The Fat Badger (permanently closed)

Address: 310 Portobello Road, Notting Hill, London, W10 5TA, United Kingdom

Door: Make reservation
Style: Gastro pub
Food: Set menu

Originally a notorious Victorian boozer called The Caernarvon Castle and in more recent years Bed Bar, this pub, which lies at the less salubrious end of Portobello Road, has recently gone the way of so many others and been gastrofied.

The Moroccan decor of Bed Bar has been replaced with the obligatory gastro pub mismatched old tables and chairs, huge chandeliers and loud wallpaper – in this case stamped with shocking pink scenes of London by Timorous Beasties.
Apart from a smattering of wines, the drinks selection seems to have progressed little from its Caernarvon days with Leffe Blonde as high as the drab beer selection reaches. But this is made up for by the excellent rustic British grub served in the upstairs dining room.

During its previous Bed Bar incarnation this place had a reputation for loud music, which seems to have continued. Perhaps loud music suits the loud wallpaper?