The Clarence, pool in Earls Court / West Kensington

Photo: WhatPub / CAMRA

The Clarence: Pool & Snooker in Earls Court, London

Free entryWalk-inPool tableLocals pubDarts

148 North End Road, West Kensington, London · W14 9PP · Mo-Sa 11:00-23:00; Su 12:00-22:30

The Clarence is a proper old-school locals' pub on North End Road in West Kensington, the kind of place you go for a quiet pint and a frame of pool rather than a big night out. It dates from 1867 and still keeps its rare two-room layout, with a carpeted room that holds the pool table, a darts board, and a big screen for Sky Sports. You can walk straight in, no booking, and entry is free. The crowd is mostly regulars, and it leans sporty and laid-back. There's a beer garden out the back for warmer days, lunchtime and evening food, and a choice of beers, wines, spirits and guest ales. If you want a low-key spot to shoot pool near Fulham and West Ken without any fuss, this fits.

The pool setup

There's one pool table, sat in the carpeted main room alongside a darts board and a TV screen showing Sky Sports. It is a single table in a traditional pub setting, so this is somewhere to play a casual frame between pints rather than a dedicated pool hall with a bank of tables. Expect it to be busier around match days and weekend evenings when the regulars are in. There is no published booking system for the table, so it works on a turn-up-and-play basis, and you may need to wait your turn if someone's already on.

Good to know

The Clarence opens 11:00 to 23:00 Monday to Saturday and 12:00 to 22:30 on Sunday. It does lunchtime and evening meals, plus the usual beers, wines, spirits and guest ales, though cask ale isn't currently on. There's a beer garden out back, weather permitting, and the pub can take private parties of up to around 40 people on request, food included. It also runs DJ nights and karaoke. Nearest stations are West Brompton and West Kensington, both a short walk along or off North End Road. Phone the pub on 020 7385 4202 if you want to check anything before heading over.

Get directions

Common questions

What is The Clarence?
It's a traditional locals' pub at 148 North End Road, West Kensington, W14 9PP, built in 1867 with a rare two-room layout. It has a pool table, a darts board and Sky Sports screens, plus food and a beer garden.
Is it free to play pool at The Clarence?
Entry to the pub is free and you can walk straight in. The pool table itself is likely coin-operated like most pub tables, but a separate table price isn't published, so check at the bar.
Do I need to book to play pool?
No. There's no booking system for the pool table, so it works on a turn-up-and-play basis. You may need to wait your turn if the table is in use.
How many pool tables does it have?
One pool table, in the carpeted main room next to the darts board and the TV screen.
What are the opening hours?
Monday to Saturday 11:00 to 23:00, and Sunday 12:00 to 22:30.
What's the nearest station?
West Brompton and West Kensington are both a short walk away, off or along North End Road.

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