The White Hart Hotel, Kingston Upon Thames

Occupying a prominent position by a mini roundabout at the end of Kingston Bridge ( Middlesex side ) is The White Hart Hotel, a large imposing mock – Tudor brick built Fullers pub / hotel. The attractive exterior also features leaded windows and a fine large oak door which leads into the main bar. On the right, an archway has vehicular access and leads to parking for residents. Accommodation is provided in what is clearly an extension at the back of the original building. The main bar is comfortably furnished, but with that definite nondescript style and feel of a hotel bar. This feeling is enhanced by the appearance of a barman wearing white shirt, collar and tie – who I presumed to be the Head Barman – and the inevitable surly corporate black shirted female “ Olga from the Volga” types. A pleasant outside patio at the front enables you to watch the busy traffic negotiating the mini roundabout. Three large flags fly from flagpoles at the front of this patio – a Fullers “Griffin” flag, the European Union Flag and a Union Jack that, unfortunately, looked distinctly tatty and faded. The London Pride was predictably expensive at £ 3.40p, but was really quite good. If you like hotel bars, you’ll probably like this place.

Randomness Guide to London - White Hart entry

Randomness Guide to London - White Hart entry

Definitely felt like what it undoubtedly is - a hotel bar, not a pub. But, having said that, the pint of ESB that I had was in top condition (I didn't try the other Fuller's ales) and it was served in a branded glass that looked like a pint version of the sort of glass you give a girl who asks for a half. Most odd, but made a change. Give me a straight glass any time. The food was OK - the "crusty" bread used for my sandwich was ordinary supermarket sliced white, but I got a decent portion of chips instead of crisps with it, so reckon I broke even. A decent enough comfortable watering hole for a swift pint and a bite, but not the sort of place in which I would choose to spend an evening.

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.