The White Hart Hotel, Kingston Upon Thames

I recently paid my first visit here in the best part of 20 years since I lived in the area and I can't believe that I was in the same place. What was once a decent and spacious pub has turned into little more than a hotel bar. From the outside the place is very appealing with it large patio, mock Tudor gables and latticed windows. The interior is pleasant enough and comfy with flowers on tables and lounge areas although some of the cushions look like they had been made by the local women from the OAP home. The first bit of the pub when you walk through the doors is more geared for diners which immediately makes you feel a bit awkward if you are just here for a few drinks. The stone floor bar area beyond is the only bit of the pub that it felt right to drink in but was fairly small and I felt uneasy taking a seat elsewhere in case the tables were reserved for diners. The neatly uniformed staff were constantly prowling as if they were waiting for someone to stray into no mans land so they could pounce. The beers were pretty decent (Fullers range – ESB, Swing Low & Pride on my visit) but this is such a far cry from how I remembered the place that I wish I just kept the memories.