Bayswater, London.

Established in 1826 and rebuilt in 1862. At that time it was named the Royal Oak - taken from the tree in which Charles II hid from Oliver Cromwell's men while planning his return to the throne. It is one of five London pubs which have given their names to tube stations - the others being Elephant and Castle, Manor House, Angel, and Maida Vale. The name is also the third most popular for a pub in the country (389 pubs). It later became The Railway Tap, and then The Porchester. Inside there is lots of pale wood, old school tables, banquette booths, wooden floors, and a gold color tinned ceiling. There is some bare brick on one wall and a mural with the pub's name. Lighting comes from hanging metal shades. The small bar is in the back and features beers from Young's Brewery (their Original was my choice). Not the oldest looking pub, but fairly grand, and a nice start to my crawl around the Paddington area.