The Hawthorn

Consider the Hawthorn an oasis on gritty, traffic-throttled Uxbridge Road. Reopened in 2025, it’s managed by the owners of a small group of Cotswold inns, yet it's not intended for city folk who like a little country living. It’s a proper urban boozer, a Brakspear-tied public house with a well-worn look that's just the right side of scruffy, backed up by welcoming dressed-down service. The confident kitchen does clever things with excellent produce across several menus – a blackboard of bar snacks, a good-value locals’ weekday lunch, and a carte – and the food is always poised. The 'immaculate' devilled lamb’s kidneys on toast have become something of a signature since Giles Coren’s rave review, while capers, olives and aïoli could pep up a starter of squid with tomatoes; elsewhere, rich, buttery crab sauce makes the perfect accompaniment for a well-timed piece of turbot. The compact, modern wine list has a decent, well-priced house selection by the glass, carafe and bottle, and there’s a small roster of cocktails competing with Brakspear ales at the bar.