The London borough of richmond upon thames Perspective.

The Castle Bar

The Castlebar (formerly the King's Arms) is the kind of place you walk past a hundred times and then finally step into, only to wonder what took you so long. From the High Street it looks like a small, traditional pub, but push through to the back and you'll find a genuinely lovely beer garden — heated in winter, buzzing in summer — that's become the real draw for Teddington locals. Reviewers consistently call it "Teddington's finest" and praise the friendly, welcoming atmosphere that makes groups and solo drinkers alike feel at home. The bottomless brunch is the headline act: endless drinks alongside a solid food menu that goes well beyond standard pub grub. Cocktails are a strength — the bar team clearly takes pride in them — and there's a decent range of beers and wines too. Sunday roasts get regular shout-outs, and the kitchen handles both brunch and evening dining with confidence. Live music nights add another layer, turning a quiet local into a proper night out. It's not perfect — service can slow down when it's packed, and the food, while good, isn't going to blow away anyone who's eaten at London's top gastropubs. But that's not really the point. The Castlebar is about the whole package: a warm welcome, a great garden, drinks done well, and a crowd that actually wants to be there. For a weekend brunch or a sunny evening in the garden, it's hard to beat in this corner of south-west London.

The Hare and Hounds

If you live anywhere near East Sheen, the Hare and Hounds is probably already your local — and if it isn't, it should be. This Grade II-listed Young's pub has been serving the community since 1776, and it wears its history well: panelled walls, a crackling wood-burning fire, and candle-lit corners that make you want to settle in for the evening. The 1930s interior gives it a proper old-pub feel without feeling stale or fussy. What really sets it apart, though, is the beer garden. Locals rave about it — heated, spacious, and arguably the best in SW London. It's the kind of outdoor space that actually works year-round, not just for two weeks in July. The food is solid seasonal British pub fare, and reviewers consistently praise the quality and the friendly, attentive staff who do proper table service. The Google rating of 4.5 from over a thousand reviews tells you this isn't just a neighbourhood favourite — it's genuinely well-run. It's family- and dog-friendly, within walking distance of Richmond Park and the Thames, and close to Mortlake station. The one thing to know: it gets busy, especially weekends and sunny evenings when the beer garden fills up fast. Arrive early or be prepared to wait. But honestly, it's worth it.

The Princes Head

The Prince's Head is the kind of pub that does everything you want a Richmond pub to do. It's a Fuller's house sitting right on The Green, so on a sunny day there's nowhere better — grab a pint of London Pride, find a spot outside, and watch the world go by. Inside, it's traditional and comfortable: buttoned leather banquettes, a proper bar, and an upstairs dining room for when you want to sit down for a meal rather than just graze. The food is pub classics done with care — generous portions, reasonable prices, and a Sunday roast that genuinely earns its reputation. TripAdvisor reviewers rank it #6 of 46 restaurants in Richmond, and the 4.5 Google rating from over 2,000 reviews tells you this place is doing something right. There are occasional inconsistencies — some dishes land better than others, and desserts can feel like an afterthought — but the warm, inviting atmosphere keeps people coming back. It's also worth noting this is the pub used as the exterior of the Crown & Anchor in Ted Lasso, so expect a steady trickle of fans taking photos outside. Don't let that put you off — the local crowd is still very much here, and it never feels like a tourist trap. Go for a long Sunday lunch, or just a pint after a walk along the Thames.

The King's Head

Tucked away on Teddington's High Street, The King's Head is the pub that locals actually want to go to — not just the one they end up at. It's part of the White Brasserie group, which means you're getting proper pub atmosphere (open fires, cosy snugs, a proper bar) with food that's a genuine step above standard gastropub fare. The seasonal menu leans French: think deep-fried goat's cheese, pork dishes done properly, and rotating specials that make it worth coming back to see what's new. Reviewers consistently praise the warm, attentive service — Polly and her team have clearly built something special here. The space itself is a big part of the appeal. There are two cosy snug areas, a spacious brasserie dining room, and a hidden courtyard at the rear that's lovely in warmer months. They've also got a heated outdoor tent for year-round al fresco dining, which means you're not stuck inside when it's chilly. It's dog-friendly, family-friendly, and genuinely welcoming without feeling like a chain — no small feat for a pub this size. With nearly 1,400 Google reviews at 4.5 stars, the consistency speaks for itself. If there's a criticism, it's that it can get busy — this is a popular local for a reason, and weekend evenings and Sunday lunchtimes see it packed. But that's also part of the charm: it's a pub with a pulse. Go for the pork, stay for the atmosphere, and don't be surprised if you find yourself becoming a regular.