Bars
The 6 Best Pubs in Richmond
River-flooded terraces, hilltop views and Georgian pubs facing the green: Richmond drinks better than almost anywhere in London.
In short: our top picks are The White Cross, The Roebuck and The White Swan. 6 places in total, chosen on merit, with the full reasoning below.
Richmond has an unfair advantage: the Thames, a royal park and a proper green, all within a ten-minute walk of each other, and a pub to match every one of them. Skip the chain bars near the station and head for the water or the hill, where the good stuff lives. The White Cross floods at high tide and nobody minds; the Roebuck has the finest pint-in-hand view in the capital. What follows is where we actually drink when we are down here, from Young’s ales on the towpath to a Michelin star by the park gate.
| Place | Area | Price |
|---|---|---|
| The White Cross | Richmond Riverside | ££ |
| The Roebuck | Richmond Hill | ££ |
| The White Swan | Old Palace Lane, Richmond | ££ |
| The Cricketers | Richmond Green | ££ |
| The Prince's Head | Richmond Green | ££ |
| The Dysart Petersham | Petersham, by Richmond Park | £££ |
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Editor’s choice
The White Cross
Why we pick itIt sits so close to the Thames the terrace floods at high tide; drink Young's ales by the fire and watch the boats drift past.
riverside pub
-
The Roebuck
Why we pick itRichmond's oldest pub crowns the hill; carry your pint across the road to the benches for the protected, painting-famous view over the Thames.
historic hilltop pub
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The White Swan
Why we pick itA low-beamed local from 1787 down a quiet lane, with a suntrap courtyard garden and award-winning Sunday roasts worth the short walk.
traditional local
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The Cricketers
Why we pick itFacing the cricket on Richmond Green, this long-standing pub pours well-kept ales and does proper pub lunches, with tables out front in summer.
traditional green-side pub
-
The Prince's Head
Why we pick itA proper Fuller's local facing the green, all dark wood, etched glass and London Pride, with front tables for slow green-side pints.
traditional Fuller's pub
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The Dysart Petersham
Why we pick itBeside Richmond Park's gate, this Arts and Crafts room holds a Michelin star, with seasonal tasting menus, foraged produce and a crackling wood burner.
Michelin gastropub
Before you book
Richmond station (District line and Overground) is the hub; most of these are a short walk, though Richmond Hill and Petersham are a stiffer climb best paired with a park stroll. Book ahead for Sunday roasts at the White Swan and for anything at the Dysart, and time the White Cross around the tide tables if you want the flooding spectacle. Most are dog-friendly, and the riverside and green fill fast on the first warm weekend, so arrive early for a table outside.
Common questions
What are the top picks in this guide?
The White Cross is our editor's choice: It sits so close to the Thames the terrace floods at high tide; drink Young's ales by the fire and watch the boats drift past. The White Cross, The Roebuck and The White Swan lead the guide, with 6 places in total, all chosen on merit.
How does Lamplit London choose its recommendations?
Every place is chosen on merit, after first-hand visits where possible, with no pay-for-placement. Read our full method at https://www.lamplitlondon.com/how-we-choose/.
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