London’s Best Beer, Pubs and Bars updates
Southwest London: Kingston
Druid's Head, Kingston upon Thames KT1 (London)
Contemporary pub (Greene King)
2 Market Place, Kingston KT1 1JT
T (020) 8546 0723 W gkpubs.co.uk/pubs-in-kingston-upon-thames/druids-head-pub
Open 1100-2300 (2400 Thu-Sat).
Cask beers 6 (Greene King, guests), Other beers 2 keg, 1 bottle, Also 30 wines
Food Varied enhanced pub grub, Outdoors Beer garden, upstairs sun terrrace, Wifi. Disabled toilet.
Occasional seasonal events, functions, conference room.
Former coaching inn the Druids Head claims to be the oldest pub in Kingston — the sprawling Grade II*listed building, in a prime position on the market place, is partly 17th century, though it’s been much rebuilt and the frontage is largely Victorian. Inside is bigger than expected, with a long and deep ground floor area broken into several spaces, and a similarly sized first floor with some pleasant hidden corners, while both a beer garden and an upstairs sun terrace facilitate outdoor drinking. Exposed brick and beams, a massive staircase and 18th century moulded plaster ceilings add to the heritage feel, though a recent makeover has left it a thoroughly modern pub, comfortable if rather corporate.
Greene King pubs don’t figure too prominently in the guide as until now their beer choice has tended to be limited and their key brands are readily available elsewhere. But even GK are noticing the growing interest in speciality beer and this is one of the pubs expanding its range in response. Besides the brewery’s own brands — the ubiquitous IPA, a pump rotating Abbot and Ruddles County, and a changing range of other GK brands (including Belhaven)) and seasonals — you might find guests from the likes of Batemans (the excellent Salem Porter when I called), Black Sheep or Hyde’s. Staropramen and Blue Moon are on keg while Budvar is in bottles. A lengthy menu stretches from haggis and macaroni bites to hunter’s chicken, beef and Abbot pie and sweet potato, apricot and chick pea kebabs.
Insider tip. The snug at the front right not only has Victorian wood panelling, it’s also free of piped music.
National Rail Kingston Cycling NCN4, LCN+ 33 75 Walking Thames Path, Thames Down Link, links to Richmond Park paths
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