After my husband spotted that the old boozer Skiddaw on Elgin Avenue (corner of Chippenham) had been changed to what he described as a ‘more stylish’ gastropub called The Red Squirrel, I just had to try it.
It’s taken me a little over a month to do so but I finally had the opportunity to check it out while he took the girl to footie.
I met my recently engaged friend there so we had a lot to talk about. It was easy to spot her because the place was really open and full of space. The tables had bistro style chairs and lots of room. She looked perfectly comfortable sat there on her own catching up on emails over a drink.
As I approached her, I thought – there is room for a buggy here. OK, yes, back to nice girly afternoon out.
The bartender was super friendly and helpful. He told us there was still work to be done on the place. For example, they’re going to get furniture for the outside area which will be really nice as the weather warms up.
I know a lot of people who were loyal to the old Victorian style of the Skiddaw would probably not like some of the more modern touches, but I thought that they retained a great amount of character with etched glass, wooden panels, stained glass, and a fabulously ornate high ceiling, whilst giving off a bit more of a Bohemian feel (which is more up my alley).
Our food was great. She had a club sandwich and chips and I had a grilled chicken sandwich with sweet potato chips. Now I’m not a food writer so I’m not going to pretend to write a food review, but I can let you know that we ate everything on our plates (and drank every last bit of alcohol in our glasses). Thumbs up to the chef.
We met around 1.30pm on a Saturday and it was pleasantly empty – just a few other people there, but gradually started filling up as we left around 4pm.
The next test is to go as a family.
Access wise, that should be fine. All one level, plenty of space, and a disabled loo – didn’t get to check to see if there were changing facilities for the little ones, but I like to note these things for when I’m on my own (at least I can bring her in, buggy and all). I didn’t spot any high chairs, but it is a bar after all, so wasn’t expecting any.
Dawn, thanks for the great recommendation, we’ve found a new local! We met friends at the Red Squirrel last Saturday with tots in tow (a 21 mth old, and 2 yr old) to try it for lunch. Both buggies fitted easily through the doors and around the tables, no complaints from staff, just friendly welcome comments. No high chairs as you mentioned (we took our own portables), but the staff very receptive to the idea of getting some, and excited to hear they’d had a review on Maida Vale Mums. We stayed for nearly three hours, ate well, drank and relaxed. My daughter loved her sausage roll with caramelised onions, and my friends son looked pretty happy with his pile of mashed potatoe and pie shared from Mum’s plate. No kids menu specifically but the tapas dishes have some kid friendly food, and the mains portions are huge so sharing an option. Good wholesome pub food, easy eating. I loved how light the place is now, the space is airy and pretty. My daugther took over the place and ran around and around the oval shaped bar and the staff were so lovely about her. They’re going to start a breakfast menu soon – I can’t think of a better place to grab a coffee down that end of Maida Vale. Really hope this gastro pub does well, it’s a nice addition to the area.