Best Pubs In Kingston Upon Thames

Let’s be honest: finding the best pub in Kingston Upon Thames is a noble quest—like searching for the Holy Grail, but with better ale and less risk of being stabbed by a knight. I’ve done the sacrificial work for you, stumbling from one cozy corner to another so you don’t have to. Grab a napkin; you’ll need it to wipe up the drool.

The Druid’s Head: Time Travel for Boozers

This place is ancient. We’re talking 17th-century ancient, when people wore pointy shoes and thought leeches were a solid medical plan. The Druid’s Head claims to be one of the oldest pubs in town, and it feels like the ghosts might pour your pint—good ghosts, obviously, not the type that complain about the playlist.

Surprising fact: it’s named after Oliver Cromwell’s head—yes, the actual decapitated head that was stuck on a pike for 25 years. Don’t worry, the head is gone now, but the beer is still hauntingly good. Try the locally-brewed Kingston Gold, and you’ll be as happy as a Puritan on holiday.

The Boathouse: River Views and Near-Drownings

If you want to feel like you’re on a yacht but you can’t afford the yacht, head to The Boathouse. It sits right on the Thames, so close you could spit into the water if you’re aggressive (please don’t). The outdoor terrace is perfect for watching swans glide by, looking majestic and vaguely judgmental.

Word of caution: after two pints of their Pimm’s in summer, you might think you can swim across the river. You cannot. You will become a very wet, very red-faced cautionary tale. Stick to the sausage rolls—they’re sublime.

The Ramble Inn: Hidden Like a Hobbit Den

This pub is so well-hidden you might think it’s a government secret. Tucked away down a cobbled alley near the market square, The Ramble Inn is the kind of place you find only after your third wrong turn. Once inside, it’s all low beams, crackling fires, and a carpet that looks like scholarship in a 1970s bingo hall.

The King’s Tun - Weatherspoon pub in Kingston Upon Thames – Kingston

They serve a mean Sunday roast, with Yorkshire puddings the size of a small dog. The staff will bark at you if you try to order a cocktail. Stick to real ale or cider; this isn’t a tropical vacation.

The Bishop Out of Residence: Pretentious Name, Perfect Pints

Don’t let the highbrow name fool you—this is a proper boozer. It’s part of the Antic London chain, which means the décor looks like your eccentric uncle’s attic: taxidermy, mismatched chairs, and chandeliers made of antlers. It’s weird, and it works.

They host live music and a silent disco where everyone dances like a demented flamingo. The beer selection changes weekly, so you’ll never get bored—just drunk. And that’s the goal, isn’t it?

THE QUEEN'S HEAD, KINGSTON, Kingston upon Thames - Menü, Preise

The Albion: For When You Need a Nap

This pub in Teddington is just a short stagger from Kingston centre, but it feels like a country cottage that got lost in the city. The Albion has a beer garden so lush you’ll want to live there forever—or at least until the pub closes at 11. The staff are famously cheerful, which is suspicious, but embrace it.

Pro tip: order their scotch egg. It’s not just an egg; it’s a religious experience wrapped in sausage meat. Pair it with a pint of Harveys and you’ll achieve nirvana—or at least a very satisfying belch.

Final Frothy Thoughts

Kingston’s pub scene is a glorious mess of history, riverside charm, and questionable carpets. Whether you’re a ghost-seeking history buff or a garden-loving lager fan, there’s a stool with your name on it. Just remember: drink responsibly, tip your bartender, and never trust a swan.

Now go forth, and may your pint never run dry.