The History of Our Pub
Built in 1856, our stunning Grade II listed Victorian pub is one of the most unique and carefully well-kept pubs of its era.
The impeccable details of the moulded high ceilings, the intricate mosaic tiling and the traditional ‘snob screen’ carved woodwork all create an air of luxury craftsmanship – not to mention the incredible etched glass in our bowed window frontage.
The reason The Prince Alfred’s interior is so interesting is because of the ‘pub boom’ in the 19th century. In 1898, along with many others, our pub was remodelled, maintaining some original features and adding in lots of new exciting architectural designs.
Our recent refurbishment has restored these historic details to the highest standard, ensuring we honour the story behind it all.
The streets around Warrington Crescent and Warwick Avenue were designed with stuccoed houses and shops to match Samuel Pepys Cockerell’s development layout of ‘Tyburnia’, originating South of Paddington in 1824. Little did they know, an iconic Maida Vale watering hole was born.
Now officially on record as ‘The Prince Alfred’, this is where our story begins.
At the height of the pub boom, the peninsula bar area and 5 drinking compartments as we know them now were created, typical to pub designs of the time. Also introduced to the rear of the pub was a billiards room, which no longer stands.
Having seen relatively little alteration since the remodel in 1898, The Prince Alfred and our retention of the ornate carved timber snob screens were cited as a notable London survival by Girouard and gained Grade II listed status.
Our gorgeous back room featured in David Bowie’s Grammy award winning short film, Jazzin’ for Blue Jean.
A small phase of remodelling saw the removal of the billiards room and extension to the pub, also opening up our original brick-built cellar space into the captivating private hire rooms we know and love today.
Early 2025 saw a stunning refurbishment of all the original listed features, a lovely lick of paint and the integration of the kitchen enclosure – carefully crafted to incorporate the original design features of the snob screen woodwork and etched glass frontage.
We’re biased of course, but we think this is the best the pub has looked yet.
So what are snob screens, and why were they used?
Back in the Victorian era, it was popular to compartmentalise pubs to create spaces specifically for different classes, or genders. These would be separated by timber framework, and small doors to access each one.
The ladies section typically would be the smallest, with ours featuring the etched glass rotating windows which could provide more privacy to customers from the bar area.
Our secret little spot, The Cellars, is the ultimate destination for your next party. Providing privacy and a unique backdrop, the original curved brick vaulted ceilings and heavy iron framework are a talking point of their own.
Make your occasion memorable with your own little piece of history in Maida Vale.
A firm favourite within the community, our pub is located just moments away from Warwick Avenue station, the charming canals of Little Venice, a hop-skip-and-a-jump away from Lord’s Cricket Ground and a short walk to Paddington, with many fantastic transport links.
If you’re visiting our beautiful area, let us know so we can give you a local’s guide to the best tips and tricks for a day in Maida Vale.
