I had dinner at The Monkey Puzzle while in London for a work trip. I wanted a simple pub meal and a walked around til I stumbled upon this gem. It was a Monday night and i was able to sit right away. Great fish n chips and a decent beer selection. Staff was VERY friendly and helpful! I will be back next time I'm in town! The patio outside is also nice, i would've sat outside if it was a little warmer. read more

We really enjoyed this pub! We were in London visiting from South Florida. We found this place to be authentic compared to other pubs we had patronized so far. The places we had been to were part of the Fullers and seemed to have premade chainlike food. The food at The Monkey Puzzle was excellent and fresh. I had the beef and mushroom pie. The meat was tender and flavorful. My daughter had sausages which were also excellent. My son in law had the fish and chips which was the best we have seen on this trip. The staff was very friendly and service was great. This place is a hang out for locals. It was recommended by a taxi driver as being his favorite! read more

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If your looking for great english food The Monkey Puzzle is waiting for you. I had the Beef and Mushroom Pie. This was one of the best dishes I have had. Very well presented and the flavor was incredible. My wife had the fish and chips to try the local fare and it was the best we've had in London. Stay away from the fish and chips by the London Eye unless you like the skin of the fish and a few bones. The bartender from Ireland was ver hospitable and ver knowledgeable and willing to share. It was a great night for our family. Next time in London we will definitely stop back by The Monkey Puzzle. You won't be disappointed. read more

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Food was incredible! Highly recommend beef and mushroom pie, fish and chips and burgers. Staff was super friendly, welcoming and atmosphere was homey!! We will be back!! read more

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Thank you Gary and Monkey Puzzle staff for making my birthday special!! This is a lovely pub - Rey friendly and great burgers. We found this bar from YELP after visiting the Sherlock Holmes Museum and it was worth the walk! read more

First meal on your visit to London. Love the name, it brought me in. Service was great, fish/chips were yummy. They rolled out a new desert (vanilla non dairy ice cream). Not sure what it's made of but it was delicious. Fruit on top of cheesecake (can't remember proper name) was delicious, as was the brownie. Loved my Fursty Ferret beer. iI definitely recommend. read more

For pub food it was above the average. I was not used to having to go up to the bar and pay for my beer and carry it back to my table. You can also open up a tab there and pay for it later. Loved their chicken fingers ( they call it something that starts with a g) and sweet chili sauce for dipping and my wife liked her fish and chips. It was recommended to me by members of my traveling group because I never would have known about it otherwise. read more

Reasons I like this place: (1) There's a large outdoor seating area which catches the light perfectly in the afternoon/evening. (2) Not many people know about it. Which leads me to: (3) It's fantastic for after work drinks on sunny days. Staff are polite and friendly, and the portions of chips are huge. Also, it's not a Fullers pub as most pubs in London tend to be, it's Hall and Woodhouse so they serve Tanglefoot and Badger. read more

If you're looking for an authentic London pub experience, this is the place to go to. Situated a little out of the busy tourist areas, the Monkey Puzzle offers a wonderful vibe combined with a great beer selection. The food was good and the service was fantastic. We had the beef burger, the Cumberland sausages - both of which were excellent - and a pint and ended up paying around £23, which was extremely affordable, especially considering the prices most places in London charge. If you're in the area I highly recommend giving this place a try. read more

The Monkey Puzzle - Beef burger and Cumberland sausages - Pubs Near Me - London, XGL

Stopped in for a quick snack and beer after being tourists for the day. I had the beef and mushroom pie - totally different but in a good way. I have to remember we're not in the states where everyone loves craft beer... the most flavorful beer I found was Guinness. Staff was friendly but busy. read more

Our family of 6 found this amazing place on our last day in London! I wish we would have found it sooner as everything about this place is amazing! I had the beef and mushroom pie- it was absolutely delicious- the meat was extremely tender with great flavor. My wife had the combo basket which had a little of everything, tender chicken, spring rolls, fries and more. the kids who tend to be picky had the burger and pulled pork sandwich and finished every bite of them. My mom had the soup, which she raved about. Then dessert.... we had the "nutella covered dessert pizza with some of the best flavored ice cream we had ever eaten. My mom couldn't get enough of the cheesecake and ice cream that she ordered! We highly recommend The Monkey Puzzle!!! read more

I was staying in the Shaftesbury Metropolis just across the road an popped in here for something to eat purely because it was raining, it was the closest place to my hotel, and it had good reviews. I came inside and found it was just like any standard local pub, relatively busy, with a small beer garden out the front. I ordered the steak pie and mash from the modest menu, which was nice enough and the prices were reasonable, however the pie seemed like it was made much earlier on in the day or the day previous and reheated, and as such was very dry. The experience overall was fine, but I am somewhat bemused at all of the 'excellent' reviews - maybe I'm missing something that wasn't apparent on my visit. read more

Really nice place! Good burgers, fish and chips and amazing pie and mash! We're coming back! read more

The Monkey Puzzle - Pie and mash - Pubs Near Me - London, XGL

Make a point to stop at this lovely find. We found it through YELP and so glad we stopped in! The weather was an absolute delight so we opted to sit outside and enjoy tasty appetizers (Monkey board) and a couple of cold beers. This is a truly a local pub, filled with area friendly residents. If we ever stop by London again, this will be a definite return! We stayed at the Hilton Metropole which is an easy 10 minute walk away. read more

We stumbled upon this place and fell in love with it. It's all the personalness and goodness you'd imagine a London pub to be. The food is great. The burger excellent. The rosemary chips exceptional. And the Monkey board was HUGE. Best part was the service. Been there twice in two days; by that second visit, we felt both friends with and taken care of by the curious and fun staff. Gary, the owner, is the bomb. read more

What a fun welcoming pub for our first night in London. We were traveling to London, and we came across this while walking around. The staff are friendly and we had excellent service. They have a variety of food, some typical British food and fish & chips, etc. but also hummus, veggie plates, and the like. My sister ordered a beer, and I was happy to find some cider here. The location was great, and they have indoor & outdoor seating. read more

The dessert is delicious and the service is quick, and I really recommend it! Also, the space is good.

Bartenders are very attentive and so is the owner. I have traveled through the area 5 times and the last visit the bartender even remembered my credit card because she like the fountain pen on it. The beers are all good proper pours and are reasonably priced. The pies are what keep bringing me back in. The special is sometimes chicken and leek which is by far my favorite and when that is out for the day I go with the mushroom and beef which is good also. I like this place the most in the area because it does not seem to capture all the Paddington travelers and seems so much more relaxed and welcoming. They do a great job and that keeps me coming back for more... read more

Awesome welcoming staff. Great bartenders and wonderful owner Gary who greeted us at our table. Service, ordering at the bar, was A +. Food outstanding as well. We had hummus, cheeseburgers (kids) and fish and chips, Chocolate brownies and a great selection of brews, ales and ciders. Our somewhat early night wrapped up with more conversation with Gary. His genuine enthusiasm, willingness to share and customer service was stellar. This pub was as welcoming and friendly as any I've ever visited. Thank you Gary and staff for a great night. read more

I first visited the Monkey Puzzle 7 years ago in 2011 and loved it immediately. The beers and food are both excellent and reasonably priced, but the real allure is the staff. They're quick to remember a face and make you feel as though you're grabbing a pint with a friend. I had a several year gap between visits after I left London, yet the owner (Gary) and one of the bartenders (Darren) both immediately remembered me (I had been on more than one occasion...). Simply put- this is a pub where you feel like family whether you're from the area or somewhere abroad. Highly recommend and me and my wife will surely be back! Jack and D read more

Wow! Let me first of all just say that I'm writing this as an American that recently visited England. This is a great little Pub over around the Kensington area that gives you a unique experience with atmosphere as well as food and drink options. They have a very cozy inside area with comfy chairs and couches, great decor, and really just a welcoming place to go and have a pint with a friend. We enjoyed sitting on their patio right out front for a bit and gave us a chance to people watch. Great place, definitely recommend to anyone looking for a cool place to have a brew! read more

Came here cause the family wanted dessert. I had the apple pie and it is amazing. The tables are really nice and it seems pretty calm. Definitely check it out read more

Very friendly staff and regulars greated us as we came into the pub. It probably didn't hurt that Ireland won the EU rugby title or that it was St. Patrick's day, but the sense we got is of a place where everyone is welcome all the time. The food was great. I had the steak and mushroom pie and my daughter the BBQ pork sandwich. Mine was perfect - the crust flaky and soft, the gravy just the right blend of silky and rich. Would definitely go here again! read more

It's clear that the Monkey Puzzle has a strong local following, and as a Londoner I'm not looking for a tourist trap. However, having heard good things about this pub I was disappointed - the drinks were fine, there is a large outside area and the service was good, but the place is sadly lacking in character. Perhaps this was partly due to us being seated in the dining area for just drinks, but it just didn't have the cosy atmosphere we were looking for. It wasn't a "bad" pub per se, but I wouldn't rush back. read more

This is a must try, the food and atmosphere is amazing! Had the beef and mushroom pie with smash potatoes and my husband had pizza and they were to die for, done think twice go here!!!!! Cheers ( btw with American food was this good) read more

Excellent after work location with very spacious indoor and outdoor venues. Very friendly staff and cheap drinks! Unlike most pubs close to Paddington this one is not packed with tourists. read more

Beautiful outside garden. Delicious desserts. Great selection of beer. Friendly staff

Love this pub. The beef and mushroom pie with mash and gravy was fantastic. Good beer choices and the staff was very friendly and welcoming. Would go again for sure. read more

Lovely little pub for an after work drink or casual pint out. The prices are super reasonable for London at 4 pounds a pint and there's plenty of seating inside and outside. I would really recommend this place if you're in the area. read more

I've only been here twice both on sunny days. They have a nice outside area to have a drink although next to a busy road. The choice of beers is limited but fine to quench your thirst. read more

Amazing food and drinks. Went there for a uni mates reunion. All loved it and had a amazing night out.

First nite in London and this pub was close to our hotel...everything was great from the cider to the chicken korma and chicken and onion rings...but the best part was the home made icecream baileys, my favorite and malteaser ...such a treat. The staff was exceptional!!!! Thank you so much for a great evening. read more

Great first night in London with all the locals! Enjoyed the Fish & Chips. Will try to stop back by before we leave. A must visit for the true London experience. read more

This was hands down, the best place to grab a pint or two in the Paddington neighborhood. A few of us were on our way back to the hotel after tying one on in Soho when we saw The Monkey Puzzle on Sussex Gardens. We popped in for last call and the owner, Gary, couldn't have been more welcoming to a gang of American barflies. For the life of me, I can't remember the name of the beer, but ask for the German lager. They are only one of two bars in all of England that are licensed to sell it, and it's a great beer. Enjoy a pint or two a grab some lunch at this place. It's not a busy place if you're looking for some heavy nightlife, but that's where the charm of this place lies. They'll treat you like the most important person in the room. read more

I loved it, I'm a hard pill to please. I'm a chef but it's hard for me to get excited about going out to eat, without pointing out a hundred things that are wrong. The Monkey Puzzle was one the best places I've eaten in a long time. With a friendly staff and a hearty menu it's hard to go wrong. The daily pie was absolutely to die for. read more

Outstanding service! The manager, Alice was fantastic! We had the beef and mushroom pie that was savory and hearty. Scrumptious.

Awesome place for a quality hangout with friends we had a great time when we were here last weekend. Our waitress had the most amazing attitude, she was dressed properly and was very communicative which set the mood for the night. read more

Favorite neighbourhood pub. Best beer garden in paddington, nicest owner and free wifi on top

My friends and I were pleasantly surprised with this typical British pub. If you come to London as a tourist and want to enjoy dinner and drinks in a true English atmosphere, this is the perfect place. We were the only foreigners in the pub, yet we were nicely welcomed and not looked upon at all. We enjoyed the place a lot, it was really nice to be in place designed for locals and not for exclusively touristic purpose. Slightly out of the center but not to far either, it is close to a serie of hotels, a couple of minutes from the Susssex Garden bus stop. The pub is quite spacious, with two large wooden rooms decorated in a cosy and retro way, and a yard in the front with tables you can sit at when the weather allows it. The staff is very nice and service is as fast as it can be. The food was delicious and quite unexpensive. We went there on a Saturday night, there was a barbecue in the front yard. I had chicken and vegetables kebab served with a pita bread and salad. Meat and veggies were grilled directly on the barbecue. Quality was excellent, quantity was way sufficient; it was not your usual kebab with two peppers and a half and three pieces of meat, it was two long kebabs of various fresh vegetable and perfectly grilled chicken with a nicely spicy dressing. My friends had cheeseburgers and were very satisfied as well. The pub serves fish and chips during the week, but not during the week end, so they said. There was a good variety of beer and ale, as well as several stronger alcohols and wine. We had three glasses of ale for 4 pounds and a half, which is quite unexpensive for London. All in all, I recommend this pub for dinner and drinks before going out to a club, as we spent a very nice evening, and will certainly come back next time we are in London. read more

The Monkey Puzzle is definitely a pub for the discerning primate. Warm welcome, cool beer, hot food. All served with a smile by the Irish landlord with a sense of humour to brighten up your day. Check it out. read more