1st visit of the outing to Kingston and its environs: Early afternoon and very much a wet-pub feel about this Victorian back-street local. A few regulars dotted about the bar on stools but otherwise very quiet to start this heritage tour of some of the local pubs with, although not on the official itinerary. It was worthy though and on the way to Park Tavern up the road from it. Said to be true free house on its website which is good news. The freehold owner is Tavern Property Co according to CAMRA and this operates as a "free-of-tie, rent-only" business, meaning it acts as only a landlord to pub operators. Almost like an old curiosity shop with many delights from a bygone age adorning the walls in framed picture form and similar from newspaper cuttings to a certain wooden-themed advert. The local branch of the SPBW, the Society for the Preservation of Beers from the Wood, meets here monthly as advertised on just a section of the top/bottom end of a wooden barrel attached to one of the walls. The SPBW is the UK's oldest consumer-based group dedicated to traditional cask ale, founded on 6th December 1963 at the Rising Sun in Epsom, and created by seven enthusiasts protesting the rise of "keg" beers and gas-pressured dispense, and predating the Campaign for Real Ale by some 8 years. Another framed picture commemorates from CAMRA’s local branch the pub’s landlord notching up 30 years here and dated 2024. As the pub is free of tie, all beers tend to be sourced from small breweries. It has been CAMRA Pub of the Year in 2020 and also several times in the past. It was accredited for beer quality during 2023 and in 2024 was presented with a certificate, still proudly up on display, for being in the Good Beer Guide for 25 years. Although appearing to be wet-led, pizzas are available and cooked on the premises to order. Friendly, prompt service and a refreshing cask ale was sampled and ordered to kick off with.

Mid afternoon fairly busy with a fair few around the bar including an Iron Pier rep chatting with the guv. I couldn't resist chiming in and advocating their beers to which the guv was most appreciative. Nearly 10 years since my last visit and still a proper locals back street boozer, looks exactly the same as the photos taken by ChrisE 15 years ago.

A very nice pub with a good selection of ales. The first call on a tour of SW and West London pubs.

A small St George’s Day beer festival is underway and this pub is busy at lunchtime ahead of football at Kingsmeadow. So busy that I don’t find time or space for a Pie & Mash lunch.

Friendly back street local busy around bar area.

Afternoon, quiet comfy back street local

A superb pub, we all really enjoyed this place.