Craving a pint in Kingston upon Thames? You’re in luck! This charming riverside town boasts a vibrant array of bars and pubs, each brimming with character. From cosy traditional pubs where history seeps through the wooden beams, to trendy bars serving up innovative cocktails, Kingston has it all. Whether you’re after a riverside view to enjoy a sundowner or a snug corner for a heart-to-heart with friends, this guide will help you uncover the best spots. So, loosen your tie, let your hair down, and get ready to explore the best watering holes in Kingston upon Thames!
The Ram
Address: The Ram, 34 High St, Kingston upon Thames KT1 1HL
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The Ram is located at 34 High St, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 1HL.
- What’s the Vibe? This cosy pub, situated by the riverside, offers a great beer garden atmosphere. It is dog and family-friendly, ideal for enjoying British classics and a wide range of craft beer, with both indoor and terrace seating options available.
What’s On Offer
- British Classic Food and Craft Beer: The Ram prides itself on its selection of British classic food and a wide range of craft beers.
- Riverside Garden: The venue boasts a riverside garden, perfect for long summer nights, enhancing its warm and inviting atmosphere.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?: The Ram is open from 12 pm to 11 pm from Monday to Thursday, and from 12 pm to 12 am on Friday to Sunday.
The Bishop
Address: 2, Off Bishop’s Hall, Thames St, Kingston upon Thames KT1 1PY
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The Bishop is perched on the banks of the Thames, offering a stunning view of Kingston Bridge. Its location combines the charm of a traditional pub with the scenic beauty of the riverside.
- What’s the Vibe? The general atmosphere of The Bishop is one of warmth and friendliness, with a focus on offering a pleasant pub experience. The main bar room and riverside terrace provide a welcoming ambiance, while the upstairs room offers a more decadent setting with jewelled velvet sofas. The pub is known for its easy-going attitude and is particularly cosy during colder months, offering comfort with its roaring fire and scenic views.
What’s On Offer:
- Unique Menu and Drinks: The Bishop boasts a menu that focuses on quality British produce, with an emphasis on grilling and smoking. The menu includes a range of dishes like sharing platters, pizzas, and traditional mains such as fish & chips or lamb’s liver with bubble & squeak. The pub also offers a variety of ales, bottled beers, wines, and cocktails, catering to a wide range of tastes.
- Special Events and Private Hire: The Bishop hosts various events throughout the year, including Christmas celebrations with special menus and New Year’s Eve parties. The pub is also equipped for private hire, with its Riverside Room being an ideal space for celebrations like weddings, birthday parties, and corporate events. This room can accommodate up to 80 people and offers options for canapé and champagne receptions or sit-down dinners.
Practical Info:
- When Can You Visit? The Bishop is open seven days a week, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
The Bishop is renowned for its riverside location, diverse menu, and comfortable setting. It’s an excellent choice for those looking for a traditional pub experience with a modern twist, whether for casual visits or special occasions.
The Spring Grove
Address: 13 Bloomfield Rd, Kingston upon Thames KT1 2SF
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The Spring Grove is situated in the serene area of Kingston upon Thames. The venue is known for its idyllic setting and traditional touch, offering a perfect blend of historical charm and contemporary comfort.
- What’s the Vibe? The Spring Grove boasts a cosy and friendly environment. It features comfy sofas, dark wood interiors, and fireplaces, creating a snug and inviting atmosphere. The pub is also dog-friendly, adding to its laid-back and inclusive ambiance.
What’s On Offer:
- British Classics and Seasonal Menus: The Spring Grove prides itself on serving the best of British pub classics, with menus that change with the seasons. The venue uses quality, locally sourced ingredients to create dishes that evoke feelings of nostalgia and comfort. From traditional Sunday roasts to pub favorites like burgers and fish ‘n chips, there’s a variety of options to cater to different tastes, including vegetarian and gluten-free options.
- Community-Centric Events: This venue is not just about great food and drinks; it’s also a hub for community events. With a focus on bringing people together, The Spring Grove hosts various activities throughout the year, including festive celebrations and charity events, making it a lively spot for social gatherings.
Practical Info:
- When Can You Visit? The Spring Grove is open seven days a week, with varying hours. From Monday to Thursday, it’s open from 11 AM to 11 PM, Friday to Saturday from 11 AM to 12 AM, and on Sunday from 12 PM to 10:30 PM. The food service is available from 11 AM to 10 PM on Monday to Saturday, and from 12 PM to 9 PM on Sundays.
In summary, The Spring Grove in Kingston upon Thames is a delightful venue that combines the charm of a traditional British pub with a modern and welcoming atmosphere. It’s a place where quality food, cosy ambiance, and community spirit come together to create a memorable experience.
Woody’s
Address: 5 Ram Passage, Kingston upon Thames KT1 1HH
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Woody’s is an independent, riverside bar and kitchen offering a cosy extension of your living room vibe.
- What’s the Vibe? The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, perfect for unwinding with a drink or coffee. The venue features low lighting and a neon-lit area, creating a warm ambiance.
What’s On Offer:
- Live Music and Quizzes: Woody’s hosts regular live music nights and quiz events, adding to its lively and engaging environment.
- Gourmet Hot Dogs: The kitchen features Twelve & Eights, a gourmet hot dog pop-up, offering a rotating menu of delicious and creatively topped hot dogs.
Practical Info:
- When Can You Visit?
- Mon-Wed: 11am-11.30pm
- Thu-Sat: 11am-12am
- Sun: 11am-10.30pm
The Wych Elm
Address: 93 Elm Rd, Kingston upon Thames KT2 6HT
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The Wych Elm is situated in North Kingston and is not far from Richmond Park.
- What’s the Vibe? The Wych Elm offers a traditional pub experience with a cosy and friendly atmosphere. It is renowned for its warmth, especially during the winter months with log burners adding to the ambiance. The pub has a leafy, secluded garden which is a sanctuary in summer. It’s a community-focused venue, offering a welcoming space for all.
What’s On Offer:
- Extensive Drink Selection: The pub boasts an award-winning, 100% Cask Marque cellar with a wide range of real ales, craft beers, lagers, and regularly changing guest ales. Additionally, there’s a well-thought-out wine and spirits selection, along with cocktails catering to diverse tastes.
- Delicious Food: The Wych Elm serves freshly prepared food, with the kitchen team offering a variety of dishes. They are particularly known for their Sunday roasts.
- Regular Events: The pub also hosts important sporting events with a 92″ projection screen and surround sound, and it’s an ideal venue for parties and celebrations.
Practical Info:
- When Can You Visit? The bar is open from Monday to Tuesday (3-11pm for drinks), Wednesday to Saturday (12-11pm for drinks), and Sunday (12-9pm for drinks). The kitchen operates on Monday (5-9pm), Tuesday to Friday (12-2.30pm / 5-9pm), Saturday (12-9pm), and Sunday (12-7pm).
The Wych Elm is not just a pub, but a part of the local community, offering a warm and inviting space for both locals and visitors. The combination of its traditional charm, extensive drink offerings, delicious food, and the variety of events make it a standout venue in Kingston upon Thames.
The Oak
Address: 98 Richmond Rd, Kingston upon Thames KT2 5EN
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The Oak is situated in the historical area of Kingston upon Thames, providing a delightful escape with its subtle yet inviting exterior.
- What’s the Vibe? The pub exudes a warm and welcoming ambiance. It’s known for its relaxed atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for both casual outings and date nights.
What’s On Offer:
- Contemporary Greek Cuisine: The Oak is celebrated for its exceptional Greek street food, particularly the Gyros, which are a must-try. The combination of authentic flavors and fresh ingredients makes their cuisine stand out.
- Live Music and Events: Regularly hosting live music, The Oak is a hub for entertainment. They offer a vibrant live music scene that adds to the overall experience of the venue. Additionally, they host unique events like a monthly jazz night with a large ensemble of musicians.
- Additional Features: In terms of amenities, The Oak offers outdoor seating, is good for groups, and has a pool table and TV, making it a versatile spot for various occasions. While it primarily serves beer and wine, its focus on quality drinks and food enhances the overall dining experience.
Practical Info:
- When Can You Visit?
- Monday to Friday: 3:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Saturday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Hawkers Bar and Brasserie
Address: 1 Skerne Rd, Kingston upon Thames KT2 5FJ
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Hawkers Bar and Brasserie is situated in the heart of Kingston upon Thames. It is a venue that captures the essence of the local character and history.
- What’s the Vibe? The atmosphere at Hawkers is heavily influenced by the legacy of aviation pioneer Harry Hawker. It provides a stylish and contemporary dining experience, with decor that pays homage to the golden age of travel. This creates a unique and inviting ambiance, ideal for both casual dining and special occasions.
What’s On Offer
- Modern European Cuisine: Hawkers Bar and Brasserie prides itself on its modern European cuisine. The menu is rooted in local tradition but with an international twist, ensuring a diverse range of dishes.
- Aviation-Inspired Decor: The aviation-inspired decor adds to the uniqueness of the dining experience, honoring the contribution of Harry Hawker to the aviation history of the Royal Borough.
- Extensive Drinks Menu: The brasserie boasts an extensive list of wines and bespoke cocktails. They offer a variety of artisanal beers brewed locally and a selection of gin from the Surrey Hills. Their cocktail menu features a mix of classic favorites and original creations, perfect for after-work drinks or celebrations.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit? Mon-Fri 06:30-22:00, Sat & Sun 07:00-22:00.
Hawkers Bar and Brasserie is a blend of history, local culture, and modern dining, making it a unique spot in Kingston upon Thames for a variety of occasions.
The Foresters Arms
Address: 45 High St, Hampton Wick, Kingston upon Thames KT1 4DG
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The Foresters Arms is situated in the heart of Hampton Wick, a bustling area known for its community vibe and local charm. This historic pub has been a part of the local landscape since 1861 and is a favorite among both locals and tourists.
- What’s the Vibe? The venue seamlessly blends traditional charm with a contemporary twist. It boasts an outdoor terrace for summertime enjoyment and roaring fires in winter, providing a cosy retreat. The pub is known for its welcoming atmosphere, offering a perfect blend of old-style pub feel with modern amenities.
What’s On Offer
- Unique Beverages and Cuisine: The Foresters Arms takes pride in supporting local breweries and offers an extensive selection of the finest ales, craft beers, and ciders. For those who prefer something else, there’s a wide-ranging seasonal wine menu and a variety of cocktails. Their menu caters to various tastes, including options for vegetarians, vegans, and gluten-free diets.
- Events and Hospitality: Regular events like quiz nights and live music make The Foresters Arms a hub for entertainment. Additionally, it is an ideal venue for hosting private events such as birthdays, anniversaries, and even weddings, with a commitment to providing excellent service and a memorable experience.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit? From Sunday to Tuesday, it’s open from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM, and from Friday to Saturday, the hours extend from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM. The kitchen has its own timings, usually aligning with the pub hours but closing earlier.
The Foresters Arms is not just a pub; it’s a part of the local history and community. Whether you’re looking for a casual drink, a hearty meal, or a place to celebrate a special occasion, it offers a warm and inviting atmosphere with quality food and drinks.
The Swan
Address: 22 High St, Hampton Wick, Kingston upon Thames KT1 4DB
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The Swan is situated in the scenic Hampton Wick area, known for its picturesque riverside setting. This family-run business boasts over 35 years of experience in the hospitality industry, emphasising their dedication to great service, food, and atmosphere.
- What’s the Vibe? The Swan presents a blend of traditional pub charm with modern elements. It’s a place where patrons can enjoy live sports, including both men’s and women’s sports, and live music events. The interior, though modernised, maintains a sense of traditional pub warmth, enhanced by a real fire and historic building features.
What’s On Offer
- Food and Drink: The Swan offers a variety of homemade and freshly cooked dishes including burgers, lasagne, chilli, and grills. Their drink selection includes a range of keg and cask beers like Spitfire, Orchard View Cider and Kronnebourg 1664, as well as a selection of wines and fizz.
- Live Entertainment and Pub Games: The venue hosts live music events, offering a vibrant entertainment scene. Additionally, it features pub games like darts, with social darts events every Thursday, and other games including dominoes and cards. These features cater to both casual visitors and regular patrons seeking a dynamic social atmosphere.
- Catering services: The Swan also offers catering and mobile bar services for events, providing food and staff tailored to individual needs.
Practical Info
- Opening Hours: Every day 00:00-23:00.
Poor Boys
Address: Unit 5, The Griffin Centre, Wadbrook St, Kingston upon Thames KT1 1JT
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Poor Boys is situated within The Griffin Centre Market Place, approximately 2.7 miles from Richmond Park.
- What’s the Vibe? The venue offers a vibrant New Orleans-themed atmosphere, capturing the lively essence of the French Quarter. The decor and ambience, complete with a red neon ‘Poor Boys’ sign, create a warm, inviting environment. The main dining area exudes a high-energy, dive-bar mood, while the upstairs area provides a quieter space. The restaurant is known for its lively and casual setting, ideal for social gatherings and casual dining.
What’s On Offer
- Authentic Creole and Cajun Cuisine: Poor Boys’ menu showcases a range of authentic Creole and Cajun dishes. This includes their famous po’ boy sandwiches, filled with options like buttermilk fried shrimps, black angus prime brisket, and cajun blackened chicken. These dishes are served in cardboard boxes and noted for their high quality and flavor.
- Seafood Sharer and Other Delicacies: The restaurant offers a substantial seafood sharer platter, which includes a variety of shrimps, fried calamari, and grilled oysters. This is alongside other notable dishes like mac and cheese, known for its intense cheesy flavor, and coconut shrimp. The place is also recognised for its range of sauces, with honey mustard and cajun mayo being particularly recommended.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit? Sun-Thurs 12:00-21:00, Fri & Sat 12:00-22:00.
- The venue can get very busy, especially on weekends, with queues often extending outside. It’s a walk-in only restaurant, so planning ahead for potential waiting times is advisable.
Ready to Visit?
Kingston upon Thames, a picturesque riverside town, offers a delightful mix of bars and pubs, each with its unique charm and character. From the traditional British pub ambiance of The Ram with its cosy atmosphere and live entertainment to the modern and vibrant The Bishop, known for its stunning riverside views and contemporary menu, there’s something for every taste. Whether you’re looking for a place to enjoy a classic ale or a spot to sip innovative cocktails, Kingston’s diverse bar scene promises an unforgettable experience.
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Why not visit one of Kingston upon Thames’ charming bars and experience the local hospitality for yourself? Whether it’s the cosy traditional setting of The Ram or the contemporary riverside charm of The Bishop, there’s a perfect spot waiting for you. Don’t forget to share this article with your friends and let them in on Kingston’s best-kept secrets. And once you’ve visited, we’d love to hear about your experience – share your review and spread the word about Kingston’s vibrant bar scene!