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The Willoughby Arms
“Matches your preference for quiet, immersive environments. This venue's atmosphere aligns with your saved favorites.”
L'ambiance
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
Location & Hours
Horaires non disponibles
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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.
Lire en français
Le Willoughby Arms est exactement ce à quoi on espère qu'un pub de quartier ressemble encore en 2024. C'est sans prétention, ça a du caractère, et surtout, il est adoré par les habitants qui viennent ici depuis des décennies. Rick Robinson, le propriétaire depuis 1994, maîtrise visiblement son métier et connaît ses clients — tout le monde se tutoie, et le personnel se soucie vraiment de savoir si vous avez eu une bonne semaine ou non.
La sélection de bières est solide, avec un accent sur les real ales de brasseries locales comme Youngs et Surrey Hills. Ce n'est pas une mécca de la bière artisanale avec 50 fûts tournants, mais ce qu'ils servent est bien entretenu et correctement versé. L'intérieur a cet aspect vécu dans le meilleur des sens — poutres en bois, panneaux de bois sombre, et assez d'espace pour des conversations tranquilles comme pour des discussions animées en groupe.
Si vous cherchez quelque chose de tendance ou d'Instagrammable, ce n'est pas ici. Mais si vous voulez une expérience de pub britannique authentique où vous serez traité comme une personne et non comme un numéro de client, c'est votre endroit. Le fait qu'il ait été élu pub de l'année par la CAMRA cinq fois par les habitants devrait vous dire tout ce que vous devez savoir.