The Princess of Wales, Primrose Hill: what to order and when to go

The short version: The Princess of Wales is a restored Victorian corner pub at 22 Chalcot Road, NW1 8LL, on the corner with Fitzroy Road. It is open every day, Sunday is the big one for roast and live jazz, and you should book if you want a table. It sits in Primrose Hill, in the London Borough of Camden, and the nearest station is Chalk Farm, 0.27 miles away.

What it is

The pub describes itself as a beautifully restored Victorian corner pub serving seasonal British food, cocktails and Sunday roasts. It has three floors: a main bar on the ground floor with an island bar, a private dining room upstairs, and a basement bar called the Garden Room that opens onto the beer garden. Londonist warns about the “precarious stairs” down to the basement seating, so mind your pint on the way.

If you are walking from Camden Town, a Tripadvisor reviewer reckons about 15 minutes. That is one person’s estimate, so allow a little more if you are carrying a bag of market finds. From Chalk Farm it is a much shorter stroll.

The name, and a bit of history

It is not named after Diana, and not after the current Princess of Wales either. Londonist says the name honours Alexandra, wife of Edward VII. Squaremeal calls the pub “150 years young”, which points to the Victorian era, though there is no exact date worth quoting.

The basement garden has a small legend attached. A lion stencil appeared on the wall there, and it is widely thought not to be a real Banksy. Go and judge it yourself, but do not tell your friends it is the real thing. Londonist also points out the gents’ toilet, where people have added speech bubbles to the horse wallpaper. Consider that one a tip, whatever your plans for the evening.

What to order

• The Sunday roast. The pub advertises award-winning roasts, served on Sundays only, with Yorkshire pudding and seasonal veg. TheFork lists a slow-cooked lamb shoulder to share at £55, recommended for three people. Reviewers also mention roast beef and pork belly, and one summary singles out braised beef cheeks.
• Something to start. Reviewers mention a whole baked sourdough with salted butter. Deliveroo lists spicy chicken wings with blue cheese dip and tomato, basil and manchego croquettes at £11 each, and calamari at £10. Those are delivery prices, so the pub itself may differ.
• A cocktail. Londonist rates the cocktail list as above average. It says the draught beer list is small but unusual, and the bottled list is wider.

On cost, TheFork puts the average spend at about £30 a head before drinks. One reviewer in August 2025 found it pricey, so budget accordingly and check the menu before you commit a group.

When to go

The pub’s own site gives the hours as Monday to Friday 12:00 to midnight, Saturday 10:00 to midnight and Sunday 10:00 to 23:00.

• Sunday: roast plus live jazz, which the pub lists for Sundays. It gets busy. An older Design My Night review found the place full by 13:30 on a sunny Sunday, so book or arrive early.
• Spring and summer: the basement garden is the draw. Londonist adds that there is extra seating outside in fine weather.
• Midweek: the sensible choice for a quieter pint and a proper chat.

Booking

The pub’s site has a Book a Table button and says it accepts reservations. You can also book through TheFork. For anything bigger than a normal table, private hire is available: Tagvenue lists the Garden Room for up to 120 standing, from £1,000. The pub’s phone number is 020 7722 0354.

One place for after

Primrose Bakery, 69 Gloucester Avenue. It is known for seasonal cakes and cupcakes, which makes it a decent next stop if you want something sweet after a long Sunday lunch. It is a short walk from Chalcot Road, though check its hours before you set off, because they are not covered here.

For the full picture, the pub’s own site has the current menus and booking: lovetheprincess.com. Londonist has a good write-up of the layout and the quirks: Londonist on the Princess of Wales. Roast and table bookings are also listed on TheFork.