The Cricketers, Kingston Fairfield, Kingston Upon Thames

This basic pub still has two rooms, just about separated by an attractive brick see-through fireplace. It’s mostly bare-boarded, but there’s a bit of carpeting in the room on the left. Furnishings are mainly normal tables and chairs, there’s a bit of cricketing decor around the place, and a large TV in each of the rooms. The room on the left also features a print of the “piano” scene from Casablanca. It had the appearance of only just about being open when I was in there on Tuesday afternoon, with boxes on tables in one of the rooms, and stepladders leaning against one of the walls in the other. The only other customers in were two or three mates of the barman, all of whom were outside the front of the pub, where there are a handful of picnic benches. There was some intrusive pop music being played. The only ale on was Courage Best (£1.70 a half), with one clip reversed on another pump, with a third apparently not in use. For some reason I found it a bit cold and uncomfortable, as if I shouldn’t really have been in there. But I guess the locals like it the way it is, so good luck to them. But it’s not really my kind of place so I don’t expect to return.

The Cricketers is open after a period of closure, now under new management. A central bar opposite the main entrance, the room winds around either side. To the right there are traditional seats at standard tables and a wooden floor, the food servery is here but I believe the Thai franchise has moved on. On the other side it is carpeted with sofas and high tables. TVs in the corner of each area. There is a Juke Box (and a couple of sweet dispensing machines opposite the bar for some reason). Decor is basically loads of false black timbers and beams, the odd photo or picture of the area/river/pub. Three handpumps, two in use serving Bombardier and Courage Best. The Best was £2.75 but in poor shape. I doubt that there is much demand here. This pub is known to be rather "lively" at times however it was pretty quiet late afternoon. A sign however says plastic glasses only on Friday/Saturday from 9:30 so make of that what you will. Outdoor seating front and back, the front area is popular in good weather with the more exuberant of the pub's clientele. A decent location opposite The Fairfield but not a pub with a great reputation. Hopefully the new management can make this place into something it could easily be with the right approach.