Duke Of Buckingham, Kingston Grove, Kingston Upon Thames

I dropped in here again the other day and found it unchanged from my previous visit a few years ago, which is a very good thing indeed as it's on the CAMRA Regional Inventory of pubs with historic interiors. The public bar on the left is still very basic; still bare-boarded; and contains a pool table and dartboard, and furnished solely with tall stools at ledges and at the bar. The main saloon bar on the right is still by far the more comfortable room, as it's still carpeted and furnished with normal tables and chairs. I saw an advert for free Wi-fi. They are still serving GK IPA and Old Speckled Hen, which they are offering at £2.95 a pint Mon-Fri 11 AM - 3 PM. There was no sign of any food Wednesday lunchtime. This is still an unpretentious locals' pub. Visiting here is a bit like stepping back in time 40 years. Nothing wrong with that of course, although now things have definitely improved on the ale front.

There has been some improvement since Rex's review below, mainly due to the addition of a couple of real ales even if they were Old Speckled Hen (£1.55 a half) and GK IPA from that modern shiny font. The pub retains two rooms, and many original and noteworthy features, not least the double half glazed and curved entrance doors to each bar off the main lobby. The Public Bar is boarded and contains a pool table and dartboard, the Saloon is larger, L-shaped and comfortable with a decent carpet and new looking well upholstered banquettes. Decor in here includes cases of beer taps, and cricket and golf artifacts. Light lower walls and a red ceiling. The front area of the bar is effectively split by an unused fireplace. A few TVs about, one of them on early evening showing horse racing from somewhere. A sign advertises food but I didn't see any menus or evidence. Genuine and friendly bloke behind the bar, not too bad really for an out of town local.