The Sussex Arms, Twickenham

Tris C left this review about The Sussex Arms

This pub dates from at least the 1870s but was probably rebuilt in the ‘30s, possibly to the designs of John T. Quilter, attractive – despite the immediate location – with fine kitsch period barrel pole sign; the Ale & Cider lettering probably a modern affectation, possibly half-inched from the Southampton?
Well described by BF below, the pub is the proud holder of a *-star heritage rating from CAMRA, where photos of the interior can be seen, the pub’s somewhat corporate website hardly doing the place justice. Despite the modern boarded floor, the interior is rather lovely, recalling a chivalric Arthurian era, the desquamation of age lovingly nurtured, dark exposed members surrounding nogging, natural wood field panelling, a traditional and no doubt original bar array (see photo), leaded lights depicting heraldic stained glass; décor takes the form of eclectic prints including well-deserved framed CAMRA citations and equally miscellaneous knickknacks, all illuminated by suitably period Wellington lanterns; a small TV showed unobtrusive and unwatched football (so sadly no Hipgnosis artwork) and the lavs wouldn’t look out of place in a modern hotel; customers were few at 9.38pm on a sunny Tuesday, though a bunch turfed up once the footie had finished.
With a cask selection which affords the pub the reverence of a Mayan sun god, on the conveyor belt last Tuesday night: Oakham Citra, Penpol Citra, Brew York Pale, Oakham Superdelic, Anarchy Citra Star, Wye Valley HPA, Oakham Inferno, Harvey’s Sussex Best, Timothy Taylor Boltmaker, Big Smoke Solaris, Five Points Railway Porter, By the Horns Ripcord and Thornbridge Jaipur, £3.00 a half (no CAMRA discount offered) and excellent, served by a friendly barmaid; there were six pumps dispensing questionably real ciders, at least one not ‘real’: Lilley’s Mango.
My only point of contention – noted by BF – is the overwhelming focus on pale beers; I had no idea there were so many takes on Citra, the only dark beer being the Railway Porter. Nevertheless, despite the slog to get here, this is a must-visit London pub, making for a great double with the Rifleman.

On 29^th June 2024 - rating: 8
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