Hampton to Richmond

The Jolly Coopers is one of Hampton’s oldest surviving public houses, with documentary evidence of a pub on the site from 1727, although the building itself may incorporate even earlier fabric. Originally a “jug and bottle” house rather than a coaching inn, it catered primarily to local residents rather than travellers, reflecting Hampton’s character as a village rather than a transit stop. The pub’s name refers to the coopers (barrel-makers) who were vital to the brewing trade and may have lived or worked locally. Historically, the pub consisted of several distinct internal spaces, including a public bar, a snug, and a narrow internal passage traditionally nicknamed the “virgin’s passage”. This compartmentalised layout was typical of 18th-century pubs and helped manage different classes and genders of drinkers. The building is now Grade II listed and retains much of its original structure despite later alterations. In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, The Jolly Coopers became particularly known for its strong community focus, hosting clubs, music and social events. While modernised in parts, it remains a rare example of a small-scale Georgian village pub that has operated continuously for nearly three centuries. Walk to the next pub.

The Mute Swan occupies a historically significant position directly opposite the main gates of Hampton Court Palace, an area that has supported inns and taverns since Tudor times. While the current building reflects later rebuilding, the site has long been associated with hospitality for palace workers, river traffic and visitors. The name refers to the mute swan, a royal bird traditionally owned by the Crown on the Thames. Given its proximity to the palace, the pub would historically have served courtiers, servants, tradespeople and later tourists, particularly as Hampton Court became a public attraction after the 17th century. Inns in this area benefited from river transport long before modern roads, making them important stopping points along the Thames. Today, The Mute Swan operates as a pub-restaurant, combining its historic location with contemporary dining. Its significance lies less in a single dramatic event and more in its continuity as part of the long hospitality tradition surrounding Hampton Court and the Thames. Walk across the bridge and continue or get the bus to the next pub.

The Bell Inn is one of the oldest and most historically significant pubs in East Molesey, with origins commonly traced back to the 15th century, although the existing structure largely dates from the Tudor period. Its irregular, “crooked” appearance reflects centuries of piecemeal rebuilding rather than planned design. Historically, The Bell served as a coaching inn and social centre, accommodating travellers moving between Kingston, Hampton Court and London. It is also recorded as having functioned as East Molesey’s first post office in the 19th century, underscoring its central role in village life. Local folklore associates the pub with highwaymen and smuggling, though such stories are typical of old inns rather than definitively proven. The building retains a strong sense of antiquity through low ceilings, timber beams and uneven floors. Despite changes in ownership and use, The Bell remains an important survivor of Surrey’s medieval and early-modern inn tradition. Train to Surbiton for the next pub.

Coronation Hall was purpose-built and opened on 21 June 1911 to commemorate the coronation of King George V. Originally conceived as a lecture hall and civic venue, it seated several hundred people and formed part of Surbiton’s early 20th-century suburban expansion, reflecting a growing demand for public entertainment and assembly spaces. In 1947 the building was converted into the Roxy Cinema, later renamed the Ritz, and functioned as a popular local picture house until 1966. As cinema attendance declined, the hall was repurposed again as a bingo venue, following a common post-war trend for large former entertainment buildings. The conversion into a pub in the late 1990s preserved much of the building’s scale and decorative character. Today, Coronation Hall stands as an example of adaptive reuse, tracing a clear line from Edwardian civic pride through mid-century mass entertainment to modern pub culture. Walk to the next pub.

The Lamb dates back to at least 1855, when it began life as a beerhouse with its own small on-site brewery, serving a rapidly expanding working population along Brighton Road. Unlike fully licensed inns, early beerhouses operated under looser regulation, which shaped the pub’s modest beginnings. For much of its early history, The Lamb had restricted licensing rights and did not receive a full licence to sell wine and spirits until the mid-20th century. The building was rebuilt or substantially altered by 1904, giving it the form largely seen today. In recent decades, The Lamb has developed a reputation as a strongly independent, community-driven pub, hosting live music and cultural events. Its evolution from small beerhouse to modern freehouse reflects wider changes in British pub culture. Walk to the next pub.

Originally a Victorian pub called The Grove, The Antelope opened in 2014 as the founding pub of Big Smoke Brew Co, representing a modern chapter in Surbiton’s pub history. It emerged during the craft-beer revival, when new breweries increasingly paired brewing with pub ownership. From the outset, the pub focused on locally brewed beers, quality food and a relaxed neighbourhood atmosphere. Its success enabled Big Smoke to expand into multiple pubs across south-west London, making The Antelope significant as the birthplace of a growing regional brewery group. Bus to the next pub.

The Albion has long been part of Kingston’s pub landscape, though its most recent phase began in 2016 when it was taken over by Big Smoke Brew Co. This marked a shift toward a craft-focused identity while retaining its function as a local pub. The pub was built during the rapid residential expansion of the Fairfield area that followed the opening of Kingston Railway Station in 1863. Most properties in this conservation area, including this corner pub, date between 1860 and 1900. It was originally part of the Hodgson’s Kingston Brewery estate. Today, The Albion plays an important role in Kingston’s contemporary pub scene, demonstrating how older licensed premises can gain renewed relevance through careful adaptation rather than complete reinvention. Walk to the next pub.

The Willoughby Arms appears in records by 1885, established during a period of rapid suburban growth when Kingston expanded northwards. It was originally associated with Hodgson’s Brewery, reflecting the dominance of tied houses in late-Victorian pub development. Positioned away from main thoroughfares, it functioned as a true neighbourhood pub, serving residents rather than travellers. Its survival through brewery mergers and changing drinking habits suggests a strong local customer base. In the modern era, the pub has maintained a focus on real ale and small-scale beer festivals, reinforcing its identity as a traditional community pub with Victorian roots. Walk to the next pub.

The Park Tavern dates from around 1868, formed by converting two cottages into a public house as Kingston expanded near Richmond Park. Early plans show a compartmentalised interior typical of Victorian pubs, with multiple rooms serving different clientele. Remarkably, the pub has remained in the same family ownership for several decades, an increasingly rare feature in the modern pub trade. This continuity has helped preserve its traditional character and independence. Today, The Park Tavern remains a well-loved local, valued for its historic atmosphere, garden and community events, representing the enduring appeal of small Victorian pubs. Taxi to the next pub.

Established in 1875, The Builders Arms reflects Teddington’s late-Victorian transformation from rural settlement to commuter suburb. The pub was designed to serve tradesmen and local residents during a period of intense housing development. Architecturally, it retains two distinct rooms, original fireplaces and decorative features that place it on CAMRA’s inventory of historic interiors. These elements offer insight into how pubs once structured social space. After a recent restoration and reopening, the pub continues to balance historic character with modern expectations, maintaining its role as a neighbourhood focal point nearly 150 years after opening. Walk to the next pub.

The modern way seems to be to clear out any ‘clutter’ and paint everything battleship grey. Not so here, thank goodness. Some may disagree but for me this is the epitome of a proper pub, and the decor is fascinating and loved. The Masons Arms was established around 1860, coinciding with the arrival of the railway and significant population growth in Teddington. Like many pubs of this era, it served both social and practical functions within a growing suburb. The interior has remained relatively unchanged, earning recognition for its historic authenticity. The pub’s layout and fittings preserve the atmosphere of a Victorian local. It has gained national recognition for beer quality and remains a prominent example of a suburban pub that has survived through consistency and community loyalty. Walk or bus to the next pub.

Another beautifully decorated pub, full of interesting collections (though I don’t envy the dusting!). The Roebuck likely originated in the 19th century, serving a developing residential area between Hampton and Teddington. The name first appears in records from 1878 reflects traditional English pub iconography associated with hunting and rural life. As Hampton Hill grew, the pub became a social centre for local residents rather than travellers, reflecting its suburban setting. Today it continues this role as a neighbourhood pub, illustrating the long-term social importance of such establishments in residential areas. Bus to the next pub.

The pub was first recorded as a beerhouse around 1870. It is unclear when the name was changed to The Rifleman, nor whether the association with local WW1 hero Frank Edwards (the ‘Footballer of Loos’) existed prior to the dedication on the new pub sign of 2012, but his is certainly an interesting story. The Rifleman remains a traditional local pub, valued for real ale and outdoor space, continuing a long tradition of neighbourhood hospitality. Twickenham Fine Ales took over the pub in 2019 to prevent its closure, however they may not be able to support it going forward, leaving its future in doubt. Walk to the next pub.

The Prince Albert on Hampton Road was established in 1840, the same year Queen Victoria married Prince Albert. Originally opened by the Star Brewery, the pub was part of a wave of local developments during the mid-19th century. Its Victorian roots are still visible in its architecture, though the interior was modernized from its original multi-room layout into a more open, single-bar space during the early 1980s. The pub is most famous for its long association with the Wiffen family, who managed the establishment for three consecutive generations. This decades-long tenure was so significant that the pub became affectionately known to Twickenham locals simply as "Wiffen’s." To this day, the Wiffen name is still displayed behind the bar as a tribute to this foundational period of the pub’s history. In more recent years, The Prince Albert has transitioned into a Fuller’s tied house while maintaining its traditional community atmosphere. Following a major refurbishment in 2016, it integrated a popular Thai kitchen and a landscaped "secret garden." Today, it is recognized both for its historical longevity and its reputation as a premier rugby-day destination near Twickenham Stadium. Bus to the next pub.

The building now housing The William Webb Ellis was constructed in 1908 as Twickenham’s main post office, reflecting Edwardian civic architecture and growing administrative needs. Its later conversion into a pub preserved the structure while repurposing it for social use. The name honours William Webb Ellis, traditionally credited with inventing rugby, aligning the pub with Twickenham’s sporting identity. The pub stands as an example of adaptive reuse, linking Edwardian civic history with modern leisure culture. Bus to the next pub.

The Turk’s Head in St Margarets is an imposing Edwardian corner pub built in 1902. Designed by renowned architect TH Nowell Parr for the Fuller’s Brewery, the building is constructed of red brick and features a distinctive corner turret and stone-carved heads above its windows. It is officially recognized by CAMRA as a pub of special national historic interest due to its well-preserved interior. Historically, the pub has retained many of its original Edwardian characteristics, including its panelled bar counter and trademark Tudor-style wooden arches. While the main bar area was converted to an open-plan layout, the building still houses the Winchester Room, a Victorian-style hall that serves as a dedicated space for community events. This room is a cornerstone of the pub's heritage, having hosted the Bearcat Comedy Club for more than 20 years. Today, the Turk’s Head operates as a vibrant community hub and a premier destination for rugby fans heading to nearby Twickenham Stadium. It is widely celebrated for its live music sessions, "Soul Sundays," and its long-standing connection to local sporting and social groups, such as the Bearcat Running Club. Despite modern updates and the addition of a landscaped garden, the pub remains a quintessential example of early 20th-century pub architecture. Walk to the next pub.

Built in 1787, The White Swan in Richmond is a historic Grade II listed pub situated on Old Palace Lane. Its location is steeped in history, standing on the site of the original moat of the now-demolished Tudor-era Richmond Palace. The building retains a classic country-style atmosphere despite its proximity to the town centre, featuring original beamed ceilings, open log fires, and 18th-century architectural detailing. The pub is woven into local folklore, most notably through unverified rumors that King George III once graced the establishment while traveling to Kew Palace. Historically, it has served as an "off the beaten track" oasis for locals and travelers alike, maintaining its reputation for hospitality for over two centuries. Its name itself carries royal connotations, as the white swan appeared in the coats of arms of several English queens consort, including Anne of Cleves. In the modern era, The White Swan has become a renowned "foodie" destination, particularly celebrated for its award-winning Sunday roasts and upmarket European cuisine. It features a secluded, sun-trap beer garden at the rear and an upstairs dining room available for private functions. While it has undergone internal updates to accommodate its modern culinary focus, it remains a quintessential example of an independent English pub, carefully preserving its 18th-century charm.