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The Kensington Pub
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 11 am - 1 am
Fri-Sat 11 am - 2 am
Sun 11 am - 11 pm
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Music:
- Juke Box
- Best Nights:
- Wed, Thu
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
26 reviews for The Kensington Pub
Review Highlights
"But to my surprise it was actually a laid back tavern."
(in 3 reviews)
"Last night was wing night at Kensington Pub, and it was..."
(in 2 reviews)
"...reputed to have the best steak sandwich in all of Calgary."
(in 2 reviews)
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26 reviews in English
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Review from Kent V.
2/5/2012 1 Check-in Here
Its my go to place in Kensington for a drink, when you can find a table.
K-pub has a neighborhood pub environment so I always feel warm and cozy there (or maybe its the alcohol that makes me feel that way, can't tell).
Despite my many times there, I never actually remember the food. Its just not memorable. But at least that means that its not terrible either. -
Review from Joel K.
1/14/2012
WELL CHEERIO, CHAPS! A wee English pub in the hideaway of fairest Kensington? Great Scot, I say! I have partaken of the libations and nosh at this fine establishment on many an occasion, from tipping a pint to celebrating the ever-present holiday of "bloody hell do I need a beer".
Ah, language, language! I shall try not to be so frivolous with my tongue for the endurance of this review. Tut tut, pip pip, onward ho!
Let me declare this: The chicken sandwich is ta major A+ in my books. You know, the one with bacon. One of the best I've had in the city. I couldn't tell you way, but I feel they combine the elements necessary for a delicious sandwich in equal and meaningful proportions. I've eaten chicken sandwiches all over this city ranging from excellent (here) to incredibly salty and off-putting (Moxies), so I'm a bit of a chicken sandwich professional and you had better listen to me.
That said, it is a wee squishy in here so you may have to wait a spot for a table. But chin up, gentlemen, for when you do the experience is generally a good one. The wait staff here are attentive at best and occasionally forgetful at worst - sort of like, well, anywhere else.
The decor, of course, is pretty unique. It's enough to make someone of German heritage temporarily adopt a faux-English accent and tip a derby hat at passersby.
On the whole I think this place actually deserves a 3.5, but I'll give it the 4 because this is the only place I've ever seen someone attempt an "Aussie Tequila Shot". Google it, and you'll know why that was a positive experience for everyone who wasn't the attemptee. -
Review from Nicole M.
Calgary, AB
9/6/2011
Every time I go shopping in Kensington, I stop in at the Kensington pub, which means I tend to go there on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon.
This lovely little pub is both a neighbourhood pub for residents of the area, and a Calgary institution, so many of the faces I see on the weekend afternoon's are the same faces I have seen there for the past 20+ years.
Unlike many other places which coast on their history, the Kensington pub has not stood still, the menu is up to date, and their selections of beers also change with the times. The food has always been good, and still is, and service here is something special.
You don't know how rare it is in this city to get service from someone who is authentically friendly, and enjoys their job, as well as being knowledgeable about beers and beverages. Service at the Kensington pub is just as professional as 20 years ago. It is not the modern, slack jawed, mini skirted, breast implanted, rude, arrogant and slow service of 99% of the places in this city.
The staff at Kensington pub should run a school for pub service - and for that I give this place a 5. -
Review from Angelo T.
5/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
I actually had a different idea of what the kensington pub would look like, my silly imagination mistakenly deduced that everyone that frequented the Kensington Pub wore suits/ties/argyle socks/coach briefcases and spoke words like "synergy/syntax/metacorp/datagrouping"
But to my surprise it was actually a laid back tavern. The outside has a particular charm to it that made me feel like I just came back from an arduous quest.
Anyways, I had the poutine which was huge and plentiful. I was fighting back a brewing stomach flu and was unable to consume anything that day, but the poutine hit the spot. Later on I learned that I wasn't actually supposed to eat stuff like this but it was delicious! I also had the onion soup which was rich and delicious as well. The service was also quick and prompt.
I came here for a Yelpaholics anonymous meeting with fellow yelpers. We really didn't get anything done nor was the issue of Yelp addiction addressed. In fact things are much much worse now :S. My hands are trembling in euphoria as each of my fingers dance to key in every letter for this review. -
Review from Wendy P.
The Kensington Pub has always felt a little like it's been lifted right out of a fairy tale. I half expect Hansel and Gretel to come waltzing down a nearby path, it's got that kind of cottage feel to it. The interior is cozy and welcoming, with plenty of nooks and crannies for you and your friends to hang out in.
Service at the pub was great. Our server was on the ball with our drinks and food, she was pretty friendly as well. On that note I'd give them a four star.
The special that night was the steak sandwich. It came on this trendier looking long white plate with the salad I had chosen as the side. It looked pretty, but it felt like it was out of character with the rest of the pub. The steak sandwich itself was good, not the best I've had though. Put some home made bread under that baby that doesn't become a squished soggy slice once the steak is on top and you've sold me.
Overall, I really do wish I could give them a 3.5. It's that half star dliemma. Perhaps another visit and tasting some of the eats other yelpers are raving about will upgrade the rating in the future.
Parking is also an issue. Mind you, parking anywhere in Kensington is an issue. Come early, or park a few blocks away and walk in. -
Review from Carrie P.
5/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
After work, I wandered down to the Kensignton Pub for a Yelp event that was affectionately called: Yelpaholics Anonymous.
http://www.yelp.ca/eve...
I met six fellow yelpers down there for about 90 minutes of fun conversation and some tasty eats.
One of the yelpers named Sophy recommended the lime chicken tacos, which are made with seasoned chicken, fresh salsa and cilantro cream served on soft corn tortillas. Sounded like a good plan to me!
They. Were. Delicious! What a fun spin on a chicken taco! They were really messy to eat, but whatever fell back onto my plate, I had my fork ready to polish them off. I wasn`t leaving anything behind!
The Kensington Pub has a great atmosophere and the wait staff are friendly and efficient!
Top points for having a sparkling clean bathroom, which isn`t always the case in a pub. It even smelled like bubble gum, so they must have had a yummy air freshner. :)
I will definately be back! -
Review from Sarah Louise F.
Calgary, AB
6/14/2011
I'm pretty alright with Kensington Pub. Aesthetically the outside is kind of appealing. It looks like an "authentic" pub in the midst of Kensington, on a stretch down Kensington Road that I'm truthfully not too fond of. Everything seems to be changing a little, and I wouldn't go down there if it weren't for Pages. In comparison to another chain bar/restaurant down the street that shall not be named, I would choose K-Pub.
While crowded, I like to go upstairs and cozy up. It feels especially nice in the winter coming in from the cold. I do, however, think that Kensington Pub would benefit from more microbrews and awesome seasonal beers. Many times, I have asked for something I could commonly find at the Ship, or Hop in Brew, and they haven't carried it. Bummer. -
Review from David M.
Calgary, AB
4/16/2011
Lots of reviews up here already, so I'll keep this short. It's a classic pub. Hearty meals, cold pints, lots of little nooks and crannies to sit with a friend or two and throw back half a dozen drinks, then stagger out to Kensington Rd for a cab. They have a tiny patio [8 seats?] upstairs. If it's a nice day, it's worth it. The servers have been there for years, and have an appropriate level of sass.
Best thing to order that's not on the menu: Buford's with a side of au jus. Awwwwww yeah! -
Review from Devon B.
Calgary, AB
12/12/2010 2 Check-ins Here
This is just a good, quality pub that stands out because it isn't trying to be something it isn't like so many other pubs out there.
There is no DJ playing on weekends, and you won't find much of a dance floor. Nope, the Kensington is a relaxed place to grab a pint and/or some quality food.Listed in: Best Happy Hour
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Review from Mike M.
Calgary, AB
9/10/2010 3 Check-ins Here
For a city that is barely 100 years old, Kensington Pub is a little piece of British history. I'm not really sure why but any time I go here I feel like I'm in England in the 1800s.
There isn't anything particularly special about the pub. But it is pub, what do you want? The staff is always really and pretty attentive. The night we went, the waitress had the most fake laugh we'd ever heard. Eventually she was laughing at us, while we were laughing at her. Nothing really to do with the bar, just a little anecdote.
Thursday night is their wing night, which is cool because usually food special nights are Monday or Tuesday night. The deal is $3.95 for a pound of wings. More than respectable.
This is a great pub, plain and simple. If you can grab a table right beside the staircase (for groups of 4 or more) you'll be able to get some great people watching in while enjoying a great tasting beer!Listed in: Kensington is where it is at!, Drunkity Drunk Drunk
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Review from Jason G.
Calgary, AB
5/20/2010 1 photo
Whaddya say about a pub where you order a pint and it comes with half a toothpick floating in it?
Well, if it's the Kensington Pub, you say it's probably the nicest and most pretentious, expensive pub you could hope to have such an experience.
I thought it extra special when the server I explained my predicament to was so kind as to ask me if I wanted a new beer.
No, I'll just drink around the toothpick. Waste not, want not, as they say.
All sarcasm aside, a lot of people I know dig on the Kensington Pub. Due to my unfortunate experience, I am not one of them.
So drink up. Just mind the choking hazards and I'm sure you'll have a fine time. -
Review from David C.
Calgary, AB
6/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
It's the Kensington pub! Servers are nice and food is pretty good. Decor is... a pub, so go there for that.
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Review from Jollean C.
Vancouver, BC
12/12/2009
Allo chaps!
While I don't frequent here, well, frequently, I've been here enough in my days to say, it's comfy and woodsy and probably about as close to merry ol England as you're going to get (aside from going to All Things British). Great for a blueberry tea (brandy & orange pekoe) on a chilly night or a pint, there's something familiar and cozy about this neighbourhood joint that you just feel good about. It's no frills and the food is alright but you'll be comfy hanging out with a mate o two and that's what counts! Cheerio! -
Review from Sapna G.
Calgary, AB
10/28/2009
Last night was wing night at Kensington Pub, and it was also my very first visit there.
WHAT A COOL PLACE!!!
The people are fantastic, the location is prime, the interior is homey and welcoming and the service is wonderful!
Our server was Melanie and she was amazing! She knows the menu/drinks inside-out and when she recited the 14 different types of beer they serve, it left a couple of us at the table speechless!
When our group grew from 8 people to 14, the booth we were at no longer accommodated such a big group, so Melanie went and set up tables upstairs for us.
I really love the atmosphere of The Kensington Pub. It's really laid back and everyone who goes there is friendly and approachable. It's the perfect place for a get together - it's not too loud, but it does have the staple television sets and music to ensure a good time.
Their wings were super tasty (so I'm told) and their drinks kept us happy for a good few hours!
If you're in the neighbourhood, I definitely recommend Kensington Pub. Good people, good food, good times! -
Review from Lindsay K.
Halifax, NS
10/5/2009 1 photo
I find Kensington Pub to be a cute little place to have drinks with friends. Since it's located off the busy Kensington Road, it tends to be a little quieter and a little more intimate.
That could be because it has three stories in the place, so everyone is very separated. I like that you can choose to sit upstairs or down. It gives me the feel of an old country house with its all wooden interior and decorations. I find it to be very quaint and cute... I know, how can a pub be cute right? But it is.
I also really enjoy the staff at this pub. They always seem so nice and friendly, even if the patrons are getting a little rowdy. I speak from experience since my friends tend to get somewhat obnoxious when they're drunk, but the workers are always amused and are never belligerent to us!
I don't visit this place as much as I should, since I really enjoy it. If I was in the Kensington area more often, then maybe I'd go there more... it makes for a pretty nice time. -
Review from Katie C.
Calgary, AB
10/29/2009
Kensington pub is one of my ye old favourite public houses. It is so quaint and adorable. I'm revealing my nerdy tendencies here, but I first visited because my friend described the place as the "Harry Potter bar". I immediately adored the place, and it does pass more than a passing resemblance to the Three Broomsticks in my mind.
I don't know how I missed the Kensington Pub for so long, but I'm always up for a night there. The interior is small and homey and old-school, super cozy and antique and wonderful. It does feel like you are stepping into another century, or, y'know, magic. The three levels just add to said amazingness. And it has had a crowd everytime I've visited.
I also love the food. And the beer. And the locals, and the mixed crowd in general because old and young and cool and hoser mingle freely here. A quiet but vibrant energy permeates the place, so you know you are guaranteed a good night. -
Review from Timothy D.
Calgary, AB
8/27/2010 63 Check-ins Here
I know i go to a pub to much when someone takes a picture for a review and my Mini is in it. I recommend the Guinness on a cold winters evening or the Stella during the summer. Best place to hang out with friends for a good laugh and the best place to hang out during Sun & Salsa in the summer.
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Review from arinn w.
9/21/2010
Went there last night with a friend. The service was solid & food good! It has the standard brit-pub style menu but with a few veggie options (spring rolls, samosas, a couple salads & a veggie burger). I got the thai salad and she had the club burger and our food arrived quickly & portion size was pretty generous (and not too pricy either). We both devoured our meals! It was pretty enjoyable all in all and I think I'll be heading back.
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Review from Christopher W.
Calgary, AB
10/30/2008 1 photo
This pub fits into Kensington quite well. It's always busy in the evening, filled with locals relaxing and enjoying a pop. It has an old time feel and is a decent place to stop in while in the area.
One time they wouldn't serve us because my girlfriend didn't have her id. I understand the laws of the land, but why would I take a 17-year-old to a pub in Kensington? The waitress obviously knew she wasn't a kid, but insisted on seeing id. If I was sneaking kids into bars, it wouldn't be the laid back atmosphere of a pub. I'd take the kids to a real crazy, happening place where music was pounding and they could run wild and free. Common sense is hard to come by these days....
All that said, The Kensington Pub is not a bad place for people in their 30s or older. -
Review from Moez T.
Calgary, AB
10/30/2009 1 photo
I have frequented Kensington Pub on more than one occasion. I've walked in, stumbled out. I've stumbled in, stumbled out. And I've ordered a drink wondering to myself how I ended up there and how long I'd been there for. I'm also pretty sure I fell asleep once upstairs.
Needless to say, this place is a lot of fun. It's very small, hidden around a corner, and easy to miss (I've probably directed more people to it than visited it). The prices are about what you would expect in Kensington and they have a pretty good selection of draft beer. The service has always been good, with small exceptions during hockey games and other busy nights (to be expected). The food is also really quite good for a pub, and I would certainly recommend that anyone try it out. I did eat there sober once too, so it's certainly not just the alcohol talking.
Unfortunately, I have to knock off a star for my first experience here. Despite my best efforts, I just can't shake what happened that night. It was my first night in Calgary after a horrible drive from Fort McMurray with my dad. We had decided it was time for a beer and wandered through Kensington looking for somewhere to drink. Our first stop was Kensington Pub, and despite not being busy at all, and despite sitting near the bar in full view of the servers, we didn't receive any service and after 25 minutes of waiting we left. Whether this was the case or not, my dad is still convinced it was due to his skin colour and vowed never to return (my dad is half east-Indian, and visibly brown). Although the service has been great each visit since, that first trip still bothers me. -
Review from Lisa C.
Calgary, AB
6/15/2011
The Kensington Pub is great place to go and relax and have great food. I have never had a bad experience there.
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Review from Chad W.
Calgary, AB
10/2/2008
The Kensington Pub is dug in on Kensington Road. Known affectionately by regulars as "KP", this pub has been a fountainhead in the community since 1989. It has three storeys, sturdy oak furniture, plenty of televisions and an extremely musky smell. They are also reputed to have the best steak sandwich in all of Calgary. Whether looking to get out of Calgary's bitter winter deep-freeze or looking for a nice place to go for a few relaxed drinks during a warm summer evening, the Kensington Pub is always an excellent choice. Staff here try very hard to make all patrons feel as comfortable as possible.
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Review from Andrew M.
5/10/2009
Kensington Pub is a great place to grab a beer and relax after a hard days work. It has a great relaxed atmosphere, the wait staff and bartenders are great. The drink selection is good, however nothing to write home about.
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Review from Cornelius V.
Calgary, AB
1/9/2010
i do not know of anyone who calls the kensington pub ``KP``, but whatever.
this is a nice bar that doesn`t try to be anything. it doesn`t try to be a `british pub`, it doesn`t try to be a sports bar, it just tries being a nice enjoyable bar to be at. and it is. the molson product serving is a bloody shame, but they also have big rock on tap. the food isn`t much but it doesn`t suck. usual pub fare. they should totally gastro it up, in my opinion.
the tvs suck and ruin the experience, but, it`s calgary. what can you do. -
Review from Andre C.
Calgary, AB
12/20/2010 1 Check-in Here
I am a regular at the pub and have been for years,the food and service are always good,I and all the regulars would not keep returning otherwise.Daily specials and soups will always keep me coming back.
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Review from Yo U.
1/7/2010
I used to enjoy this place until one of the bartenders refused to serve a colleague for no discernible reason. We used to spend quite a bit of time and money in this place. Their loss.
