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Shot by a City Insiders curator.
The Willoughby Arms
★ 4.0(1 review)Bar
traditionallocal-crowdcozy
About the Vibe
This is the kind of old-school pub that locals cling to when the world changes around them. Rick Robinson has been behind the bar since 1994, and you can feel that stability in every pint poured here. It's not fancy, it's not trying to be trendy—it's just a proper local pub that's been voted CAMRA's pub of the year five times by the Kingston and Leatherhead branch. The building itself is Victorian and currently up for sale, but Rick's making it clear business is as usual, and honestly, that's exactly what you want in a neighborhood pub. Skip the tourist traps and come here for real ales, including local Youngs and Surrey Hills brews. If you're catching football matches, this is your spot—they're packed during England games. The atmosphere is warm, the staff know their regulars by name, and you'll leave feeling like you've just visited a mate's living room rather than a commercial establishment.
Known For
- •real ales including Youngs and Surrey Hills
- •CAMRA Pub of the Year winner (5 times)
- •long-serving landlord Rick Robinson
- •football match screenings
Best For
casual after-work drinksfootball match viewingregular local hangout
1 review
City InsidersEditorialApril 10, 2026
An authentic local pub that's still doing it right
The Willoughby Arms is exactly what you hope a neighborhood pub still is in 2024. It's unpretentious, it's got character, and most importantly, it's loved by the locals who've been coming here for decades. Rick Robinson, the landlord since 1994, clearly knows his craft and his customers—everyone's on a first-name basis, and the staff actually care if you've had a good week or not.
The beer selection is solid, with a focus on real ales from local breweries like Youngs and Surrey Hills. It's not a craft beer Mecca with 50 rotating taps, but what they do serve is well-maintained and properly poured. The interior feels lived-in in the best way possible—wooden beams, dark wood paneling, and enough space for both quiet conversations and lively group chats.
If you're looking for something trendy or Instagram-worthy, this isn't it. But if you want an authentic British pub experience where you'll actually be treated like a person and not a customer number, this is your place. The fact that it's been voted CAMRA's pub of the year five times by locals should tell you everything you need to know.