Ed Sheeran is a self-proclaimed foodie. But does his Notting Hill pub hit the mark? Ines Santos went to find out.
We visited Ed Sheeran’s London pub – did it hit the mark?
We finally checked out Ed Sheeran’s very own pub in London, and I was instantly surprised by what I found. Bertie Blossoms opened in 2019 and has managed to thrive despite a rocky start during the pandemic.
The name Bertie Blossoms is a nod to Sheeran’s wife Cherry Seaborn (Cherry Blossoms) and co-owner Stuart Camp’s partner, Liberty ‘Bertie’ Shaw. Tucked away on Portobello Road, it blends into the neighbourhood as a typical yet beautiful local pub.
Set across two floors with a bright green interior and a small outdoor terrace, it feels intimate and welcoming. The vibe is more gastro-pub than rockstar hangout, with a menu of small plates and pub classics.
We started with the burrata, and it completely stole the show. Topped with colourful cherry tomatoes, homemade pesto, pistachios and blackberries, the £10 plate was bursting with flavour.
But when it came to Ed’s favourite dish, Rigatoni A La Vodka, things fell flat. At £20, the pasta felt overpriced and underwhelming, tasting more like a creamy tomato sauce than something worthy of star billing.
Unfortunately, one of the staff members told us that Ed doesn’t visit the pub very often these days. He used to come regularly when Bertie Blossoms first opened, but now he mainly organises private events from time to time.
The real highlight came from the drinks menu, where prices were shockingly good for West London. Every Friday between 5pm and 8pm, they run a two-for-one deal, which means you can get a drink for just £6 – as long as you order two of the same cocktail.
Sheeran’s love of Mexican culture is clear, with most of the cocktails being tequila-based. I tried the Hibiscus Paloma, which was light, floral and refreshing, and the spicy margarita, easily one of the best I’ve had in London.
Keeping with the Mexican theme, Thursdays are all about tacos. There’s a special menu featuring classic starters like loaded nachos and corn ribs, tacos packed with flavours such as short rib and baja -style fish, and even churros to finish.
Bertie Blossoms isn’t flashy or full of celebrity memorabilia, which makes it all the more appealing. Instead, it’s a warm, stylish pub with character, where the drinks shine brighter than the food.
You can find Bertie Blossoms at 323 Portobello Rd, London W10 5SY. It’s open Tuesday to Friday from 5 to 11 pm, and on Saturday from 12 to 11 pm.
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