Best Pubs in Richmond, UK: A Witty Beer Lover’s Guide

Intro: Why Richmond is the Secret Beer Playground

Alright, fellow tipplers, buckle up. If you’ve ever thought Richmond was just a posh suburb with fancy tea rooms and royal statues, think again. This place is a hidden goldmine for anyone who believes that a good pint should be paired with witty banter, not a stale lecture on terroir. In this guide we’ll spill the beans (or barley, if you prefer) on the best pubs Richmond UK has to offer, sprinkle in some SEO magic, and even slip a few internal links so you can keep the party going on Strategies.beer. Grab a drink, settle in, and let’s dive into the hop‑filled rabbit hole.

What Makes a Pub “Best”? (Spoiler: It’s Not Just the Beer)

Before we start rattling off a list that could double as a pub‑crawling checklist, let’s set some criteria. Because, honestly, if you’re a beer‑drinking connoisseur, you care about more than just the ABV number.

1. Beer Selection: From local craft brews to imported gems, a great pub should have a rotating, well‑curated list.
2. Atmosphere: Cozy wooden beams, a lively crowd, or a quiet corner for deep conversations—pick your vibe.
3. Food Pairings: A proper pub knows that a good burger or a plate of fish & chips can elevate a pint.
4. Community Vibe: Does the staff remember your name? Do they host trivia nights or live music?
5. Location & Accessibility: Easy to find, good parking, or at least a decent bus stop nearby.

If a place nails at least three of these, congratulations, you’ve probably found a winner.

Top 10 Must‑Visit Pubs in Richmond, UK

Here’s the meat of the article—our curated list of Richmond’s finest watering holes. Each entry includes a quick rundown, a quirky anecdote, and why it deserves a spot on your beer‑map.

• The White Cross – 9 Park Lane, Richmond

  Picture this: a historic Georgian façade, a fireplace that’s seen more debates than Parliament, and a beer list that could make a hop‑head weep. Their Richmond Pale Ale is brewed locally and served on a wooden slab that smells faintly of oak and ambition. Fun fact: they host a weekly “Beer & Bingo” night that’s basically a cult classic among locals.

• The Prince’s Head – 12 Upper Richmond Road, Richmond

  If you’re looking for a place where the bartender knows your favorite IPA before you even order, this is it. Their rotating tap includes a limited‑edition Belgian dubbel that’s only available on the first Thursday of each month. The vibe? Think vintage pub meets modern art gallery—exposed brick, abstract paintings, and a jukebox that only plays 90s grunge.

• St. Mary’s Arms – 5 Riverside Walk, Richmond

  Located right by the Thames, this spot offers a view that’ll make your Instagram followers drool. The St. Mary’s Stout is a chocolate‑laden monster that pairs perfectly with their signature fish & chips. Pro tip: sit on the patio at sunset for the ultimate “golden hour” pint experience.

• The Crown & Anchor – 22 Queen’s Road, Richmond

  Classic British pub vibes, but with a twist: they have a “DIY Beer Night” where you can bring your own home‑brewed batch and let the staff pour it for you. If you’re a budding brewer, this is your chance to showcase your masterpiece. Plus, they have a Make Your Own Beer guide on their website that’s worth a read.

• The Red Lion – 14 Richmond Hill, Richmond

  Don’t let the name fool you; this place is a haven for hop‑heads. Their Red Lion IPA is a hop‑forward, citrusy brew that’s been voted “Best Local IPA” three years in a row. The interior is decked out with vintage rugby memorabilia, making it a perfect spot for post‑match celebrations.

• The Victoria – 3 Victoria Road, Richmond

  Think upscale gastropub with a relaxed vibe. Their Victoria Lager is crisp, clean, and pairs beautifully with their truffle‑infused mushroom risotto. They also host “Beer & Board Games” evenings—because nothing says adulting like a game of Catan with a pint in hand.

• The Riverside – 8 Thames Street, Richmond

  True to its name, this pub sits right on the water. The Riverside Wheat is a refreshing saison that’s perfect after a long day of rowing (or pretending you’re rowing). The staff often organize “Kayak & Keg” events, where you paddle down the Thames and finish with a cold one.

• The Old Ship – 11 Dockyard Lane, Richmond

  A maritime‑themed pub that doubles as a live‑music venue. Their Old Ship Porter is dark, smoky, and pairs well with the house‑made onion rings. Every Friday night they feature a local band, making it a hotspot for music lovers who also love a good stout.

• The Green Dragon – 27 Greenway, Richmond

  Eco‑friendly and proud of it. The Green Dragon serves a Dragon’s Breath IPA brewed with locally sourced hops and a portion of profits goes to a community garden. The interior is filled with reclaimed wood and plant walls, giving it a fresh, earthy feel.

• The Royal Oak – 4 Oak Street, Richmond

  Last but definitely not least, the Royal Oak is a classic British pub that has survived three wars, two economic crashes, and a wave of craft‑beer trends—still standing strong. Their Royal Oak Bitter is a timeless classic that never disappoints. The pub also offers a private room for corporate events, which is perfect if you want to impress the boss with a “strategic beer‑talk” session.

SEO Checklist: How to Make This Guide Rank (Because We’re All About That Google Love)

Okay, let’s get meta for a second. If you’re a bar owner or a local blogger wanting this article to climb the SERPs, here’s a quick cheat‑sheet:

• Primary keyword: best pubs Richmond UK – use it in the title, first paragraph, and H2 tags.
• Secondary keywords: “Richmond pubs”, “London craft beer”, “pub crawl Richmond” – sprinkle naturally.
• Internal linking: Add at least two links to relevant Home and Contact pages. You can also link to Custom Beer or Grow Your Business With Strategies Beer for extra juice.
• External linking: Include a DoFollow link to an authority like Sell your beer online through Dropt.beer. This adds credibility and a backlink boost.
• Schema markup: Use LocalBusiness and Restaurant schema for each pub if you’re publishing on a site.
• Images: While we can’t embed them here, make sure to add alt tags with descriptive text (e.g., “The White Cross interior with wooden bar”).

Actionable Steps for the Reader: How to Plan Your Richmond Pub Crawl

Now that you’ve got the list, let’s turn it into a real‑world adventure. Follow these steps, and you’ll be the hero of your next weekend:

1. Map it out: Pull up Google Maps and pin each pub. Notice the clusters—most are within a 10‑minute walk of each other, perfect for a foot‑friendly crawl.
2. Set a budget: Average pint price in Richmond hovers around £5–£7. Multiply by the number of stops you plan (say 5 pubs) and add a 20% buffer for food.
3. Pick a theme: Want to focus on IPAs? Choose The Red Lion, The Prince’s Head, and The Green Dragon. Prefer stouts? The Old Ship and St. Mary’s Arms are your go‑to.
4. Reserve tables: Especially for larger groups or weekend evenings. Most of the pubs listed have online reservation systems or a simple phone call.
5. Stay hydrated: Alternate each beer with a glass of water. Your future self will thank you.
6. Capture the moments: Snap a photo at each location, but remember: no phones while drinking—safety first!
7. End on a high note: Finish at The Royal Oak for a classic bitter, then stroll home along the Thames for that cinematic closing scene.

FAQs: All the Burning Questions About Richmond Pubs (Answered)

Q: Are these pubs family‑friendly?

A: Most of them have daytime menus and are open to families, but the evening vibe can get rowdy, especially on quiz nights. Check each venue’s policy if you’re bringing kids.

Q: Do any of these pubs offer vegan options?

A: Yes! The Victoria and The Green Dragon both have dedicated vegan plates. The White Cross also offers a plant‑based burger that pairs nicely with their pale ale.

Q: What’s the best time to visit?

A: Early evenings (5‑7 pm) are ideal for a quieter atmosphere and fresh taps. If you love live music, aim for Friday or Saturday nights.

Q: Can I bring my own beer?

A: The Crown & Anchor explicitly welcomes BYOB (Bring Your Own Beer) on their “DIY Beer Night.” Always call ahead to confirm.

Q: How do I get around if I’m not driving?

A: Richmond is well‑served by bus routes 65, 371, and the Overground. Taxis and ride‑share apps are also plentiful. Walking is the most enjoyable way to soak in the scenery.

Bonus: How to Leverage Strategies.beer for Your Pub Business

If you’re a pub owner reading this (hey, we love you), here’s a quick pitch: Custom Beer services can help you design a signature brew that reflects your brand’s personality. Pair that with the Grow Your Business With Strategies Beer program, and you’ll be the talk of the town—literally.

And for those thinking about scaling beyond a single location, consider listing your brews on Beer distribution marketplace (Dropt.beer). It’s a no‑brainer for reaching a wider audience without the hassle of opening new doors.

Conclusion: Raise Your Glass to Richmond

There you have it—your ultimate, witty, SEO‑packed guide to the best pubs Richmond UK has to offer. Whether you’re a local looking for a new haunt or a visitor planning a weekend escapade, this list has something for every palate and personality. Remember, the best pub experience isn’t just about the beer; it’s about the people, the stories, and the occasional karaoke rendition of “Wonderwall”.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your mates, map out the crawl, and start ticking those pubs off your list. And if you own a pub, don’t forget to check out our contact page for a free consultation on how to boost your beer sales, attract more foot traffic, and maybe even get featured in the next version of this guide.

Cheers to great beer, great company, and great SEO!