Best Pubs in Richmond, London: A Local’s Guide (2023)

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Looking for the best pubs in Richmond? Richmond is known for being one of the prettiest and most quintessential parts of London. And as a local, it’s one of our favourite spots for a traditional Sunday roast or a riverside pint.

From side alleys decorated with colourful bunting and fairy lights, century-old pubs, riverside restaurants and boat rides to iconic attractions such as Kew Gardens and Hampton Court, Richmond is a must for anyone wanting to feel like they’ve escaped to the countryside.

And whilst you’re in Richmond, there’s nothing quite like digging into some tasty pub grub or drinking a glass of wine whilst overlooking the River Thames.

There are plenty of pubs in Richmond for every type of visitor, so let’s get started and discuss the best ones!

Still have a question about the best pubs in Richmond? Let me know over on Instagram or shoot me an email at jennie(@)jenniewanders.com!

🇬🇧 Other Southwest London posts:

• Wimbledon To Richmond: Step-By-Step Guide
• Waterloo To Richmond: Easy Step-By-Step Guide
• Putney To Richmond, London: Step-By-Step Guide
• 16 Fun Things to do in Richmond, London (By A Local)

Best Pubs in Richmond: A Summary

Most pubs in Richmond serve both food and drink, making them the ideal place for a hearty Sunday roast and a pint of beer, or a late-evening dinner over a bottle of red wine.

Pubs in Richmond are also all of a similar price range. In general, it will cost around £18-28 per person for a meal and drink. A pint of beer is around £6-7, and a glass of wine will be similar. However, things change quickly, and if you’re on a budget, check the menu beforehand!

Pubs in Richmond are dotted all over, but the majority can be found on the high street, near Richmond Common or along the river.

In summary, some of the best pubs in Richmond are:

• The White Cross: A great Richmond pub along the river, known as the ‘pub that floods’.
• The Cricketers: The best Richmond pub for watching cricket on the green and drinking Pimms in the sun.
• The Roebuck: For the best views from Richmond Hill.
• The Prince’s Head: A popular pub near Richmond Common with outdoor space.
• The Orange Tree: A great Richmond pub for after-work drinks in a stylish setting.
• The Mitre: An award-winning cosy pub in Richmond.
• The Sun Inn: The perfect Richmond pub for watching the rugby with friends.
• The Old Ship: Known for its hearty food and craft beer in a traditional setting.
• Steins: Great for large groups wanting a lively atmosphere and the full Bavarian experience.
• The Marlborough: Home to the biggest beer garden in Richmond, great for warm and sunny days.
• The Lass O’ Richmond Hill: For incredible Sunday roasts.
• The Tap Tavern: A fun craft ale pub with a saloon-style speakeasy bar and 20-tap microbrews.
• The Red Cow: A pub that serves Thai and Cambodian food.
• The Brittania: A traditional British pub on the High Street.
• Duke’s Head Inn: A friendly and welcoming pub on Richmond Hill.

Bonus: ALL Richmond pubs on this list are dog-friendly! 🐶

🦉TOP TIP: Most of the pubs in Richmond are owned by the chain “Youngs”. You can download their app when visiting pubs in Richmond to view their menus. Even though the pubs are owned by the same company, most pubs will have entirely different menus.

Best Pubs in Richmond: A Local’s Guide

1. The White Cross

🤩 BEST FOR: LIVE SPORTS AND A LIVELY ATMOSPHERE

✅ BEER GARDEN

🐶 DOG FRIENDLY

🥕 SUNDAY ROASTS

🏉 LIVE SPORTS

The White Cross is one of the best riverside pubs in Richmond. With a large beer garden overlooking the river, the White Cross sits right on the water’s edge, meaning you’ll need to pop inside when the tide comes in (yes, you read that right, it’s even known as the ‘pub that floats‘ to locals!)

When tide levels reach about 4.5m, the White Cross entrances are blocked by the water. This means the garden often becomes an extension of the River Thames! This only happens twice a month, so be sure to plan your visit if you want to experience it.

Want to watch the rugby or cricket? Head to the White Cross when any big game is on and expect a great atmosphere. In September 2023, they’ll be hosting events for the Rugby World Cup, which is bound to be a good one. Make sure you pre-book early to avoid disappointment!

🦉 TOP TIP:  If you want to see the bi-monthly spectacle of the White Cross ‘flooding’, head down with some friends, a book or your four-legged friend (they’re one of the best dog-friendly pubs in Richmond) and sit on one of the outside tables. Just make sure you’re wearing wellies!

2. The Cricketers

🤩 BEST FOR: GREAT LOCATION NEAR RICHMOND GREEN

✅ BEER GARDEN

🐶 DOG FRIENDLY

🥕 SUNDAY ROASTS

🎉 PUB QUIZ – SUNDAY

🎵 LIVE MUSIC

🏉 LIVE SPORTS

🌐 WIFI

If you’d like to soak up the English atmosphere and watch the cricket whilst sipping on a pint, head to one of the oldest pubs in Richmond; The Cricketers.

Not overly large, The Cricketers has a cosy and welcoming environment, with the walls full of cricket memorabilia. Serving beer since 1770, it’s a great pub for cheap eats (check out their Wing Wednesday event!), live music and a wholesome pub quiz.

3. The Roebuck

🤩 BEST FOR: BEAUTIFUL RICHMOND HILL VIEWS

🐶 DOG FRIENDLY

🥕 SUNDAY ROASTS

🍻 HAPPY HOURS & COCKTAILS

🌐 WIFI

The Roebuck is the oldest pub in Richmond, with a history dating back to 1741 (!!)

After winning many awards, it’s one of the most popular Richmond pubs and is one that’s famous for its incredible Richmond Hill views. In fact, the view is so special that artist J. M. W. Turner once painted the landscape from near the Roebuck nearly 200 years ago!

Now a Greene King pub chain, the Roebuck serves up tasty Sunday roasts, hosts frequent happy hours and has a great atmosphere on a Friday night.

4. The Prince’s Head

🤩 BEST FOR: COSY PUB ATMOSPHERE

✅ BEER GARDEN

🐶 DOG FRIENDLY

🥕 SUNDAY ROASTS

🎵 LIVE MUSIC

🏉 LIVE SPORTS

🌐 WIFI

A great Richmond pub that all locals know and love is The Prince’s Head. Located next to The Cricketers, it’s another pub that’s near Richmond Green and packs out quickly on a summer’s day.

In the colder months, The Prince’s Head has a roaring log fire and a cosy indoor atmosphere. Wrap up warm and head down to the Prince’s Head for a hearty Sunday roast and some live music in the evenings.

5. The Orange Tree

🤩 BEST FOR: DRINKS BEFORE DINNER | LIVE SPORTS

✅ BEER GARDEN

🐶 DOG FRIENDLY

🥕 SUNDAY ROASTS

🏉 LIVE SPORTS

🌐 WIFI

Another popular choice of a pub in Richmond is The Orange Tree. Ideally located right next to Richmond Train and Tube station, you’re just a short 20-minute trip from Central London, making it a firm favourite for an after-work tipple.

Around a 10-minute walk from the river, the Orange Tree is a large and stylish pub with elegant and vintage decor. It has both a sunny and covered terrace where you can enjoy a drink in the rain or shine, plus space to watch and cheer on your favourite sports team. My top pick for a quick drink in Richmond, or if I’m looking for a great weekend atmosphere!

6. The Mitre

🤩 BEST FOR: A SIMPLE YET COSY PUB ATMOSPHERE SERVING DELICIOUS PIZZAS

✅ BEER GARDEN

🐶 DOG FRIENDLY

🎵 LIVE MUSIC

🏉 LIVE SPORTS

Voted the best Richmond pub in 2022 by ‘The Bloc’, The Mitre is a firm favourite if you want delicious pizza, traditional ale and a chilled atmosphere.

Originally built as a church almost 200 years ago, The Mitre has been a local favourite for over 150 years. With a small beer garden in the back, The Mitre is great for craft ale, live music and tasty food from Rudi’s Kitchen.

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7. The Sun Inn

🤩 BEST FOR: RUGBY GAMES AND RAINY DAYS

✅ BEER GARDEN

🐶 DOG FRIENDLY

🎵 LIVE MUSIC

🏉 LIVE SPORTS

🥕 SUNDAY ROASTS

Owned by the Fullers pub chain, The Sun Inn is a great pub for rugby and live sports. Located near Old Deer Park, The Sun Inn runs daily drink offers (two-for-ones, two for £12 etc.), as well as live music evenings twice a month.

Decked out with hundreds of old sports photographs, signed shirts and rugby memorabilia, it’s the perfect spot to watch the game with a group of friends.

Oh, and with an undercover beer garden, it’s one of the best pubs to visit in Richmond in the rain!

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8. The Old Ship

🤩 BEST FOR: A FRIENDLY, TRADITIONAL ENGLISH PUB

✅ BEER GARDEN

🐶 DOG FRIENDLY

🎉 PUB QUIZ

🥕 SUNDAY ROASTS

🎵 LIVE MUSIC

🏉 LIVE SPORTS

Another great dog-friendly pub on Richmond’s High Street is the Old Ship. Serving seasonal classics with produce from British farmers, The Old Ship prides itself on hearty food, craft beer and a wide range of premium wines.

Just a stone’s throw from the River Thames or Richmond Park, The Old Ship is famous for its Sunday roasts, British beers and independent spirits. In the colder months, the fire will be burning and the wine will flow.

“A home away from home”. Head to the Old Ship if you want a friendly, warm and welcoming atmosphere in a traditional English pub.

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9. Steins

🤩 BEST FOR: BIG GROUPS, GERMAN SAUSAGE AND GERMAN BEER

✅ BEER GARDEN

🐶 DOG FRIENDLY

Established in 2004, Steins is a stylish and popular riverside restaurant and bar serving German food and drink. Directly opposite the water, this large beer garden gives you the full Bavarian experience without leaving the city!

More of a continental beer garden than a traditional pub, we enjoy going to Steins with a big group of friends or if we want a fun and lively beer garden atmosphere. One of our favourite Richmond drinking spots, by far!

10. The Marlborough

🤩 BEST FOR: BIGGEST BEER GARDEN IN RICHMOND

✅ BEER GARDEN

🐶 DOG FRIENDLY

🥕 SUNDAY ROASTS

🌐 WIFI

Known for having the biggest beer garden in Richmond, The Marlborough is the perfect spot for a summer’s day, or a winter tipple under the large gazebos, equipped with heaters and cosy blankets.

Hosting events such as Supper clubs and wine tastings, there’s always something going on at the Marlborough, and it’s only a stone’s throw from Richmond Park.

Working from home? You can pop into the Marlborough and take advantage of their lunch and unlimited tea and coffee deal, every day during the week from 11-4!

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11. The Lass ‘O Richmond Hill

🤩 BEST FOR: A DRINK AFTER RICHMOND PARK

✅ BEER GARDEN

🐶 DOG FRIENDLY

🥕 SUNDAY ROASTS

A great Richmond pub for relaxing in an armchair, eating barbeque food and enjoying a Sunday roast in the restaurant.

Situated on the top of Richmond Hill, The Lass O’Richmond Hill pub is known for being one of Southwest London’s best food pubs (and as I’ve tried the Sunday roast, I can whole-heartedly agree).

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12. The Tap Tavern

🤩 BEST FOR: CRAFT BEERS + A HIDDEN SPEAKEASY BAR

✅ BEER GARDEN

🐶 DOG FRIENDLY

🥕 SUNDAY ROASTS

Priding themselves as being ‘London’s best-kept secret’, it took us a while to find this hidden gem, but when we did, we knew we’d return time and time again!

With an urban, contemporary feel, yet cosy and traditional at the same time, it’s firmly up there with one of the best places to grab a drink in Richmond.

With daily changing micro beers from local brewers – and the biggest (and best) draft beer selection in Southwest London – The Tap Taverns serves specialist gins, has a Speakeasy whiskey bar, plays retro soundtracks and serves delicious food. This is undoubtedly one of the best Richmond pubs you need to visit.

To add to the quirky beer taps and retro decor, the Tap Tavern launched a ‘secret’ speakeasy in 2019. Specialising in eclectic whiskeys and cocktails, Dropkick Johnny’s saloon is just the icing on the cake.

A must-visit when in Richmond, and it’s only a short walk from the station!

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13. The Red Cow

🤩 BEST FOR: ASIAN FOOD

✅ BEER GARDEN

🐶 DOG FRIENDLY

🥕 SUNDAY ROASTS

🎵 LIVE MUSIC

🏉 LIVE SPORTS

🎉 PUB QUIZ

🌐 WIFI

Serving Cambodian and Thai street food as well as delicious British food, The Red Cow is one of the best pubs in Richmond if you’re looking for a different kind of menu. It’s also great for sports and live music.

With different events taking place regularly, they pride themselves in having ‘something for everyone’. It also has strong wifi for those wanting to work from the pub!

The Red Cow has been around for over 200 years and is proud to be standing today serving some of the best food, drink and lively atmospheres in Richmond.

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14. The Britannia

🤩 BEST FOR: MODERN BRITISH DINING IN A PUB SETTING

✅ BEER GARDEN (TERRACE)

🐶 DOG FRIENDLY

🥕 SUNDAY ROASTS

The multi-award-winning Britannia gastro pub is one of Richmond’s oldest standing pubs and is known for its welcoming and friendly atmosphere, as well as a large, quintessential outdoor terrace.

With a leafy green garden, it’s one of the best pubs to dine at Al Fescro and enjoy some mouthwatering British food. Great for a Sunday dinner with the grandparents!

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15. Duke’s Head Inn

🤩 BEST FOR: TRADITIONAL PUB SETTING IN THE TOWN CENTRE | CASUAL DRINKS

✅ BEER GARDEN

🐶 DOG FRIENDLY

🥕 SUNDAY ROASTS

The Duke’s Head Inn has a history that dates back to Victorian times. Located in a quiet residential area on the slopes of Richmond Hill, it’s a small, friendly and welcoming inn with a B&B and hearty breakfast options.

With a full selection of beers, wines and spirits, as well as great food from a top-class chef, the Duke’s Head Inn is a great choice for those wanting a central pub in Richmond. Plus the staff are kind, welcoming and friendly, which is always a win!

Where to stay in Richmond

If you want to stay in Richmond whilst visiting London, here are some of my favourite accommodations and top picks:

• Comfortable modern apartments: located just 500m from Richmond town centre. The perfect space for solo travellers or couples! ➡ CHECK PRICES NOW!

• The Selwyn: for a beautiful hotel stay in Richmond. ➡ CHECK PRICES NOW!

• Richmond Riverside Apartment: for couples or small groups wanting to stay along the River Thames in a modern and well-located apartment! ➡ CHECK PRICES NOW!

Getting around Richmond

Southwest London isn’t as tricky to drive in as Central London, and most people in the area own a car. If you’re visiting for a short amount of time, it may be worth hiring a car to get around to some of the parks, attractions and museums. 

We rent our cars from this company if you’re looking to hire a car in London. They’re reliable, cheap and have car rentals all over the world!  ➡ You can check out the prices for car hire in London now!

If you don’t want to drive, there are regular trains until midnight and buses in Richmond 24 hours a day. You can use your contactless card on both trains and buses in London. 

For cheap train tickets to and from London, check out Trainline. We book with them whenever we are leaving the city, and want to get to other locations in the UK (including airports). ➡ CHECK TRAIN PRICES NOW!

Related post: Waterloo To Richmond: Easy Step-By-Step Guide

Dog-friendly pubs in Richmond 🐶

All of the pubs on the above list are dog-friendly! Southwest London is excellent at making sure our furry four-legged friends feel at home, so don’t worry about leaving your pup at home when setting off for the pub!

Don’t forget travel insurance for Europe!

If you’re visiting Europe as a tourist, it is so important to have travel insurance.

As a full-time traveller and digital nomad, I recommend SafetyWing. From my own personal experience, I believe it is the best travel insurance on the market.

And one of the cheapest – they have deals that start at just $42 USD per month!

I know, I know, you’re thinking ‘but I can’t afford that!’. I was the same! It’s frustrating to spend $42 a month on something ‘you might not need’. But what if something does happen?

If you need medical help at any point whilst in Europe, you need travel insurance.

With SafetyWing, you’re covered on travel emergencies, basic medical costs and medical expenses throughout your trip, so you can travel without worry (at a backpacker’s price!)

If you’ve been putting off researching the best travel insurance companies, I get it, it takes a long time. But it’s my job to make your travels as easy and as successful as possible, so that’s why I’ve done all the hard work and research for you!

➡ Sign up for SafetyWing, and the job is done!

Best Pubs in Richmond: In a Nutshell

So, there you have it! Everything you need to know about the best pubs in Richmond! When you’re planning a trip to London, make sure you let me know over on Instagram or in the comments below!

If you haven’t seen my blog before, I write posts aimed at real-life travellers wanting authentic and down-to-earth information. 

I’m currently balancing travelling around the world and living in London with my boyfriend (read more here!), whilst creating guides and itineraries for you to follow in our footsteps!

Keep an eye out for more London content, all written from a personal and realistic point of view. You can sign up for my newsletter and juicy travel updates here!

As always, thanks for reading and supporting the blog!

Happy travelling 🙂

Jennie x