Richmond bars and pubs

Pub with grub down an alleyway with friendly staff and an indie vibe that’s rare to find in this part of town. The menu proves popular, as does the courtyard with smokers.  

Cut down Golden Court from Richmond High Street and, with Richmond Green spread out before you, you’ll see touches of Old England: a couple of Macmillan-era phone boxes and this pub among them. The Cricketers exudes a bucolic timelessness; you can sip your lager or Guinness on the Green.

No. 1 Duke Street packs it all in: a courtyard, a quaint bar, another brighter-lit bar with a kitchen, an upstairs with a popular miniature games room (four armchairs and table football) and a garden. Enjoy continental lagers and fancy pub grub. 

Many locals choose to station themselves at the Orange Tree on rugby match days. It’s primarily a chintzed-up gastropub but they go all out for big games, with a barbecue and an early bar.

This pub’s appeal isn’t quite all about location, location, location. But by the same token, the views from here, a fair hike up Richmond Hill, are beautiful – take your drink outside to one of the benches and you’ll be looking out towards rural Petersham and across the Thames.

Located in Richmond town centre, you'll find Richmond Vault. You have to venture underground – the entrance is down some steps outside a grand Georgian townhouse – to explore the series of arches and passageways that make this bar and restaurant such a unique prospect. The bar serves beer from independent breweries. 

The idyllic riverside setting is the perfect venue for Stein’s dog- and family-friendly Bavarian beer garden. Once you order your food at the window, waiting staff quickly bring the meal to your shared picnic table in the entirely outdoor dining area. Choose from a hefty range of German imports to wash down all that sausage. 

This Young's pub is a grande dame of a Thameside boozer. The sunny (well, sometimes) river-facing beer garden is a prime pub position, but you can guarantee you’ll have stiff competition for a seat at peak times from tourists stopping by before or after a trip to Kew Gardens.

Another Young’s pub in the area, The Old Ship is a good ship for many. Sunday roasts do a strong trade. Although the riverside action is the main draw, board games add to the excitement indoors.

Bringing a dash of Gaelic charm to Richmond, this gastropub does a good job of combining cosiness with sophistication. The kitchen cooks up classics with a twist, such as bread and butter pudding with chocolate and whiskey, and, weather permitting, does a mean barbecue menu too.