The King's Head, Teddington

I don't know what it is but some pubs manage to feel comfortable and welcoming, despite being tarted up with an emphasis on the gastro. A good bar along the front features some nice loungy bits and a couple of fireplaces, with the diners kept firmly in the smart brasserie bit at the back. Outside, the car park appeared to have been taken over by a large and posh marquee. Handpumps offered TT Landlord, Tribute and Doom Bar. Not the most exciting drinking location but would happily return for a quiet pint.

Official site of The Kings Head - kingsheadteddington.com

Official site of The Kings Head - kingsheadteddington.com

Middle class upmarket gastropub, apparently part of Raymond Blanc chain. Burgundy red main bar with an area decorated in powder blue behind and of course the obligatory polished wood floor. Lots of framed pics of breweriana. Three ales on; Doom Bar, Pride and an impressive Twickenham Summer. No pressure to eat and plenty of space for those simply wishing to imbibe and indeed it was surprisingly busy with drinkers. I didn’t expect to much like this place but I thought it was pretty decent given what it is. 6.5

This pub has firmly followed the gastro route with the larger room to the rear fully set up for diners having linen tablecloths and upturned wine glasses on every table. There is an open plan servery/kitchen to the right hand side. There is a much smaller and narrow front area where the bar is which appears to be the drinkers section, this has upholstered bench seating along the walls plus stools and chairs all at regular tables. The floor is of polished boards, walls and ceilings are dark red, décor mainly consisting of arty and rather moody framed photographs, there are also large white candles set in rather gothic looking candlesticks and I spotted a row of framed "King" playing cards behind the bar. At the far end of the bar to the left a small quite intimate room with armchairs returns to the rear. Despite the foody aspirations there are six handpumps, Pride x2, Doom Bar x2, Otter Bitter and Truman's Swift which was a pleasant surprise at £3.60, I was already steeling myself for a £4+ pint in here. A decent drop it was too. As well as the gastro menu there are bar snacks and good quality sounding baguettes for £5.95 (£8.95 for steak) as well as home made veg soup for £3.60. Background jazz was playing which I found rather relaxing and I noticed live music advertised every other Thursday. I didn't spot a TV but as the 6 Nations was advertised there must be one hiding somewhere. The pub seems to successfully pull off the foodie v drinkers mix quite well and the beer quality was good, shame they couldn't use a bit more imagination rather than doubling up two ubiquitous beers but then there's the issue of throughpull I suppose. I spotted a garden beyond the dining room but I didn't venture out there on what was a filthy day weather wise.