Woody's, Kingston Riverside, Kingston Upon Thames

This one's not changed much since Maldenman's visit some 5 years ago. There's still the rather Antic-esque mixed bag of furnishings, but that's where any similarity ends as this one looks like the finished article. I did spot a couple of booths at the far end of the room that had skateboards as seats, which is a new one on me. There are still the pair of handpumps, which they claim are used exclusively for local ales. And so it was when I visited at lunchtime last week, with Kew Brewery Pagoda No 4, and Brightwater Brewery Daisy Gold (£4 a pint) both available. They clearly do food at lunchtime as I saw plenty of food being whisked past my table, but I didn't get to examine a menu. The main attraction of this place is its location right on the river, and I have to say it was most pleasant sitting outside on a sunny day watching the swans swim past while sinking an excellent pint. This place is more bar than pub, but the presence of two decent ales not from the ranks of the usual suspects certainly make it worth a visit, especially if you can bag one of the outside tables on a nice day.

Official site of Woody's - www.woodyspubco.com

Official site of Woody's - www.woodyspubco.com

This is a fairly modern riverside bar, quite brightly lit and with grey walls and panelling. A long narrow room with a white painted scuffed wooden floor. There are no high tables in here but there are a broad range of random tables and chairs of all types including some that are clearly former 1960s style kitchen tables with formica tops, swivel armchairs and a sofa. One table has a selection of reading matter laid out, a bit waiting room style, and there are a selection of artifacts lying around including a child's rocking horse, a lamp made from a trumpet, and a piano. It isn't very pubby but it wasn't that bad and the large front windows give excellent panoramic river views. There is some outdoor riverside seating that I imagine will be popular in the warmer weather. Surprisingly for the style of bar there are actually two handpumps, one being in service dispensing a very good pint of the local Twickenham Grandstand (£3.20). I don't know whether this becomes a circuit bar in the evening but during my quick post work visit the clientele were more mature. I'd pop in again.