Thames Court, Shepperton

This is a Vintage Inns pub, enjoying a splendid riverside setting just a stone’s throw from Shepperton Lock. It’s a large stand alone place, with many nooks, crannies and inter-connecting rooms inside, making it quite cosy in places. There is some flagstone flooring as well as some carpets, and the dark beams are redolent of a country pub. I spotted a few sofas here and there, but the vast majority of seating is normal tables and chairs. An outside area facing the river contained a large number of picnic benches. There were the usual sort of miscellaneous prints on the walls, and even a grandfather clock in one of the rooms. There were three ales on – Sharp’s Doom Bar, London Pride (of course) and Thornbridge Kipling. But food really is king here. The pub’s quite out of the way, but during my Friday lunchtime visit it looked as if it was a destination pub for those wanting a lunch in a pleasant riverside setting. And they were doing a very good trade indeed. There were no sandwiches on the menu, but there were a number of what they styled “country pub classics”, such as beef, mushroom and ale pie (£8.95), and homemade burger and chips, also at £8.95. They provided table service for those who wanted it. I quite liked this place even though it’s not much like the sort of traditional pub that I appreciate. Also, I could have lived without the intrusive pop music. I’d be happy to drop in again, which will probably happen as it’s the sort of pub that Mrs R likes.

Official pages of the Thames Court, contains menus and cask ale details - www.vintageinn.co.uk

Official pages of the Thames Court, contains menus and cask ale details - www.vintageinn.co.uk