The Sussex Arms, Twickenham

It was definitely worth the 10 minute walk from the train station to visit this little gem of a pub. Despite the refurbishment it remains a real pub, with all the very basic qualities one expects from a basic pub. It doesn’t seem to have fallen into the trap of adding the modern unnecessary embellishments so many places feel the need to introduce. And I suppose that 17 or 18 ales and ciders on helps somewhat! I didn’t count the pumps, but they took up half the bar counter. The quality of the couple of pints I sunk yesterday afternoon was excellent. I just hope that they get the custom to sustain such an ambitious array of drinks. I sincerely hope so. This one is definitely worth seeking out.

Brilliant pub, very friendly staff, have been a few times now. I Agree with reviews of JB, MM and BL. Just to clarify comment made by MM "A couple were clipped with a note that read "a bit mature but with a lot of life in me" and reduced to £2" Go for it! My self and my mate tried a couple of these and they were great. 2 pints and change from a fiver! They've been buying more garden furniture it's getting there and looking good. I have tasted a different pint each time I've been there and all the ales have been top quality. I've even converted the wife. Not tried the food yet. If they get the food right this will be a winner.

Just a couple of points to add to the thorough and positive reviews of JB & MM. Firstly, the pub is happy to offer tasters which, given the array of many unfamiliar brews, is most welcome. Secondly, driving there is not recommended since, apart from the obvious “drink & drive” temptation, parking in the area can be quite difficult. Use the frequent local buses from the centre of Twickenham or enjoy the 10 minute walk instead. Certainly if the pub keeps up the standards of last night’s visit you can expect it to be winning awards in the not too distant future. Excellent!

Just the seventeen pumps in use yesterday afternoon, with one conditioning. Again half a dozen were ciders with one fruit flavoured example seeming to be a popular choice. I don't intend listing all the beers as there are too many and they change over in any case, but I sampled two, Hexhamshire Devil's Elbow and Franklin's Brewery Dry Hop, both were first rate. A couple were clipped with a note that read "a bit mature but with a lot of life in me" and reduced to £2. I wasn't sure about this policy, ok if the beer is just past its best but drinkable but it would be an interesting debate say you bought one and found it undrinkable and tried to return it? Maybe I'm being cynical. I did chat to the friendly barmaid briefly, she reckons that so far the throughpull is keeping pace with the selection. Good luck to them anyway. The beer range is listed on a couple of chalkboards on the front wall, either side of the central door. John has covered the pub description pretty much comprehensively, the interior is comfortable and relaxing with decent background music, The Beatles followed by Otis Redding yesterday, the rear garden and patio are well appointed and catch the sun. The food menu includes home made pies, sausages and cheese plates. This is certainly a destination pub, and one I hope to return to more than once.

Due to reopen summer 2011 after refurbishment.