The Cow, nestled in the heart of Notting Hill, London, is a quintessential gastropub that blends Northern European influences with a pioneering spirit born from the Conran restaurant tradition. Renowned for its intimate, cozy atmosphere, The Cow offers a welcoming social environment perfect for gathering with friends or enjoying a quiet moment. Famous for serving the best authentic Guinness in town, this iconic establishment also delights seafood lovers with a menu brimming with fresh, flavorful dishes. A true neighborhood gem, The Cow embodies the spirit of conviviality, great taste, and timeless charm.
Tom is the heart and soul of The Cow, and a key figure in the cultural fabric of contemporary Notting Hill. Opening The Cow in 1995, it became one of England’s first four gastropubs during the transformative revolution of British pub culture in the ‘90s. Rooted in British pub heritage and enriched by his travels through Ireland, Belgium, Holland, and Northern France, The Cow expresses a heartfelt commitment to serving the local community and a dedication to preserving and celebrating the country’s pub culture, capturing the values, destinations, and experiences closest to Tom’s heart.
Captain and mainstay of The Cow, and man of the lunchtime blues, Petro has seen the comings and goings since day one. He is truly part of the fabric of the place, immortalised in Paul Slater’s mural, positioned proudly across from the bar. From carrying plates and assisting chefs in the kitchen to championing a waiters’ station and dedicating years to expertly shucking oysters, Petro has been a pillar of support for The Cow. Trained to pour the perfect pint of Guinness back in 1999, he’s been heading the bar ever since, and on Christmas Day, he is celebrated for sizzling and serving moorish Clonakilty sausages; their aroma drifting through the homes of Notting Hill.
You’ve seen him around. You might even be best mates by now. He’s the tall, handsome guy gliding effortlessly from one end of the room to the other, cool as a cucumber. He appears by your side with such a warm, genuine smile, you’d almost forget anger was even a thing. So, another round?
It was that classic question — “Shall we go for a pint?” — that led Jimmy to discover The Cow. Little did he know, what began as a casual drink with family would eventually pave the way for his career in hospitality, and as our General Manager.
Kristi has been with us for more than half a decade, and in this bustling city we live in, walking into the saloon bar, this dark horse is the calm in the storm.
Embracing characters from all walks of life, he’s a philosopher, connecting to the very heart of understanding people’s values, and bringing out the unique essences of a person. Kristi’s warmth radiates from across the bar, and from where you are standing, you are stabilised from the outside world; stabilised, relieved, not by beverage, but by his fine company. Engaged in conversation, you are gradually put at ease, taking your mind away from daily routines, settling you in nicely at The Cow.
By the time you’re home, you will soon realise you have carried with you some words of wisdom from Kristi.