history, pop culture, and urban policing heritage at Earl’s Court.
Natural History Museum
0.9 km
Explore 4.5 billion years of Earth’s history through iconic fossils, dazzling exhibits, and tranquil gardens at London’s Natural History Museum.
St Augustine's Church
1.0 km
Discover the striking Gothic Revival beauty and rich Anglo-Catholic heritage of St Augustine's Church in South Kensington, a William Butterfield masterpiece.
Leighton House
1.0 km
Explore the exquisite Victorian studio-home of Frederic Leighton, where art, architecture, and Orientalist design create a timeless cultural treasure.
Essential places to dine
Grato
0.2 km
Cozy Italian dining with handmade pasta and warm hospitality in the tranquil heart of Kensington Square, London.
Dishoom Kensington
0.3 km
Experience the vibrant flavours and Art Deco charm of Bombay’s iconic Irani cafés at Dishoom Kensington, London’s stylish Indian dining destination.
Zuaya London
0.3 km
Discover modern Latin American cuisine with vibrant flavors, stylish ambiance, and exceptional cocktails in the heart of Kensington.
Prezzo Italian Restaurant London Kensington
0.3 km
Cozy Italian dining in the heart of Kensington with classic pasta, pizza, and family-friendly options in a stylish, relaxed setting.
Spaghetti House Italian Restaurant Kensington High Street
0.3 km
Authentic Italian flavors and cozy charm await at Spaghetti House on Kensington High Street, perfect for casual dining in central London.
Akira Restaurant at Japan House London
0.3 km
Experience authentic Japanese elegance and exquisite omakase dining in the heart of Kensington at Akira Restaurant, Japan House London.
The Ivy Kensington Brasserie
0.4 km
Classic British brasserie charm meets lively Kensington atmosphere in this elegant all-day dining hotspot on High Street.
Alexandrie Restaurant
0.6 km
Experience authentic Egyptian flavors and elegant dining in the heart of Kensington with Alexandrie’s refined Mediterranean cuisine.
Il Portico
0.8 km
Authentic Northern Italian dining with family warmth and timeless charm in the heart of Kensington.
Town House Kensington
1.0 km
Elegant modern British dining with global influences in the heart of South Kensington, offering all-day meals and refined ambiance.
The Shed
1.1 km
A rustic, family-run gem in Notting Hill serving sustainable, farm-to-table British cuisine with a warm, unpretentious atmosphere.
The Ladbroke Arms
1.5 km
A charming gastropub in Notting Hill offering refined British cuisine, standout Sunday roasts, and a welcoming garden terrace.
Ollie's House Restaurant (Chelsea)
1.6 km
A vibrant Pan-Asian fusion restaurant in Chelsea serving fresh, bold flavours in a bright, tropical-inspired setting with creative cocktails.
Cocotte Notting Hill
1.8 km
Experience authentic French rotisserie chicken in a cozy, farm-to-table setting on vibrant Westbourne Grove, Notting Hill.
Gold
1.8 km
Stylish modern European dining with wood-roasted seasonal plates and inventive cocktails on iconic Portobello Road in vibrant Notting Hill.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Jigsaw
0.3 km
Refined British womenswear on Kensington High Street, where timeless tailoring meets contemporary elegance in a stylish boutique haven.
London Souvenir Kensington
0.3 km
Kensington High Street's go-to for authentic London souvenirs: red buses, royal trinkets, and Union Jack delights in a shopper's paradise.
Urban Outfitters
0.4 km
Trendy threads and eclectic home vibes on London's iconic Kensington High Street – Urban Outfitters delivers boho-chic shopping with a creative edge.
Good
0.5 km
Discover timeless designer vintage at Good, where Kensington Church Street's charm meets sustainable high fashion in a curated second-hand paradise.
Oxfam Shop - Kensington High Street
0.6 km
Unearth ethical treasures on Kensington High Street at this vibrant Oxfam shop, where second-hand style funds global change amid London's posh shopping scene.
Kensington Palace Shop
0.6 km
Discover regal treasures at Kensington Palace Shop: fine china, jewellery, and exclusive souvenirs inspired by centuries of royal elegance in London's premier palace grounds.
the Design Museum Shop
0.8 km
Curated gifts, books and design objects from the Design Museum’s High Street, Atrium and Exhibition shops—where form, craft and everyday use meet.
the Design Museum Shop - High Street Shop
0.9 km
Curated design haven on Kensington High Street: books, homewares, and innovative gifts celebrating creativity from the Design Museum.
Octavia Foundation - Kensington
0.9 km
Discover designer bargains and vintage treasures at this Kensington High Street charity shop, funding life-changing support for local communities in true Octavia Hill spirit.
The Natural History Museum Shop
0.9 km
Discover nature’s wonders through unique gifts and souvenirs at the Natural History Museum Shop in London’s iconic museum.
Science Museum Shop
1.0 km
Ignite curiosity with science-inspired gifts, gadgets, and toys at this inventive shop inside London's Science Museum – perfect for all ages.
V&A Shop
1.2 km
Discover art-inspired gifts and unique keepsakes at the V&A Shop, nestled within London’s renowned Victoria and Albert Museum.
Notting hill store
1.2 km
Explore Notting Hill's local convenience store, your one-stop shop for groceries, unique souvenirs, and reliable luggage storage.
The gift store
1.4 km
Discover quirky handmade crafts and Notting Hill treasures at this vibrant Pembridge Road gem, where every shelf holds a unique story from London's creative heart.
The London Shop
1.4 km
Friendly and affordable gift shop in vibrant Queensway, London, open daily with a welcoming atmosphere and great souvenirs.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Builders Arms
0.0 km
A classic Kensington pub with cosy period character, modern British comfort food and a lively, neighbourhood atmosphere.
AMARO BAR - London
0.3 km
Elegant Kensington cocktail bar blending Savoy mastery with inventive twists, vintage rarities, and intimate speakeasy charm on High Street.
Stables Bar
0.3 km
Elegant Kensington cocktail haven in a former stable, blending equestrian heritage with inventive mixology and cosy conservatory vibes opposite lush gardens.
High Spirit Cocktail Bar
0.3 km
A friendly, compact cocktail bar on Kensington High Street serving well-made classics and creative seasonal drinks in a warm, music-led setting.
Piano Kensington
0.4 km
Live piano requests, cocktails and casual late-night bites in the Royal Garden Hotel — a music-led, relaxed Kensington night out.
Prince of Wales
0.4 km
A cosy Kensington pub of warm wood, classic pints and a surprising Thai menu tucked behind a Victorian façade.
Bar 190
0.6 km
Experience London’s legendary rock ’n’ roll cocktail bar with classic Victorian charm and expertly crafted drinks at Bar 190.
The Owl and Monkey Cocktail Bar
0.8 km
A stylish South Kensington cocktail bar blending tropical design, sustainable mixology, and warm hospitality for memorable nights.
The Hereford Arms, South Kensington
0.9 km
Victorian South Kensington pub pouring Fuller's ales, serving refined classics like cod and cottage pie amid Hitchcock charm and Ripper lore.
The Churchill Arms, Kensington
0.9 km
London's floral-festooned pub icon: Churchill memorabilia, pioneering Thai eats, and blooming facades since 1750 in vibrant Kensington.
K Bar
1.0 km
Sophisticated South Kensington cocktail haven blending innovative mixology, gem-inspired elixirs, and plush club-like elegance for unforgettable evenings.
Evans & Peel Detective Agency
1.1 km
Step into a secret 1920s detective office for immersive cocktails, live jazz, and a playful mystery-solving speakeasy experience in London’s Earl’s Court.
The Henderson Bar & Kitchen
1.3 km
Notting Hill's carnival-inspired bar serving twisted British classics from breakfast to cocktails on a sunny terrace—honoring Russ Henderson's legacy.
The Sun In Splendour
1.4 km
Historic Notting Hill pub with yellow charm, hearty fare, craft pours, and a secret garden haven on bustling Portobello Road.
Naked & Famous Bar
1.8 km
A cozy, retro-styled Notting Hill basement bar focused on tequila and mezcal with bold, handcrafted cocktails.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Metric
0.7 km
A compact, collegiate nightclub beneath Imperial College’s Beit Quadrangle — lively student nights, intimate dancefloor and a campus-centred party vibe.
B London
1.1 km
Dive into South Kensington's electric nightlife at B London, where sophisticated beats and stylish crowds fuel unforgettable nights from 9pm till dawn.
Dolce Night Club , London
1.1 km
Elite VIP nightclub in South Kensington blending luxurious design, R&B beats, and high-end cocktails for unforgettable weekend revelry.
Notting Hill Arts Club
1.2 km
West London's sweaty basement cradle of music legends since '97—coffee by day, live gigs and club nights till 2am in an intimate den of funk, jazz, and raw talent.
Ricco London
1.6 km
A plush, performance‑led lounge in Kensington Olympia where cocktails, Mediterranean sharers and cabaret create theatrical late‑night nights.
Privilege Entertainment Ltd
1.7 km
Discover the pulsating nightlife at Privilege Entertainment Ltd, London's premier entertainment agency and nightclub, where unforgettable experiences await.
The Duke of Wellington
2.1 km
Historic Young's pub on Portobello Road: Victorian screens, market views, British roasts, and Notting Hill legends in every pint.
The Globe
2.1 km
Traditional London pub by day, lively late‑night bar and club by night—large, hireable rooms and a warm, characterful interior.
Electric House
2.1 km
Experience the vibrant social scene at Electric House, a chic social club in Notting Hill, London, blending style, comfort, and culinary delights.
Subteranian
2.6 km
A compact underground club on Acklam Road delivering dense, DJ-led electronic nights with an intimate, bass-heavy atmosphere.
Lost In Disco
3.1 km
An intimate West London disco night celebrating 1970s–80s funk, soul and floor-filling classics with DJs, guest singers and a glittering dancefloor.
LUXX CLUB LONDON
3.3 km
Experience Mayfair’s premier luxury nightclub with dazzling lights, top DJs, and exclusive VIP vibes at LUXX CLUB LONDON.
Carwash Nightclub
3.4 km
Europe's longest-running disco since 1989: sequins, funk beats, and joyful dancing in Mayfair's retro heart. Join the glitter-fueled party!
Tabu London
3.4 km
Escape Mayfair's polish for Tokyo's neon-lit Shinjuku alleys at Tabu London—retro gaming vibes, caged dancers, hip-hop beats, and upscale bites fuel epic nights.
The Cuckoo Club
3.7 km
Exclusive Mayfair nightclub and restaurant blending glamorous design, contemporary cuisine, and vibrant nightlife in London’s upscale scene.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Lively
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Bohemian Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly