please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Yes indeed, a quirky little pub down an alleyway, off the main shopping street in Richmond. Strangely enough (...I never knew this) it has a "garden area" at the back, which is nice on a sunny day. You could here the "but" coming... well, its a tad pricey. A simple drink like gin+lime+soda will cost you £1.40 more than other pubs nearby in nicer locations (..on The Green)...!! I am regrading this pub from 6/10 down to 5/10. :o( TJ
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The beer - altho adequate, is still a few degrees too warm, and £7 for a glass of wine is pushing acceptability for a pub. (so over £10 for a pint & glass of wine).
But the Sunday roast, at £14, i was expecting near perfection. This is nearly double what other pubs are charging, but WHAT A LET DOWN!
Little meat, weak gravey, and the smallest portion of carrots & peas i've ever seen. Though, this was a blessing in disguise, as they were laced with raw garlic which stayed in the mouth for hours. Disgusting.
Things have not changed since "mpage"'s review of jul 2011 - the food is to be avoided. Sack the "chef". It will ruin your Sunday, and embarass you in front of your guests!
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After visiting a somewhat clinical establishment in Twickenham it was pleasant to find the Britannia which I'd never been in before.
A proper pub with a limited beer range but the Twickenham Naked Ladies was fine.
One to re-visit when next in Richmond.
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Great, quirky old place hidden down an alleyway, excelent selection of drinks and a good atmosphere.
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Been walking past this pub for months & looking at the menu, finally got around to going on Saturday & wished we'd tried it sooner.
Sat out in the garden with the papers, whilst very friendly staff served us nice cold beer & delicious Britannia tapas. Been craving their scotch eggs ever since. Can't wait to return to sample some more of the menu.
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Pub: Dark pub down a side alley. Small but pleasant concrete patio garden to the rear, albeit under the flightpath on some days. Pleasant, friendly, attentive barstaff.
Beer: Three cask ales including an excellent pint of Timothy Taylor Landlord.
Food: Oh dear. �8.95 for half a dozen strands of supermarket tagiatelli in a watery tomato sauce is really taking the piss. The burger and chips was considered to be distinctly sub par. Menu recently reprinted is hard to navigate and written in a pointless handwritten font.
We four may return on occasion for the decent beer but will never eat here again. Landlord - your parsimony has just lost you a steady stream of future income.
For good beer (Fullers) AND good food walk 100 yards along the Green to The Princes Head. The seating is more comfortable, too.
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Good food, if a little poncy on the menu front. Pubs should really leave the fancy food to restaurants. However, a great selection of beers (including some local ones) and a nice atmosphere. Pub staff were friendly and helpful. It is not my first choice of pubs to go to in Richmond, but it is still well worth a visit.
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Good selection of beers and food looked good too. Rather anonymous, identikit Gastro makeover does detract from the ambience, though.
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Britannia ruled 25% of the world at its peak of power....... but what were those countries?
- It is a good pub but I can't remember what beers they served. However, I can remember that they served oysters, expresso and had a good outside area for the summer..... a good pub but is this a restaurant in a clowns suit ...... a happy face but a sad sole (I don't think they served that fish but I wouldn't be surprised if they did)
Worth going to but I can't think why
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Nice little pub
popped in friday eve, Twick naked ladies very good
quite a lot of yuppies present though
but enjoyed all the same
W
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Another pub I visited for the first time this week. A range of 3 cask ales were available - Adnams Bitter, Taylor Landlord and Exmoor Ale. The environment is fairly relaxed with subdued lighting, large front windows overlooking an alley with a tearoom opposite. Bare floorboards create a traditional atmosphere. Nice to see a decent range of beers in a Richmond pub. Westons Organic cider was available in bottles too. Agree with previous comments about the toilets though.
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Cask: Landlord (Timothy Taylor), Naked Ladies (Twickenham).
One of the better town centre pubs, excellent hidden beer garden. Free 'English tapas' on Friday evening. Awful toilets.
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Not bad at all if you fancy a swifty whilst you're in the town centre. Barmaids are usually quite fit too!
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Getting better all the time, nice atmosphere and good crowd but agree with poor toilets
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Nice little pub, first time I stepped in there today since recently to Twickenham. Good little beergarden out the back as well where you can drink in the sun. I had a Roast beef and Yorkshire pudding with vegies (the yorkshire was a little too dried out but everything else was spot on). My wife had Asparagus soup with crusty bread which had lots of flavour. Has a a local Twickenham ale on tape which was a good touch. The pub has a good atmosphere. Happy to drink (and eat) here again.
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Nice little boozer in a handy location. The toilets let the place down big time.
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The refurb has done this place wonders. Ales change frequently and are well-kept and the staff are friendly. There's a great function room upstairs with private access to the roof garden. Great for a pie and an ale while watching the rugby with mates.
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The refurb has done wonders for this backstreet pub. What used to be a run down, microwaved meal serving pub to avoid has now been transformed into one of the nicest pubs in Richmond. The food is good and hearty portions at a not too expensive rate. Good selection of ales and the staff are helpful and friendly.
Fine choice for drinking or eating. Well done guys.
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Brilliant pub, excellent service, food and booze. Lovely location and staff. But they are trying to be very upmarket which means definitely addressing the absolutely appalling lavatory situation! They are disgusting (not cleanliness). Cisterns hanging off the wall, dreadful toilet seats and taps that don't work
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WOW!!!!! not sure if this is the same place i have seen before or whether i was so drunk that it could of been another town.....this has transformed. new decor, garden has been given some love and it seems they have a function room and great looking terrace for parties. really enjoyed the ales i must say..nice to see happy staff wanting to bring your drinks to you whilst you bask in the sun. its seems they have moved away from the old microwave meals!!!!!!!! thank goodness
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Refurb not too bad, essentially the same but with a lick of paint, higher prices and a poncy new menu. The roof terrace has reopened and is a lovely spot on a sunny day - not sure about the weird bird cage table thing, but some people seemed to be enjoying it! The Doom Bar was not very nice - warm and tasted stale, but an electrician turned up half way through the afternoon to look at the cellar cooling so maybe it will be fixed next time.
I've always been fond of the Brit and I still am!
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Under new management and closed for two days (re-opening weds 29th April). Went in on Friday and the entertainment was provided free of charge in the form of the new bar manager attempting to stop a constant stream of teenage girls (drinking with their mates on the green) from using the toilets. Felt sorry for the Bar Manager (who didn't realise there's a notice on the back of the toilet door saying non-customers can use the toilets as long as they pop a coin in the charity box) and the girls (who mostly had to leave with their legs crossed)!
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As of 17th April 2009 "The Britannia" in Brewers Lane, Richmond has closed.
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This was a great Pub but new owners who lord it around with some hangers on have turned it into a Library, I feel for the staff, who are all BRILLIANT.
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The original refurbishment, {about 2002}, when The Massive Pub Group took over was criminal. They took out the ancient bar that still had the old gas light fittings and replaced it with a bar that made it look like a hotel reception desk. Well only six or so years later the place is in dire need of some more work. The air con stopped working along time ago, tape holds the carpet together. At times some pretty bad drain smells emanate from somewhere, and the roof leaks so badly that the other day rain was pouring into the bar area into several buckets.
The selection of real ales is small but not bad, but watch out for the barmaid/man topping up a pint from the slops tray..!!
The bar staff seem a friendly bunch, and the "locals" are always good for a laugh...especially when a bloke called Immsy is in.
I believe the pub is now in new ownership after The Massive Pub Group went into administration, and rumours abound as to what they are going to do with it.
This isn't my favourite pub in Richmond. That has to be The Princes Head just up the road and on the Richmond Green.
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Unremarkable pub situated on a small lane off the main drag. A single room downstairs (I note the earlier comment about an upstairs room but I didn't spot this), bar against the side wall with bench and stool seating around sanded tables opposite. A small garden area to the rear. A rather irritating soundtrack of some kind of "dance music" playing to no one in particular. Four handpumps, one not in use, St Austell Tribute, Sharps Doom Bar and Bombardier.
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Friendly little pub. Emphasis on 'little' !! Blink and you'll miss this one altogether on your Richmond pub crawl. Down a cobbled lane (well, used to be cobbled) off the high street, towards The Green, its a tiny old traditional pub which probably seats about 20 people on the ground floor, so its cosy. There is a miniscule back yard open to the elements, and a bar on the first floor, with a lot more room. I believe they still hold their comedy nights up there, its been a while since i was last up there tho'.
Efficient & friendly bar staff make you welcome as soon as you go in, but then they can't miss you, 'cos the place is so small, can they..? This bar is a bit like marmite! You'll either luvvit or you'll hate it...! You decide. Me, i prefer the Cricketers or the Princes Head, just around the corner. JohnBonser...did i have a London Pride in here...?? I'm sure i had one somewhere that day!! It was a good day! TJ
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Good pint of Sharps Doom Bar early yesterday evening, but, yes, this pub is now starting to look and feel a bit run down.
It's been up for sale for some time now, I believe.
Its owned by The Massive Pub Group ( they also own the Tup chain )who are currently in administration, so it will be interesting to see what happens to this pub in the next few months
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Could be a lovely boozer if someone would spend some money on it!!! Needs alot of TLC believe me.
Despite this it has the best selection of Ales in the Richmond area - by a country mile! And the food is astoundingly good for the price that you pay in there. If you want somewhere to go in Richmond that has it all and the friendliest bar staff around it has to be here - the local competion is not much to talk about!
And seeing as its a managed house i very much doubt the person who wrote the comments below has ever seen the licensee!
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well spotted anonymous, I've noticed this too. The most senior people there are doing it and it appears to be only the real ale when it's a bit lively - easy to do as the pumps and trays for the ales are all hidden behind and below the bar level. It's unhygeneic at best, probably against health 'n' safety and makes you wonder what they are doing in the kitchen with your food! I was very disappointed. From my brief observations, the locals get looked after okay, but if you're a new face or in a crowd on a crawl, don't order the real ale - or at least watch then pour it fresh!
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The Brit is one of the oldest and nicest pubs in Richmond. Until recently I would have also said it was one of the best, but I have had a disturbing experience in here twice now in the last few weeks. The bar staff seem to think it is OK to serve a pint of bitter by pouring the contents of the drip tray into a glass and topping up from the hand pump. First time I thought maybe the server was inexperienced and let it go (after correcting them of course), but it happened again last Friday and it was the licensee serving. My conclusion is that this is a policy at the Brit which is very sad.
If anyone from the pub reads this site I hope they take note and stop this ruining a lovely pub.
anonymous - 19 Nov 2007 17:36 |
Reputedly one of Richmond's oldest pubs, and in a great location, so it should be a lot better. friendly enough, but a bit careworn.
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OK but does not stand out from the other local pubs and with the strong competition it really needs to. The pint of TEA was nice enough.
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Lovely pint of doombar last night and a pleasant garden to sit in early evening...
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As JohnBonser - or an airport lounge. Friendly staff make up a bit for atmosphere.
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Has a decent range of real ales on, but lacks atmosphere and pubbiness and feels like the type of place you might find on a railway station concourse.
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Nice quiet pub, where we have eaten good food on more than one occasion. Despite not being a particularly family-orientated pub, were really helpful this sunday lunchtime, providing a high chair and warming food for my 8-month old son. Very impressed.
kitty - 19 Feb 2007 15:52 |
Better then i thought it was going to be i have to say. Had just the right amount of people for a Friday, cos its not the biggest place. Barmaid was lovely as well, and the layout was in good shape.
Food shit, but what do you expect its a pub.
Buying food from a pub is like buying a suit from nettos
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I would say this is one of the best pubs in Richmond - I've never been disappointed after having been here. And the comedy club upstairs is worth a visit.
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Great pub for a quiet pint - food good, too
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Have to agree I like this place too recently - bit barren inside but it has real people behind the bar unlike so many other places in Richmond.
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A nice tidy little pub tucked away down an alleyway. Had a couple of mainstream Real Ales on a couple of days back (Bombadier was mine) which were well kept and served.
Small but comfy beer garden out the back. Well worth a visit.
Blonde barmaid became very excited when we asked directions to the Red Cow, I think 'Phil' the barman there has an admirer...
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Well worth a visit, probably the best pub in the town centre and yes, the comedy is a good way to liven up your Sunday night. San Miguel is served on tap which is a nice touch for lager drinkers.
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One of the best pubs in richmond, definitely top 3.
Moved to richmond a few months ago and the brit has won me over. Great staff who seem to enjoy their job, which gives the place a good vibe.
If it is a nice day you have to sit out in the beer garden, one of the best going around.
Good value food that comes in huge portions.
The location is a bit of a secret but that keeps away the dodgy high street crowd.
A great place for a quiet pint during the day or to start off a big night.
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I wonder whether this is under new management? Went in for the first time in a while and I noticed how friendly and good the service is - Not sure if it was like this before? The comedy is good as well. One of Richmonds better pubs for sure.
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Small but welcoming. Not ever so cheap but the food was good. I recommend the fish and chips!
anonymous - 26 Mar 2006 11:34 |
Good little pub with friendly staff and a decent range of beers. Good value Sunday lunches also.
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Lovely pub, shows sport, doesn't play music at a level where you have to shout in someone's ear to make yourself heard, the food is simple but very well done, good selection of beers and wines, comedy nights, friendly bar staff, beer garden.
It's not huge and impersonal, it's tucked away so when find find it you feel you've found a real gem. But this should save you the hard work. Give it a try!
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Nice little pub hidden down an alleyway. Great pub grub
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Has some of the friendliest bar staff in Richmond. Especially Jackie. Good range of drinks and a huuuuge wine list for a pub. Nice garden and terrace for better weather. Comedy club on Sundays. Restaurant upstairs and good food served too. I can recommend the Britannia Burger! You do get some very interesting customers mind but this only adds to the character!!
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Has the rather impersonal feel of a hotel bar, but has a pleasant garden for drinking outside and makes an occasional change from the hordes that frequent The White Cross when you sometimes cant move in there.
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What a pleasant little place. Haven't sat inside but the enclosed beer garden out the back is a little sun trap, excellent on a hot afternoon and it also has a roof terrace. Sunday roast is excellent, they even do a fat bastard version for an extra �1.50 which my mate stuffed down, plenty of very, very nice meat, lovely veg and delicious Yorkshire puds that are clearly none of this Aunt Bessie shyte. Very friendly bar staff. Will definitely add it to my fave pubs in Richmond list!
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Unpretentious little pub with nice food good beer and friendly staff. I can't fault it.
Maurice - 16 Nov 2004 11:46 |
An OK pub, has a little comedy club upstairs sometimes, which is cool.
TheGP - 31 Aug 2004 10:35 |
This pub is hidden away in a small alley (Brewer's Lane) that joins George Street to Richmond Green, looks tiny from the outside, but leads to a fair sized beer garden and roof terrace - the food is good and the range of beer plentiful - they do Desperados Tequila Beer - so watch out
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the beer garden is really nice but the bar is a little like a hotel reception.
anonymous - 24 Apr 2004 13:57 |
Having visited the site many years ago i would agree it was a bit run down and unfriendly. Altough visiting it recently since an obvious takeover and would proudly say that this pub has excelled in all aspects from service to attentiveness. An all round bar for all occasions with a fantastic newly refurbished restaurant and function room.
travis skaines - 2 Mar 2004 17:37 |
Great little beer garden tcuked away amongst Richmonds Victorian flats. The oub itself is a bit plain but it's location down brewers lane helps to compensate.
Good for: after work drinking.
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ok a great meeting place.
super blue. - 9 May 2003 20:15 |
Really fantastic comedy nights on a Sunday. Warm welcome, comfortable pub.
val - 28 Apr 2003 19:50 |
A lovely, friendly pub with a great comedy night on Sundays.
Anon - 24 Feb 2003 17:07 |
after being told to eat there during one lunch
break i found the place a wonderful place to
drink and relax. easily one of the best sunday
time pubs i can think of and the refurb has done
it justice.
the staff are pleasent and seem genuinely
interested in what you have to say. food great
and management fun in my top ten!!!!!!!!!!!!
alex halpin (the lot) - 1 Dec 2002 14:30 |
Now under new management.
anonymous - 3 Sep 2002 15:50 |
A nice little pub which benefits from a recent refurbishment
Dan - 20 May 2002 14:32 |
