The Churchill Arms: London's Most Colourful Pub

The Churchill Arms has been described as London's most colourful pub.

The Churchill Arms was built way back in 1750, making it one of the older and more historic pubs worth visiting in London.

In the 1800s, Winston Churchill's Grandparents were regular visitors which eventually led to the naming of the pub after World War 2.

Step inside today and you'll find plenty of Churchill memorabilia hanging from the walls.

The pub is decorated with all types of things associated with Winston Churchill, and falsely claims that Churchill made wartime broadcasts from the venue.

Churchill's grandparents, the 7th Duke of Marlborough and Lady Frances Anne Emily Vane, were patrons of the pub in the 19th century.

The pub has other claims to fame worth mentioning too; their beautiful flower displays earned them a reputation as one of very select few pubs that can claim to be a Chelsea Flower Show winner!

The Churchill Arms splurges an impressive £25,000 annually on decorations.

In the affluent enclave of Kensington, extravagance is par for the course.

As spring blossoms and flowers adorn the scene, the pub boasts an array of 100 flower pots, 48 window boxes, and 42 hanging baskets.

It has become world famous for its creative and beautiful flower displays, which first went on the pub's exterior in 1986.

Christmas time also sees the pub exchanging the flowers for Christmas trees and twinkling lights – creating a Christmassy spectacle worth making a special trip to see.

The Churchill Arms has added more lights and Christmas trees than ever before with a whopping 97 trees and 21,500 lights in 2023, earning it the title of the “most festive pub” in the UK, according to ABC News!

When you walk past, it’s hard to resist stopping to take a photograph.

Plus, they're also the first pub in London to serve delicious Thai food alongside their ales.

Inside, Most everything about the pub’s interior feels British.

It has a dark interior, made cosy by the warm lighting and lack of space.

Churchill portraits and paraphernalia adorn every nook and cranny, except for the ceilings, from which sprout potted plants and a variety of antiques.

The canopy crammed with British gear, much of it looking to date to the ’40s, can make a visitor forget the quirk that is the Churchill Arms’s menu.

The pub as raving reviews on TripAdvisor.

One recent review said: "One of the most unique pubs with flowers all over the front and traditional English pub on the inside but various decorations on the roof including war memorabilia, old lamps and other random things.

“You can spend all day remarking on the roof. Very friendly, welcoming pub with good food but very hard to get seating so worth getting in early."

The Churchill Arms is open every day from lunch time until about 11pm, except for Sundays, when it is open from 12pm to 10.30pm.

Winston Churchill

Winston Churchill (1874-1965) was a towering figure of the 20th century, renowned for his leadership during World War II and his contributions to British politics and history.

Born into a prominent aristocratic family, Churchill was educated at Harrow and Sandhurst before pursuing a military career.

He saw action in various conflicts, including the Boer War, where he gained fame as a war correspondent and prisoner of war.

Churchill's political career began in the Conservative Party, but he later switched to the Liberal Party before ultimately rejoining the Conservatives.

He served in various government positions, including as First Lord of the Admiralty, where he played a crucial role in modernising the British navy prior to World War I.

However, it was during World War II that Churchill's leadership qualities truly shone.

In 1940, he became Prime Minister at a time when Britain faced its darkest hour, standing alone against Nazi Germany after the fall of France.

Churchill's stirring speeches and indomitable spirit rallied the British people and inspired the Allied forces to continue the fight against fascism.

Churchill's partnership with U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt was instrumental in shaping the course of the war.

Together, they forged a strong alliance that laid the groundwork for the eventual defeat of the Axis powers.

After the war, Churchill's political career continued, and he served another term as Prime Minister from 1951 to 1955.

He remained active in politics and public life until his retirement in 1955.

Throughout his life, he was also a prolific writer and historian, winning the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1953 for his historical writings.

Winston’s legacy remains profound, with his leadership, courage, and oratory skills continuing to inspire leaders and citizens around the world.

He is remembered as one of the greatest statesmen of the 20th century, a symbol of resilience in the face of adversity, and a staunch defender of democracy and freedom.

If you'd like to visit this wonderful pub, here's the address: The Churchill Arms, Kensington, 119 Kensington Church Street, London, W8 7LN.

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