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Railway, Kew Gardens

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user reviews of the Railway, Kew Gardens

please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.

I meant to say - the photos of this pub don't do it justice. Especially the outside which now has a gazebo type structure with many plants and vines growing through the wooden frame. Sitting outside in the sun (as I did), its hard to believe that you are only twenty yards or so from the Tube line.
on_the_brightside - 17 Jul 2019 18:33
Came in here for the first time a few days ago - I liked it. Nicely 'restored' building (the old Underground station ticket hall I assume) with a pleasant outside area that catches the sun nicely.

Service was friendly and efficient and my pints of Hop Head were excellent. It is quite pricey (twelve quid for a pint and a large white wine spritzer) but one only has to look at the very large double fronted Victorian villas that line the street leading to the pub to see why!

I'd go back if in the area again and notwithstanding the prices, would recommend it.
on_the_brightside - 16 Jul 2019 12:41
Visiting old haunts - stop 3.
Busy with diners but got a table, Pride was in good nick, but tourist prices.
ellisref - 23 Apr 2018 10:22
As noted, now called "The Tap on the Line". Re-created Victorian interior in what used to be the station building, with some outside seating. Pleasant and quite popular. Fullers beers and food at typically steep London prices.
Mike_Oxford - 24 Jan 2018 09:19
Over a fiver for a pint is not what I would consider cheap!!
slacker - 11 Oct 2016 08:56
Now called "Tap on the Line". Fullers house, but surprisingly cheap for the area. Beer in good condition but probably not worth making a special trip to visit,
Aztecgoat - 24 Sep 2016 20:30
The Tap on the Line was the one pub in Kew I hadn't previously visited. So I popped in here yesterday lunchtime prior to meeting up with friends in Richmond. As others have said, the ale range is not too exciting, as it's Fullers. London Pride, Olivers Island & HSB were all on. But they did also have Windsor & Eton Kohinoor IPA. The building itself is impressive with a high ceiling in the main bar and a dining area similar to a conservatory with tall windows overlooking the City-bound platform. Outdoors there is a small courtyard where many were enjoying the Spring sun and listening to some kind of live music which appeared to be part of a small fair that was taking part. The area was certainly fairly lively.
blue_scrumpy - 4 Apr 2016 20:12
Now called 'Tap on the Line' - it's okay but downside is it is a Fuller's house and on this visit the only non Fullers brew was unavailable. Handy while waiting on a train.
anonymous - 6 Mar 2016 10:51
This website has been dead for ages - nobody here to change the photos!

slacker - 9 Jan 2015 14:57
The pub has recently undergone a complete refurbishment and you should change the photograph. This is a great pub to have a drink in on your way to Kew Gardens. You can even have a meal there.
malo66 - 22 Dec 2014 11:38
I see Adam and the staff have been on Trip Advisor again - for us seasoned pros your reviews are a little to obvious !!! Adam you even big yourself up in one !!! Haha.
thames1 - 9 Jan 2014 11:03
What disappeared?
slacker - 30 Dec 2013 14:20
No, the really extraordinary thing is how some messages disappear eh slacker......scared of a barring I feel.........soft lad !!!!
mcstrop - 26 Dec 2013 11:59
The really astonishing thing is that this place is now far busier since the KGH has reopened, have to admit I was expecting it to be the other way around. Show's you what I know!
slacker - 17 Dec 2013 14:02
yes yes Tim very good
slacker - 17 Dec 2013 14:01
Sorry Slacker, have to agree with Bodger, came in here pretty early meself for a quick one the other day and most in the pub part were smashed.....and it was a Sunday !
mcstrop - 16 Dec 2013 15:25
Cheer up bodger
slacker - 14 Dec 2013 22:10
hahahahahaha Slacker. I know exactly who you are talking about :-)
riddz - 14 Dec 2013 11:05
Sorry, there's more than one !!!!
bodger2 - 12 Dec 2013 18:11
hahaha I think you're talking about a certain individual there rather than a collection of people!

Unfortunately the way this place is now set up often means you end up sharing tables with people you don't know...
slacker - 12 Dec 2013 12:54
No problem with drinking alcohol at all, but staggering around the place and joining in other more sober peoples conversations is a bit off putting, to those of us not as pissed by 6pm that is.
bodger2 - 10 Dec 2013 11:17
There is a Starbucks across the road if you have such an issue with people drinking alcohol in pubs bodger
slacker - 7 Dec 2013 20:56
Sadly you can spend as much as you like on a refurb,but until you get rid of the local drunks this will still remain the place to avoid in Kew.....
bodger2 - 3 Dec 2013 14:39
This evening I remonstrated with two women who were using their dogs to block access to the toilets. I was somewhat amazed when they commenced to hurl the most foul abuse at me (I shan't repeat the words they used herein for fear of falling foul of various legislation) then they me offered physical violence, claiming that they were "both black belts in karate". Wow! I knew the clientèle could be a bit rough, but just wow!
kolonie - 2 Dec 2013 19:22
A coffee shop/shite restaurant. A further 10p on a pint as from yesterday shows their attitude to the humble drinker. The KGH is now nearly a quid cheaper a pint.......Fullers have got this one so wrong.
thames1 - 19 Nov 2013 08:54
If it's not a pub, what is it now?
IMG1975 - 18 Nov 2013 19:53
Shouldn't be on here, no longer a pub.
thames1 - 12 Nov 2013 12:41
And it's far too expensive and the toilets smell.

And the floor is wonky
slacker - 5 Nov 2013 09:06
After spending a bit of time in here I think I can give a fair synopsis of the place.

This has to be one of the most poorly designed 'redesigns' I have ever encountered. Considering the size of the place this is a fundamental flaw. The fitted tables in the bar area are far to big and far too spaced out, they are also bolted to the wall/floor so there is no scope for easily changing this. You cannot sit in the conservatory unless you are eating, also they have shortened the bar by at least a third, and there is no outside heating or covers for when it is raining - all of which means more than 40 people in there and you're stuck in a very unpleasant situation, nowhere to sit, stand, put your bag down, even put your drink down, providing you can actually get served in the first place as it is often three men deep at the very short bar. I can only assume whoever designed this place had never actually spent any time there, it's a drinkers pub not a effing restaurant/coffee bar, and the sooner fullers realise that the better. It will be interesting to see what happens when the KGH reopens, lets put it that way.
slacker - 5 Nov 2013 07:58
Fair play, this place needed a refresh, but, every time i've visited since its opened, its rammed in the drinking area whilst the eating area is pretty empty, just make it an all drinking/eating pub! The food certainly isnt so good it needs its own area.

Beer prices especially on the non fullers range is, well, eye watering.

Also on another note, nowhere really left in Kew now to watch the football/rugby with a pint.

Having said all that, having a Fullers in Kew certainly isnt bad news, and the atmosphere and music is not bad at all
aberblue - 26 Oct 2013 01:30
Oh dear, it would seem that simply tiling over the problems in the bogs has failed to work.........
thames1 - 19 Oct 2013 08:48
Not really a pub as such any more, kind of a coffee shop/restaurant affair with beer.

And it is chronically expensive at that.

No sports shown here any more either.
slacker - 15 Oct 2013 08:58
Mixed reports coming back from the refurb, live in Richmond myself but thought I'd give it a try as its Fullers. Well, it is not like any other Fullers pub I've ever been in, they usually try and keep them fairly pub looking ! On first walking in it's a cross between a sports club shower area and a 19th century lunatic asylum - too many tiles !! Beer - usual selection of Fullers ales and unheard of overpriced lagers. Food - mediocre, desperately trying to be something it's not. Service - hordes of them, but some look about 12 and the old ones from the Railway are as bad as they were then.
Overall, looks like a lot of money spent (loads of stuff will get stolen) but not what Kew needed and will be empty in a couple of months......back to the Princes Head then.
stevesteve108 - 4 Oct 2013 15:17
Oh, and I forgot to say, the 'crispy fried crab dumplings' are deep fried crab balls......who are you trying to kid ????
bodger2 - 3 Oct 2013 16:16
So I thought I'd give this place one last try after the refurb........first impressions not too bad, however the prices are now absurd. Also the underlying problems remain the same, the kitchen is right next to the bogs and the staff are much the same as before, so the service is useless. Last visit, end of.
bodger2 - 1 Oct 2013 13:15
thats the spirit
slacker - 16 Sep 2013 13:13
Will forever be 'the dump over the road'.
thames1 - 15 Sep 2013 14:46
By the look of the facebook advertising it will have a name change as well.
riddz - 13 Sep 2013 17:25
Judging by the amount of rubble/wood etc mounting up outside it looks as though they are actually making a real go of the refurb this time. Lets see how it all pans out!
slacker - 29 Aug 2013 15:34
I'll believe when I see it Riddz!
slacker - 27 Aug 2013 15:28
Now closed for a month for a refit.

At last the toilets will be sorted out :-)
riddz - 27 Aug 2013 12:52
Give the guy a break !!
The right pub, just the wrong station....
All you had to day was "Dear Zap, I believe you are referring to Kew Gardens station, not Kew Bridge."
There, that wasn't difficult, was it !
jimshoppenus - 30 Jul 2013 13:34
Wrong pub !! Nowhere near Kew Bridge station....
thames1 - 30 Jul 2013 10:49
Conveniently situated in the Kew Bridge railway station.
Stopped off for a pint before getting the tube back to town after a day out at Kew.
Had a pint of Pride which was in excellent condition and the bar staff were friendly, polite and efficient.
Cannot believe some of the previous postings about the locals, I found them to be friendly and charming.
zapsincl - 17 Jul 2013 13:27
Yes bodger, I heard the credit card story too, absolute disgrace and the person responsible is still working there, which suggests Fullers condone that sort of behaviour. Extraordinary.
thames1 - 16 Jul 2013 11:52
A return visit......no refurb and no improvement........surly landlord too. From what I hear do not put your card behind the bar. You have been warned.......
bodger2 - 7 Jul 2013 10:16
Really ?? The worst of the staff still appear to be there ......
thames1 - 20 May 2013 18:57
I hear from the comfort of The Coach that Fullers have begun their purge of the staff here......well its a start I suppose.
mcstrop - 29 Apr 2013 17:25
Visited last night for the first time. A strange pub, the locals seem a mix of chronic alcoholics and local chavs. Beer not bad, usual Fullers selection, but service was terrible. The whole place seemed grubby, but this did in no way prepare me for the Gents.....Jesus Christ !!! On discovering the kitchen was next to the gents we decided against eating......
As I said my first visit and very probably my last. Overheard talk of a refurb, but where to start ???
bodger2 - 7 Apr 2013 09:15
Refusal to put the sound on the football last night for the locals sums this place up.....needs a complete overhaul and change of ALL staff.
thames1 - 2 Apr 2013 10:20
Glad to say my experience was at odds with previous posters. Found this pub to be a delight. Impossibly pretty with the arches and views, notably friendly service, good pints of Chiswick and Pride and decent parsnip soup did the job nicely.
curioushistory - 31 Mar 2013 14:36
3 ate, 2 food poisoning.......surly staff, drunk locals, terrible bogs.....what possessed us to eat ?????????? Come on Fullers, this is well below standard......
thames1 - 15 Feb 2013 09:13
Was absolutely appalled to hear the landlady gossiping about a fellow local yesterday, drank up and left. Will not be returning until Fullers have sorted this place out.
mcstrop - 10 Feb 2013 09:48
Now an expensive shithole.....
mcstrop - 13 Oct 2012 09:08
Shithole
mcstrop - 25 Sep 2012 15:20
This is a very pleasant pub with decent food and a reasonable beer/cider range although it's far from a CAMRA sort of place.

The highlight is the fact that it's a pub on a London Underground platform, to my knowledge the only such establishment in existence. This means you can enjoy watching the frenetic commuters as you sip your pint. Then when it's time to go you can stay at your table until you spot your train arriving, and still be on the platform in time to board it. (NB - this will probably only work if you're travelling East-bound.)
kid_b - 20 Sep 2012 01:23
nice pub - there is always a great ambiance in here and the ales are very good.
malo66 - 29 Nov 2011 14:28
lovely and beautiful terrace, with good ales
ilfaccino - 24 Oct 2011 15:42
Water pouring through the roof Saturday....
millreef - 30 Aug 2011 09:08
Bar staff give that fact away ....

millreef - 28 Aug 2011 10:57
Judging by the music they play in here now I think it may be turning into a gay bar
slacker - 26 Aug 2011 16:50
I forgot to buy a ticket.
riddz - 25 Aug 2011 09:09
Does anyone know who won the landlord lottery ??
millreef - 25 Aug 2011 08:07
Pub fullof locals enjoying the Ireland v France game, 6 or so Chelsea chav scum, never ever seen before, arrive and demand the football, barmaid duly switches channels. Locals depart over the road to watch the rugby. This dump has very little going for it apart from its loyal locals, start pissing them off and the new 'manager' will have very little to manage apart from the appalling smell coming from downstairs yesterday.....kitchen or bogs or both ???
millreef - 21 Aug 2011 08:38
@ p349: welcome to the party pal!
slacker - 17 Aug 2011 09:09
The low prices should have been a warning. The tables were dirty and uncleared. The food was barely edible and I have never seen worse toilets in my life!
p349 - 15 Aug 2011 20:38
Isn't that enough bogs? Just go somewhere else if it is so horrid!
malo66 - 1 Aug 2011 16:58
Does that mean we can now comment on the bogs ???
millreef - 29 Jul 2011 12:20
As far as I undersatnd this place is in the process of going under new management, AGAIN!
slacker - 29 Jul 2011 11:09
I agree...moments before I'm off though !!!
millreef - 29 Jun 2011 18:32
@ crayscray you are completely right, but I guess the powers that be disagree. Very disappointing.
slacker - 26 Jun 2011 16:01
Testing, testing.....
millreef - 25 Jun 2011 11:15
Surely the idea is to work hard as a business to raise standards, product quality and service until positive comments are placed on this site. If you only welcome pleasant feedback there would be no reason to improve.
CRAYSCRAY - 23 Jun 2011 16:48
And again !!!

millreef - 22 Jun 2011 18:02
At the risk of getting censored again, just wanted to say that there isn't much point in this page being here if all it's going to show is posts from 2008.
slacker - 16 Jun 2011 17:30
Well done the Railway!, the only pub in the area it seems, serving really good proper pub food without needing to take out a loan to buy some of it. The beer seems to have been lowered in price too. Its still the perfect place to relax after work watching the world go by outside.
aberblue - 4 Oct 2008 23:04
As somebody already mentioned, for a station pub this is very good. The guy who runs the place is probably one of the nicest, most professional guys youll see behind a jump - always friendly and helpful. This rubs off on the staff also - always very cheery and accomodating. The menu has a good selection and the food is always very tasty and you never have to wait long either. Always good for football, they often show more than one match which is perfect if its champs league. Good smoking area out front with big bench tables and heating. Only complaint is that because its a station pub sometime the odd dick head falls off the train into the pub. Then again, ive never seen any trouble in here and ive been going for a good few years.
Probably in the top 3 pubs in Kew
whoagigi - 4 Oct 2008 16:17
For a 'station' pub it ain't half bad - well worth falling out of the train and falling in here. Friendly staff and well kept beer but, like the man said, you wouldn't want to have a session here as there's better pubs down the road.
BobOs - 17 Sep 2008 18:19
Perfectly acceptable place to stop, although not exactly a venue to spend hours. Drinks have always been good, food is nice. Probably the best station pub I've even been in.
MPS_30 - 25 Jul 2008 15:32
OK sort of place, with reasonably kept and priced ale and food which was alright. I guess the problem is that it just can't loose the feel of being a station bar. It has little charm or feel of making you want to stay rather than get on the next District line train, though the conservatory bit is quite a handsome building.
Dave_the_Bee - 24 Mar 2008 00:53
seems to currently be undergoing another staff rotation!
slacker - 18 Mar 2008 13:26
Home to some of the most rude and ineffective barmaids I have ever had the misfortune to meet. �So sorry that I chose to spend my money here� is a phrase that springs to mind, it must be a massive insult to them or something. You don�t go to the pub to get nagged more than you do at home, do you? They seem to think it�s their god given right to run the place how they want and to disregard any requirements of the customers, whether it be ordering a drink or basically asking for any service of any kind whatsoever. Hate to use the clich� �the customer is always right�, but here, all to often, the customer is wrong, regardless of how polite you are to them, or for whatever you happen to ask for. The majority of the staff are fine, but there are certain individuals who make this place an unpleasant place to frequent. Sometjing needs to be done. Not a good look for a pub that used to be very welcoming, customer service does not appear to be an important factor any more. Very disappointing, it didn�t use to be like this.
anonymous - 13 Nov 2007 23:17
I uploaded some new photos of this place the other day, will they ever appear???
slacker - 18 May 2007 08:38
Well its open again, and I must say it is an improvement. More than just a lick of paint this time, the fitted seating indoors has been removed and the wide space consuming tables replaced with high tables and stools. This solves the problem of having to squeeze past people when its a bit busy. The wooden floors have been stripped and re done as has the bar itself. A large mirror sits on the wall behind the bar which helps to make the place a lot brighter than it was previously. The outside area is vastly improved with large umbrellas and heat lamps, as well as brand new benches. The conservatory looks more a less the same, albeit with a few new bits of furniture. Unfortunately the toilets are still downstairs (I am however told that this is temporary) although they have been retiled and all of the fittings have been replaced generally making the experience far more pleasant! Yet to try the food but it looks like your average pub grub - the prices have all dropped dramatically as well, which I think is a good thing as they reflect what you get a bit more now - speaking to people who have eaten there I have heard good things. Drinks prices seem to have stayed more or less the same - in fact again in some cases, there have been price cuts. They also now serve Erdinger on tap and Staropramen is on the way too. Still has a quiz machine and a fruity for those of us that wish to dabble in such things!

Not too sure about the chandeliers though - or the random wallpaper in parts of the pub (although I am told this is all the rage at the moment??!!)

Gets the thumbs up from me.

slacker - 14 May 2007 10:53
yeaaaa u right, but...
it's quite hard to do it in 10 days :)

maybe next time the railway will get more time to do a proper refurb.
that would be nice.
but for now we gotta be pleased with what we've got :P

by the way,
I know that those smells have nothing to do with smoking..
Last time there was a problem with the cesspool - I hope that after refurb it won't happen ever again! :) LOL

c u at the pub

anonymous - 11 May 2007 10:46
My last comment again failed to pass the censor !! The whole point is , that without a proper refurb - ie bogs/kitchen - it will still smell , those smells have nothing to do with smoking.......
anonymous - 10 May 2007 06:59
do u think that 10 days is enough to make any structural improvements?
I don't think so!

It's good that after 2 years of planning, the pub was finally shot for refurb!

No more smells, dirt etc! ;]
....And in 2 months - goodbye to all smokers! yeaaaaahh :P
anonymous - 9 May 2007 12:57
As I previously commented , although bite didn't allow it for some reason , the refurb looks very much like a paint job to me - all done in a nice shade of brown !!! No signs so far of new loos , kitchen etc etc . This will be the 3rd recent refurb where no structural improvements have been made - reopens this Friday , I so hope I'm proved wrong on the gents front !!!!!!
anonymous - 9 May 2007 08:19
Are any of the staff being refurbed ie serious attitude lessons !!!!!
anonymous - 24 Apr 2007 14:06
Well its finally actually shut for the refurb! Will be interesting to see the changes in a couple of weeks time...
slacker - 24 Apr 2007 13:49
Do like this pub but:
Believe refit is the best thing. They have a truly remarkable ability to produce smells from the basement/toilet/kitchen that would have a slaughter house cleaner more stunned than the animals they butcher. Have informed the Guinness book of records but apparently they were narrowly piped to the post of "Most nauseous gas in a public area" award by the Bhopal disaster.
Look forward to grand opening.

the_surrey_beer_nomad - 19 Apr 2007 17:25
Closing for two weeks on Monday 23rd April for a refurb (finally!)
slacker - 18 Apr 2007 09:24
I remember Steve. Thos roast dinners were legendary. Update on the refurb - looks as though it is now going to be happening late March. There have been some problems with the planning permission etc
slacker - 1 Feb 2007 11:52
I worked here for a couple of years and i have to say that Steve the chef made the best roast beef sunday lunch i've ever tasted.

Towards the end i'd only work sundays just to get that gorgeous meal.


Brother_Number_One - 22 Jan 2007 13:50
A decent boozer which I hear is due for a refurb . On the kids front - the landlord used to limit them to the conservatory area up until 6.00pm - this seems to have gone out of the window recently . I don't think anyone has a problem with supervised kids having lunch but a horde of them charging around near the bar area is irritating and frankly dangerous (unless we are going the plastic pint glass route !)Lets hope that with the refurb this problem can be solved as this is one of a handfull of pubs in the area and very popular with the locals .
anonymous - 16 Jan 2007 12:14
I agree, there does seem to be a lot of kids in there, especially at the weekend. Is that you squatter? ;o)
slacker - 10 Jan 2007 13:08
Unfortunately has returned to being full of children running wild.....
anonymous - 9 Jan 2007 08:38
Free wireless internet access is now available in this pub.
slacker - 14 Dec 2006 11:42
Had a very pleasant Saturday lunchtime visit - decent selection of beer and pub food at reasonable prices.
rpadam - 10 Nov 2006 20:40
good choice of beer (including lovely white beer) but average food in a perfectly acceptable hostelry....perhaps best avoided when there's a big rugby match on.
mozzzzzz - 7 Nov 2006 15:59
Refurb postponed till January
slacker - 5 Nov 2006 04:39
Update - refurb due in November...
slacker - 5 Oct 2006 10:13
I was in there last night too, you're right the music was far too loud. Unfortunately that tends to happen when the manager isn't about. This place is having a complete refurb soon, watch this space...
slacker - 3 Oct 2006 13:34
I popped in here for the first time this evening and really liked the way it backed onto the platform, I thought that was quite quirky!
The music was far too loud but the bar staff were friendly and we didn't wait very long for food.
I didn't think it was smelly or sticky but then I was visiting Kew - all I could smell was money and it was nice to look at tree's!
peggy_mitchell - 2 Oct 2006 21:48
I visited Kew gardens with my Mum last week, We called in here on our way to the gardens for some lunch. Two bar staff hadn't a word of English between them, so ordering the food & drinks was really frustrating. We then waited 45 minutes for two soups & potato wedges. The soup was cold and potato wedges were still frozen in the middle. There was no condiments on the table and we had to ask for our cutlery. That took another 5 minutes while it was being wrapped or washed or what ever!It really was a horrible experience from beginning to end.

Its a nice pub with a superb location & great features inside and out. Im all for equal opportunities and believe in giving everybody a chance. Start with giving the staff the customer service skills that they need!
bruno - 5 Sep 2006 16:25
'depresionados' means 'holes'? Ha ha ha. That is a pretty witty retort isn't it Professor Algis?

The Railway serves (or at least used to serve) Fruli and Hoegaarden on draught, which makes it a hit with me. Shows the regulars have a touch of culture about them. It is clean, bright and I never seen chavs here let alone in Kew.

Professor Algis proudly concludes without encumbrance:

"Am very glad I don't like this place"

Yes and Me um Tarzan am very glad me do like this pub.


anonymous - 3 Aug 2006 18:32
This is a man who rated the cesspit that is Edwards as 'average' ! His comments on beer soaked depresionados ( Spanish word for holes in the ground ! ) and chav garden party seem a wee bit hypocritical for someone rating Edwards that highly . Algis , looking at your reviews I suggest prowling this site seems to be your speciallity which brings me to the conclusion you don't have a 'favourite local '(no one puts up with you long enough ? )

As said before , this pub is by no means perfect , but for some of us it is local and we like it , so go and find yourself a local and see if you can make some friends .
squatter - 18 Jul 2006 10:51
Had the misfortune of popping in here Friday for a quick one, give it another chance.
At the risk of incurring the wrath of the the territorial smelly-pub lovers who seem to have nothing better to do than defensively prowl this website...
Came to the conclusion it is still dank, smelly, sticky and full of beer-soaked depresionados on the inside.
The outside is like a chav's garden party.
It's good that places like this exist, removes the people you don't want to see in your favourite local.
Am very glad I don't like this place.
"Witty retorts" please...
algis100 - 18 Jul 2006 10:31
Slacker - thought you'd back me up !!! This pubs always been a bit rough round the edges , but is so much better than most of these reviews suggest . Unless its changed hugely during my month of exile !!!
squatter - 11 Jul 2006 12:15
Haha, marvellous...

You do get chavs down there every now and again, but I would say it is far from 'completely taken over' by them. You get chavs everywhere you go anyway, even at the green *shock horror*
slacker - 11 Jul 2006 12:05
Slacker mate , think we ought to start defending the place !!! Allowed back in now - see you soon !!
squatter - 11 Jul 2006 08:19
Met a mate there Friday - didn't stay long . Place has been completely taken over by chavs shouting 'deals' down their mobiles . Pass by and head up to the Green....much more civilised .
anonymous - 10 Jul 2006 15:43
The grumpy barmaid has gone now, current staff are all very polite and jolly, I for one like the place :o)
anonymous - 30 Jun 2006 11:37
Lets face it guys this place really doesn't quite make it . The beer is dreadfull , never tried the food due to the proximity of the rather nasty bogs next to the kitchen and there is an overall air of grubiness about the place .I must also add that it has one of the grumpiest barmaids I have ever had the misfortune to come across .
anonymous - 19 Jun 2006 07:47
On Monday there was a kids birthday party going on - have these parents never heard of Mcdonalds - ridiculous !!!!! Saw several people leave due to it......
anonymous - 30 May 2006 12:13
And god forbid being pissed. In a pub. And having an opinion? Oh no, can't have that.
slacker - 26 May 2006 12:17
Clearly not very good at reading signs then are you
slacker - 26 May 2006 12:12
No, no, not very good at all - grotty, smelly and therefore unwelcome.
At the risk of offending the regulars below (you guys have probably been sitting next to each other at this place for years) - the bar seems to be the permanent residence of p*ssed and raucously opinionated locals.
For a more comfortable drink go for a brief stroll to the The Inn.
Can't find anything too exciting/innovative about seeing the SilverLink trundle by and off-load a bunch of commuters looking office-weary whilst sipping badly kept beer.
Oh, and the floor is often sticky and the kitchen is by the bog - went in there once by mistake with my John Thomas half-out.
algis100 - 25 May 2006 15:43
Especially after they flooded last night. The water was inches deep...
anonymous - 25 May 2006 13:07
Maybe a total ban or some sort of caging device could be the answer !!! Anyway still can't help liking this pub and Landlord is a great bloke . Note to parents - there is a huge Green just up the road where I'm sure your kids would be much happier.......be aware at their tender age they are susceptible to malaria in the Railways loos during these summer months !!!
anonymous - 24 May 2006 13:05
Although to be fair, its hardly the pubs fault if parents decide to bring their kids!
slacker - 24 May 2006 12:48
Thirded - Surely the kids would rather go to the park or something rather than watching mummy and daddy slowly get pissed in the pub all afternoon, its ridiculous
slacker - 24 May 2006 12:47
Agree , the outside patio is like a kindergarten all weekend ! Theres no chance of sitting outside this pub for a quiet pint in the sunshine - unsupervised brats will make your stay a misery . Should be some sort of curfew at 5.00pm so at least those of us old enough to be there could enjoy the last of the daylight .Apart from that its an OK pub that caters to a decent group of locals , the bogs are pretty rank though with the kitchen next door !!!
anonymous - 18 May 2006 11:08
Too many damn kids - place was crawling with them Friday night !!!!!
anonymous - 15 May 2006 12:50
It was my first pub, back when it was the Pig and Parrot. Used to go in there after shcool and get served, even in uniform! Let the kids stay, I was one of them after all. Mind you the toilets are so revolting I've moved to Australia, will be in there for the world cup though... going to be legendary!
onlyhereforthebeer - 29 Apr 2006 17:53
Just a quick comment on what is otherwise a nice pub.I would rather entrust the pouring of my pint of Guiness to a middle aged,ugly decent bar man , than to a sullen faced,east European Barbie doll who doesn't give a shit and is only on the lookout for some unfortunate desperado to get married to !!Apart from that I quite like the place.......
anonymous - 8 Mar 2006 09:44
Been going there for years, totally quality little place but the girls loos! OMG! Defo leave a lot to be desired. And the fact that the kitchen is downstairs right next to the toilets. But apart from that love it!!
Amyloublue - 7 Mar 2006 12:23
used to be my local but find it a little depressing nowaday. good quiz machine though.
dangalf - 14 Feb 2006 15:14
Sleeper barred again !!!
squatter - 13 Feb 2006 12:11
Indeed he is...

Squatter you must be in there quite a lot, so am I, I bet we would recognise each other, haha
slacker - 26 Jan 2006 10:20
The drunk sleeper is back !!!!!
squatter - 23 Jan 2006 12:06
Re Ludovic : Your comment to Squatter is one of the most ridiculous ones I've ever seen !!! This is indeed an OK pub used by most of the Kew locals - beers good as is the service . However I have to agree that at weekends it is ruined by an invasion of children - don't people realise the rest of us are there to get away from kids !!!!
anonymous - 19 Jan 2006 09:22
Nice pub, good beers, very relaxed in Summer actually.
Re. Squatter and the kids, a bit of indulgence, you did not arrive on this planet at 18!
ludovic - 16 Jan 2006 18:04
Shame about the sleeper being barred - added some much needed character !! Totally agree about the children , place would be better off without them.....
squatter - 12 Jan 2006 08:32
Drunk asleep bloke is no longer there, he was barred! The no kids policy is only for the bar area as far as I'm aware, would not be a bad idea to extend it throught the entire pub though, I agree. I wonder if I count as one of the drunk squabbling locals? Hmm...
slacker - 11 Jan 2006 14:39
The main problem with this pub is the drunk squabbling locals who sit glaring at each other . Also if you have a no kids policy stick to it , don't make them have to scamper through the bar (annoying everyone on the way)to sit in the conservatory at the back .Bit of a shame really as the landlord seems a great bloke who deserves better . Oh and the drunk bloke permanently asleep in the corner is a nice touch !!!
anonymous - 9 Jan 2006 08:54
But if they lost the screen then I wouldn't be able to watch the football in there and that would be lame.
slacker - 3 Jan 2006 12:13
Not hugely impressive, but OK. The beer's not bad. They had Adnam's Bitter and Young's Bitter on the handpumps, plus Bombardier in the cask on gravity dispense behind the bar, which is something you don't see very often. The over-loud music and distracting video screen (showing Sky news) bring the tone down a bit. I didn't try the food, but the menu looks unpretentious, not straying much further than fishcakes, burgers and the like. Lose the music and the video screen and things would be much improved.
red - 31 Dec 2005 13:50
Is it legal to have the kitchen beside the loo's? That is so grim.
bub - 14 Sep 2005 17:48
Lovely management & certain staff are great. Couple of new female members who haven't quite proved their worth yet. Lack of smiles & bring personal misery to work. Also have found the service incredibly slow - actually being acknowledged within 10 mins would be appreciated. Open mike night is gr8. Food isn't for the price. Nice to be able to sit outside & is very sociable. Friendly locals
judas - 28 Jul 2005 17:27
What a surprisingly grotty pub. Being in Kew, I thought this place may be a little more refined.
However, I found the dodgy blokes going round trying to sell knocked off DVD's a bit off putting, also the blokes shouting stuff at women passers by.

Surprisingly leary chav customers - What are they doing in Kew?
TheGP - 18 Jul 2005 13:07
Quite a charmimg place. With a long main bar and a big conservatory from where you can enjoy a nice meal and a quiet drink while watching the trains drive by. Went there for the Open Mic Night and it was great. Lots of new talents and a bit of a laugh...
anonymous - 5 Jun 2005 13:37
Well the lovely Naja and Ronja have gone and this certainly detracts from the pub staff's pulchritude. The big screen is dire, the picture is almost always so faint it is impossible to watch. The broad tables opposite the bar make moving to and from the bar when busy challenging, the staff seem absolutely determined to regularly re-arrange the furniture in a manner that uses space in the most inefficient way possible. The new barstools can very easily and quickly be modified to become instruments of torture.
And still i go...
anonymous - 10 May 2005 17:44
No one called Dawn working there as far as I am aware, no...
slacker - 17 Jan 2005 13:40
I see the name has changed since I was there. Is Dawn still behind the bar? The only one who could pull a pint!
Sheamust - 17 Jan 2005 12:33
Been going there for 9 years mate..........
squatter - 12 Jan 2005 11:39
Well it always helps if you know them or if you've been drinking there a while like I have, I usually get served pretty quickly, ha ha...

Yeh, the beer isn't the best in there, can quite often be quite flat...
slacker - 12 Jan 2005 11:02
Lovely looking (some of them ),but not that interested in serving and when they do,can't pull a decent pint,or is it that the beer is always flat ????
anonymous - 11 Jan 2005 11:16
Oh come on, its not that bad, the barmaids are lurrrrvley...
slacker - 11 Jan 2005 11:09
Dreadfull beer in a dreadfull pub.Take your wellies if visiting the loo ,which happens to be next to the kitchen-nice !
squatter - 10 Jan 2005 10:37
Christ knows what pub you've been drinking in Johnathan, but 'lonely lovers and Humphrey Bogart' are the last things that springs to mind about this place. Unless when you say 'lonely lovers' you mean single blokes drinking themselves to oblivion...(of which I am quite often one, ha ha)
slacker - 20 Dec 2004 12:09
Its a grand place. The previous user comments are a little outdated aren't they? 22 April, 2003? The staff are friendly, its romantic being next to the station, dreams of lonely lovers and Humphrey Bogart spring to mind. They have a great open mic night on the last Thursday, and you can almost hear the words, "Play it again Sam". Great food deals too, and tasty...
Johnathan Ross - 18 Nov 2004 12:55
one of the worst designed pubs i've been into, unless of course you like squeezing past people when trying to get from your table to the toilet. staff are ok and the food is alright. one hint though, try using real potatoes for the mash, people DO notice
john - 1 Apr 2004 12:18
The pub is not without its shortcomings, but on the whole it is pretty good. The food is straightforward pub grub but on mondays to fridays after 5pm it's 2 for the price of 1 - you cannot say fairer than that. If you like belgian/trappist beers on tuesday nights a range of about a dozen are also buy one get one free. The big screen is very big and clear - there is always a good atmosphere for big matches. The staff do however seem a bit put out when someone has the nerve to order a drink. The toilets are vile, even since the refit.
nick - 16 Feb 2004 20:24
Formerly the Flower and Firkin, this pub was shut down for a month while renovation work took place. Has now been spruced up and is far more welcoming than it previously was, although you tend to get less of the locals in there because of it. Can be a bit cold inside during the winter!
Slacker - 2 Jan 2004 15:36
Unhelpful staff, poor food, dreary atmosphere. Avoid.
eezie - 4 May 2003 23:35
Lunch there on April 11th.
Nothing around, if you are to pay a visit to Kew Gardens. Unfortunately, it was a bad day. Cold welcome. Cold place. Service starts at noon, not 11.59 am, please excuse me. Nothing special, but some locals enjoying their poor beers, awaiting for a train or a car to come.
If you can, walk to the river banks, and cross the bridge (15 minutes).
Gilles - 22 Apr 2003 19:20

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