Roebuck, Richmond

The Roebuck is a splendid pub atop Richmond Hill, and a "stones" throw away from the glorious Richmond Park. What a salubrious location! My friend Len who's lucky enough to have this fantastic pub as his 'local' says: "It's one of the best pubs in London!"....because the beer selection is quite good, and the views out over the River Thames are something to behold! Try it, you'll like it! If you can make the marathon climb up Richmond Hill...or preferrably get a cab up the hill, or get dropped off there. This pub also has some celebrity neighbours (which I won't go into just now...come along and find out)! TJ

The ales on during my visit were Downton Elderquad, Butcombe Merry Spring, London Pride and Purity Mad Goose. I went for the Mad Goose which was in the region of £3.40 a pint. It seems that the interesting ale selection reported by other visitors is a continuing feature. This is now a Taylor Walker branded pub, so the usual pubco style menu is available. The pub is a lot bigger inside than it appears from the outside, stretching around and beyond the central bar counter. The windows at the front are quite small, and as they are the only source of natural light, make most of pub fairly gloomy. However, if you can bag a table at the front by the windows you are treated to the most spectacular view down the River Thames. It must be dog friendly, judging by the water bowl in the corner at the end of the bar counter. The location of this pub is great, but inside I thought it was much like any Punch pubco pub – but hats off for the ale selection though.

Randomness Guide to London - Roebuck entry

Randomness Guide to London - Roebuck entry

A bit of a schlep up the hill, but certainly worth it for the spectacular view of the bend in The River Thames below. A big pub with the squarish bar set in the middle. Essentially one large space but there are several nooks and crannies, and a side area and the section behind the bar have the feeling of being individual rooms. Partly carpeted and part wooden floored, mixed seating, benches, settles, standard chairs and a few high tables with stools. Some exposed brickwork, and some wood panelling, the rear area has a brick fireplace and a stained glass window. The TV is here too, showing the cricket yesterday. Fruit machine and an ATM are available, rather spoiling the ambiance I thought, but I suppose it would be a nuisance to go down the hill and back again if you ran short of cash! The beer choice was a bit different apart from the Pride, Traditional Scottish Ales Spring Mists, Beer Rocks Spring Crazy...had to Google this, made by the Brew Dog people, and Saltaire Cascade Pale Ale, made in the style of a USA craft beer. A good little line up there and well kept too. £3.08 is not that bad for these parts.

This pub is now called The Queen's Head and is a brilliant Crouch Vale house.It is run by a very friendly landlord called 'Silent Mike' who infact is the dead opposite.There are usually 8 real ales on with two of them dark ones.If you are not sure of a beer ask Mike and he will give you his expert advise.This pub is a must for the real ale drinker and in my opinion is the best pub in Essex.Beer festival starting 21 sept.Footnote:Alas "Silent Mike" left on 19th Feb 08. Lucky enough he has only moved a hundred yards up the road to THE ORANGE TREE.See you all in there(and that includes you Nigel!!)

Fairly comfortable pub on top of Richmond Hill.Is a bit "foody" but has 4 real ales on which was all in very good condition which makes this pub well worth the walk up Richmond Hill ( if you dont fancy this long walk you can get a No 65 bus and get off at The Rose Of York and walk up through the park).You can take your drink across the road for a stunning World Heritage view of the river Thames.very friendly and informative staff