Park Tavern, North Kingston, Kingston Upon Thames

Pub SignMan left this review about Park Tavern

This is a cosy little pub with a rural feel to it, located next to Richmond Park's Kingston Gate. Inside, we find a carpeted U-shaped interior with seating around the perimeter and the servery directly opposite the entrance. The bar has a curved, dark wood panelled counter with a cluttered bar back lined with tankards, chamber pots, steins and some soft toys, whilst the canopy has been decorated with more tankards, a few ornaments and award certificates and a couple of shotguns. Padded banquettes run around most of the perimeter, with chairs and low stools sporting matching upholstery, in support, and a row of bar stools along the servery. Nice fireplaces stand on both sides of the room, and the walls have been eclectically decorated with paintings, knot displays, mirrors, clocks, soft toys, framed rugby shirts, headgear, flowers and a collection of ornamental stags. Meanwhile, the ceiling is covered in a huge pump clip collection, with more tankards hung in between. A couple of TV screens remained turned off and a large projector screen was furled, but sport is apparently shown here, and funk/soul tunes were playing quite loudly throughout the course of my visit.
Four handpulls were in operation, dispensing Ringwood Fortyniner (£5.50 a pint), Fullers London Pride, Youngs Ordinary and Wimbledon Best. I was greeted by a very friendly landlord who had some nice chat and made me feel welcome, and there was a good Thursday evening buzz from an ever growing crowd.
I've been meaning to check out this place for years, but never quite seem to get around to walking all the way out here, but I'm glad I finally made the effort, as I thought it was a cracking pub with a character unlike any other pub I can think of in the Kingston area. I really enjoyed this visit and will try to pop back some day, perhaps in combination with a visit to the nearby park.

Date of visit - 11th April 2024

On 17^th August 2024 - rating: 8
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