Formally an old gin palace, the Princess Victoria (or PV) has been keeping Shepherd’s Bush locals happy since 1829. Fact. It has been lovingly restored to its former glory and it’s well worth a visit. From the outside it looks like a typical pub, but it’s what’s inside that counts: teal panelled walls, a very welcoming bar, a smart restaurant and a pretty garden out the back. Perfect for any occasion; pints with the lads, date night, family catch up – we say do it here. BarChick settled in at the bar and got her gin geek on with the bartenders, staying true to the PV’s origin they have a decent selection and like to mascerate all sorts of flavours and make their own gin. Rosemary, coffee, marmalade, you name it they’ve done it… and do ask to see the old school-looking contraption that is the magic behind the genius. You can even take a bottle of it home to enjoy after hours. There’s a good selection of beer and they have a very strong wine list to wash down your dinner with (and cigars for after, ballers). Staying for dinner? It’s all about the steak, BarChick was lucky enough to get a tour of the meat fridge and it made her salivate; there’s nothing like a well-hung chunk of the good stuff. If you're feeling stuffed/tipsy and don't fancy the wobble home,  just book one of the bedrooms and head upstairs to sleep it off. Legend.