The Dukes Head, Richmond

A remarkably well-kept pub in the quieter residential parts of Richmond Hill (aside from the jets overhead of course).Very smartly decorated and furnished with tables and chairs neatly arranged in rows; even the menus on a shelf were arranged by size. The cask ales on - Youngs Original, London Pride and Proper Job - were not especially exciting but seemed to be in excellent condition, despite the pub having only just opened. Would be happy to drink here.

There were three ales on in here- Young's Bitter, London Pride, and Twickenham Naked Ladies (£4.55 a pint). We made this our lunch stop, mainly because they advertised lunchtime specials at £5 a pop. They include pub grup favourites such as burger & chips, ham, egg & chips, plougman's - between us we had these three meals and all were good quality and a decent size. We reckoned that this venue was a good bet for a lunchtime stop. This struck me as a very comfortable and sort of homely pub. I know they do B & B accommodation here, but I didn't get the hotel bar feel abot the place. It still felt like a very much off the beaten track locals' pub. It's carpeted throughout with two separate rooms, joined by an archway behind the bar counter. The right hand room was being patronised by ten or so members of what looked like a ladies' luncheon club. We sat in the slightly larger room on the left, where there's a magnificent pillared bar back that looked Victorian. This is another delightful pub in this part of the world, and one to which I would be very happy to pay a return visit.

I like the 'Dukes Head', it has fond memories. A good old-style pub, traditional bar, with rather small beer terrace (in the sun) at the back. I watched the cup final on the t.v. here with a local friend. Convivial enough, and often unbusy, so service is usually quite prompt. They do a good sauvignon blanc at the DH if the summer weather makes you thirsty! If you can find this pub, off the beaten track! Up behind the bus terminus off Red Lion Street, and up The Vineyard a bit....and you're there! Not really walking distance from Richmond train station, and if you don't know the back streets well, you might not find it..! Worth the trek tho' if you do. 6/10 TJ

June 2011 update- The Twickenham beer is usually in good form here, but it's not cheap. May 2009 - Large traditional inn in a residential side street away from the town centre and off the Richmond pub "circuit". Despite having lived in Richmond for a good number of years, I still find it challenging to get to this pub without my trusty, well-thumbed A-Z. It's a former Courage pub - note the bar back in the main bar indicating this. It's been refurbished within the last year and, whilst it still remains comfortable and cosy, it does now appear to have something of a generic hotel-bar atmosphere to it, based on my recent afternoon visit. There's a wide range of food offered and there's a clear emphasis on this and the Bed and Breakfast side of the business now. However, you don't feel uncomfortable just popping in for a pint. 3 real ales were on - Youngs Ordinary, London Pride and Twickenham Sundancer. I found the Sundancer to be a splendid citrus flavoured fruity beer, albeit at a rather pricey £ 3.25p per pint for a beer with an ABV of only 3.7% and which is brewed only a couple of miles away. I've previously had decent Sharps Doom Bar in here also.

Official site of the Dukes Head - www.dukesheadrichmond.com

Official site of the Dukes Head - www.dukesheadrichmond.com

A large pub which despite the main area being knocked through still has the feel of seperate areas. A little off the beaten track and probably none the worse for that. It is run by an Irish couple and yesterday's St Patrick's Day events were advertised, Guinness at £3, Irish Stew and bacon with cabbage on sale, and Irish music to start later. This is no faux Oirish bar though, it's a solid locals pub, although it does have a rather upmarket food menu. The room behind the main bar was set for dining. B&B is available, ETB accredited. Most of the regulars yesterday were busy watching the racing, there are three plasma screens dotted about the bar. Formerly a Courage house, the exterior signage remains, and is also repeated above the bar back. The beers available yesterday were Young's Ordinary, Pride and Twickenham Grandstand, a bit pricey I felt at £3.35. A good drop though. The main room is comfortable with upholstered banquettes and chairs at circular wooden tables, carpeted, curtains at the windows. There are a couple of fireplaces, the main one has an attractive carved wood mantle and an etched mirror over. There are fake beams and trimming to the ceiling and walls in light wood on a darkish green background. I found it a pleasant and comfortable stop off for half an hour or so, and the friendly greeting and goodbye make a difference too.