Moon In Moon Sunbury On Thames
Right, let’s talk about the Moon in Sunbury-on-Thames. No, not the celestial one—that’s way too far away and frankly, a bit boring compared to this pub. This is The Moon, a bo...
Right, let’s talk about the Moon in Sunbury-on-Thames. No, not the celestial one—that’s way too far away and frankly, a bit boring compared to this pub. This is The Moon, a boozer that’s so old it might have served ale to Henry VIII if he’d been less into beheading and more into a decent Sunday roast. It’s located right on the Thames, which means you can stare at the actual moon while sipping a pint inside a building named after it. Deep, right?
A History That’s Older Than Your Gran
The Moon has been a pub since at least the 18th century, though locals swear the foundations were laid when dinosaurs still thought Sunbury was a nice place for a family picnic. I made that up, but here’s a surprising fact: the pub’s name allegedly comes from the illegal moonlight smuggling that happened on the river back in the day. So, basically, it’s a pub built on crime—perfect for a Friday night. The building itself is a wonky, timber-framed masterpiece that looks like it’s had one too many ciders and is leaning into the conversation.
The Menu: Not Just Moon Pies
You might expect a place called The Moon to serve only cheese toasties and Tang, but no—they do a banging fish and chips. The batter is so crispy it could start a fight with a leather jacket. I once saw a man weep with joy over their steak and ale pie, though that might have been the second pint. Ignore the fancy gastro-pub pretenders; this place knows that the best food comes with a side of river view and questionable local banter.
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The Patio: Where Drama Happens
Their beer garden sits right on the Thames path, which means you get a front-row seat to every kayak captain having a meltdown. “LEFT! LEFT, YOU MUPPET!” is a common soundtrack. If you’re lucky, you’ll see a swan hiss at a dog, which is basically the British version of a bar fight. Pro tip: bring sunglasses, not for the sun, but to avoid eye contact with the swan. They judge you.
Moon In Moon Sunbury-on-Thames, Surrey TW16 6AD - Menu, Reviews (157
The Regulars: A Lovely Bunch of Moonies
The clientele ranges from old blokes who’ve been coming since the Queen was young to young couples taking photos of their flat whites for Instagram. The bartenders are actual wizards at pouring a perfect Guinness, and they’ll remember your name after two visits, which is either charming or terrifying. One regular told me the pub has a ghost—a woman in a green dress who moves glasses around. I think she’s just tidying up, but the locals call her “The Moaning Moonie.” I’m not allowed back for a month for that joke.
Why You Should Go (Even If You Hate Pubs)
If you’re in Sunbury-on-Thames—and let’s be honest, you probably ended up there by accident—The Moon is a mandatory stop. It’s cheaper than therapy, warmer than your ex’s heart, and the only place you can yell “TO THE MOON!” as you chug a lager without people looking at you funny. Surprising fact #2: the pub’s cellar is allegedly built into an old smugglers’ tunnel that leads to the river. I haven’t found it yet, but I’ve definitely found the emergency exit after a few too many wines. Go, drink, and remember: the Moon isn’t just in the sky—it’s on the Thames, serving pints.