Park Tavern, North Kingston, Kingston Upon Thames

This is a good example of what a mundane ordinary pub can achieve with an enthusiastic landlord and a bit of imagination. Situated in a smart residential location and a bit off the beaten track, it is not particularly easy to find. The entrance is via a small beer patio at the front. The interior is U shaped with a central, quite lengthy bar and pew style seating around the edges. There is no real style to the pub but there are enough oddities and interesting nick-nacks to give the place enough character without going over the top. Patriotic pictures of the Queen Mother and God Save the King posters blend in with a selection of brewery clocks, barometers, carved animals, lanterns, bedwarmers and assorted jugs, pots and pans. A deers head acts as a handy hat rack and the fireplaces still contain the old pokers and coal scuttles. A cabinet contains a selection of old international rugby caps and a rugby shirt signed by Rob Andrews and Bill Beaumont. Much is made of the beer selection and with 6 Real Ales including several rotating guest beers, there is little to complain about on this front. One wall of the pub is actually plastered with hundreds of old pump clips. It was fairly quiet on my visit (a Sunday evening) and therefore not smoky. Very much a locals pub but well worth searching out if in the area.

My local - great beer - rugby - brilliant