Orange Tree, Richmond

I've spent a few early weekday afternoons in here recently to watch the world cup (don't tell my boss!) This place has a rugby feel (like the sun around the corner) but they've been consistent with the world cup as well, showing every game on their obscenely sized screens. They've clearly invested a lot in their sport viewing as the hi-def projectors they have are something else. But the rugby blood still runs thickly through the veins of this pub, as they've faithfully shown all the early morning rugby matches over the last couple of weeks as the barman informs me.

The drinks variety is what you'd expect from a Young's place. The real ales are sound; the Gold especially is my beer of choice as it starts to get warmer. Since I've been in around lunchtime on most of my recent visits, I've worked my way through their lunch menu. For a fiver, you get a pretty solid small meal/big snack, the scampi and chips especially as I received a whole plate covered in both.

The bar staff are friendly and always greet me, especially the lads who are always keen to share their thoughts on the games.

20 Jun 2010 17:24

The White Horse, Parsons Green

This pub resides in a nice position on the corner of the green that gives the area it's name. It has an amazing range of beer, I really enjoy coming here as I feel like I could never sample them all. Being a lover of all kinds of beer, the White Horse has enough of every variety to satisfy my thirst for a long while, especially as I don't live in the area anymore, to my great displeasure.

It can get extremely busy, but generally speaking there are plenty of staff and the bar is so long and big you tend to get served in a reasonable amount of time.

20 Jun 2010 16:17

The Pitcher and Piano, Richmond

Brilliant location, soaks up most of the daytime sun on the riverside. This however presents a problem when the weather turns out well on the weekend, as every man, women, child, dog, cat and most other living organisms swarm to the river to bask in the sun and drink. Consequentially, this leads to growing queues to get in and slower than normal service, but this is the price you pay for a place in such high demand.

Having said that, if the stars align and provide you with both a warm sunny spell plus some free time during the week, this place is lovely. Taking in some sun on the deck while sipping on a Rekorderlig is one of the best things to do in the afternoon or early evening.

The food, while a touch pricey, is fairly standard for Richmond and you do get a serious meal for your money. I've not been game enough yet to try the New York burger, it sounds like it would be bigger than my head!

20 Jun 2010 15:48