If you find yourself near Norbiton Rail Station and fancy a tipple, you’re in luck! This area offers a great mix of cosy pubs and lively bars, perfect for unwinding after a day out or catching up with mates. Whether you’re after a classic pint, a quirky cocktail, or just a friendly local vibe, the watering holes around here won’t disappoint. Let’s explore some of the best spots just a short stroll from the station!
The Black Horse
Address: 204 London Rd, Kingston upon Thames, KT2 6QP
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The Black Horse is located on London Road in Kingston upon Thames, just a short 5-minute walk from Norbiton station. It’s easily accessible and sits in a cosy part of West London, blending the charm of Kingston’s history with a modern touch.
- What’s the Vibe? This pub maintains a welcoming, community-focused atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for locals to relax. Inside, it’s a mixture of contemporary design with a cosy feel. The open-plan layout includes a raised dining area, a games room, and plenty of tucked-away corners. The pub also boasts a spacious beer garden, which is perfect for enjoying drinks in the warmer months.
What’s On Offer
- Gastropub Dining: The Black Horse serves a classic British menu, with an emphasis on hearty, well-prepared pub food. They offer lunch and dinner every day, and their Sunday roasts are particularly popular. You can enjoy dishes like steak and ale pie, crispy lamb belly, or more modern options such as truffled beetroot linguine.
- Events & Entertainment: The pub is a lively hub with weekly events. There’s a quiz night every Monday and live music on other nights, making it a great place to socialise. Additionally, they host a monthly wine evening, offering an opportunity to explore wines from around the world.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Monday to Thursday: 12:00 – 23:00
- Friday: 12:00 – 00:00
- Saturday: 11:00 – 00:00
- Sunday: 12:00 – 22:30
The Norbiton
Address: 16 Clifton Road, Kingston upon Thames, KT2 6PW
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Located just a short walk from Norbiton Station in Kingston upon Thames, The Norbiton sits in a quiet residential area. Despite its proximity to bustling parts of Kingston, the pub feels tucked away, offering a peaceful retreat.
- What’s the Vibe? The Norbiton has a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere, appealing to a wide variety of patrons. Its inviting décor includes comfortable sofas, a large garden, and an upstairs function room. The atmosphere strikes a balance between modern pub charm and cosy comfort, making it popular for both casual meet-ups and larger gatherings.
What’s On Offer
- Pizza & Pints: A standout offering is their collaboration with Flatboys Pizza, serving thin-crust pizzas that pair perfectly with their rotating selection of craft beers. Mondays are a great time to visit, as they offer pizza deals at just £7.
- Big Screen Sports & Events: The Norbiton is well-known for its sports screenings, particularly football, making it a go-to spot for fans. On Friday nights, the pub turns up the music and offers a lively atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after the workweek.
- Private Room: You can also book the function room for private events, which includes its own bar and sound system.
- Dog-friendly: The pub is dog-friendly and offers outdoor seating for sunnier days.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Monday to Thursday: 12:00 – 23:00
- Friday & Saturday: 12:00 – 00:00
- Sunday: 12:00 – 22:30
The Boaters Inn
Address: Canbury Gardens, Lower Ham Rd, KT2 5AU
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The Boaters Inn is perfectly nestled along the River Thames within Canbury Gardens, just a ten-minute walk from the centre of Kingston. Its location offers scenic riverside views, making it a peaceful yet accessible destination.
- What’s the Vibe? The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, with both indoor and outdoor seating options. The riverside beer garden and sunset balcony create a laid-back yet vibrant space, ideal for unwinding. The décor blends classic pub charm with a modern touch, making it great for families, dog owners, and ale enthusiasts alike.
What’s On Offer
- Seasonal Menus: The Boaters Inn prides itself on its seasonal offerings. The menu frequently changes to reflect fresh, local ingredients, and guests can enjoy a range of British pub favourites, from hearty Sunday roasts to lighter lunch options. The innovative menu is paired with an ever-changing selection of real ales, adding to its CAMRA certification.
- Live Jazz & Events: One of The Boaters’ standout features is its dedication to live music. The pub is known for hosting regular jazz nights, making it a favourite among live music lovers in Kingston. This, coupled with occasional seasonal events and celebrations like Christmas parties, ensures there’s always something happening at The Boaters Inn.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Monday to Saturday: 12:00pm – 11:00pm
- Sunday: 12:00pm – 10:30pm
- Food is served daily until 9:00pm, with extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays when service continues until 9:30pm.
The Fighting Cocks
Address: 56 Old London Rd, Kingston upon Thames, KT2 6QA
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Located in Kingston upon Thames, The Fighting Cocks is easily accessible and sits close to the town centre on Old London Road. It’s a short walk from Kingston railway station and surrounded by local attractions, including shops and parks.
- What’s the Vibe? The Fighting Cocks is famed for its rock ‘n’ roll energy, creating a vibrant, music-fuelled atmosphere. The bar’s interior has a quirky, edgy charm that appeals to those who love live music and alternative events. It’s a favourite for both locals and those seeking a fun night out with an eclectic mix of entertainment.
What’s On Offer
- Live Music & Comedy: As one of Kingston’s last remaining live music venues, The Fighting Cocks hosts an impressive array of live performances almost every night. Rock and indie bands frequently take the stage, and there’s a strong local music scene. Additionally, the venue is home to regular comedy nights, with well-known stand-up comedians making appearances.
- Outside The Box Comedy Nights: Every Monday, The Fighting Cocks offers the highly popular “Outside The Box” comedy night, where big-name comedians often perform. It’s a well-loved weekly event that has seen performances from comedians like Jimmy Carr and Bill Bailey.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Monday to Wednesday: 5 pm – 12 am
- Thursday: 5 pm – 12 am
- Friday: 5 pm – 1 am
- Saturday: 3 pm – 1 am
- Sunday: 3 pm – 12 am
The Canbury Arms
Address: 49 Canbury Park Rd, Kingston upon Thames, KT2 6LQ
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The Canbury Arms is located just a short walk from Kingston railway station, making it easily accessible for both locals and visitors. It’s nestled in a peaceful part of Kingston upon Thames, not far from the scenic Canbury Gardens and the River Thames.
- What’s the Vibe? This pub offers a charming blend of traditional and modern atmosphere. It’s known for being a relaxed and welcoming local, perfect for families, friends, and those looking to enjoy good food in a cosy setting. With its stylish yet comfortable interior, it caters well to casual diners and those seeking a more private dining experience.
What’s On Offer
- Seasonal British Menu: The Canbury Arms prides itself on offering seasonal British dishes made from fresh, local ingredients. Head Chef Jonah and his team create a varied menu featuring classic pub fare with a gourmet twist. They also serve daily specials, so there’s always something new to try. The pub is renowned for its hearty Sunday roasts, which are available year-round, making it a perfect spot for a weekend treat.
- Private Dining and Events: For those looking to host an event, the Canbury Arms offers a private dining room that can accommodate up to 80 seated guests or 100 for a standing event. The entire pub can also be hired for larger gatherings of up to 120 people. It’s a popular choice for birthdays, meetings, and special occasions, with a dedicated events team to help plan and customise the experience.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit? The pub is open every day from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm. Food is served from 12:00 pm to 9:30 pm Monday to Thursday, until 10:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and until 9:00 pm on Sundays.
Ready to Visit?
If you find yourself near Norbiton Rail Station, you’ll be spoilt for choice with a variety of cosy pubs and lively bars to enjoy. From The Black Horse, a gastropub offering hearty British fare and a welcoming community vibe, to The Norbiton, known for its pizza and craft beer, these local gems are perfect for a relaxed pint or a lively night out. Whether you’re after a scenic riverside drink at The Boaters Inn or live music at The Fighting Cocks, there’s something for everyone within walking distance.
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