Gastropubs have become one of the more popular places to eat in London, with an emphasis on high quality ingredients presented in a distinctive manner but typically served at finer restaurants. London has an abundance of these dining places, a reflection on the importance that both good food and the pub culture have to the city. It was only fair that, when our fellow Australians (and honourary US residents) Gerrod and Kristy visited us, we take them to experience a reasonable one, and so we had dinner at The Academy, a gastropub nestled in the streets of Notting Hill.

The Academy is not overly large, decorated more to be a restaurant than your typical London pub. It has a small room out back with tables and a long but rather narrow bar out front, accompanied by a roaring fireplace at the entrance. The quality of food was exceptional and the price of the main meals (ranging from £8-£12) was reasonable for the food on offer. Desserts are comparatively more expensive, with many of them almost half to a third of a main, but is worth it if you are feeling indulgent.

A consequence of its reasonable prices and excellent menu offerings is that the people who dine at this place are a little more silver-lined and sedate, but also reassured me that the visit was worthwhile. The only downside to this gastropub is that it does not prohibit smoking in their dining room, meaning you might have an awful night depending on who your neighbours for the night are.

Details: The Academy
Found on: 57 Princedale Road, Notting Hill, W11 4NP
Contactable on: 020 7221 0248
Highlights: Excellent food at reasonable prices in a little bit of a classier atmosphere than your typical pub.
Room for improvement: Could have a separate area for non-smokers and beer prices were a little more expensive than your average pub.
The Kua Rating: 8 out of 10