The Britannia, Richmond

A little old pub in a little old alley, which has almost completely transformed into a French restaurant. There are neatly laid-up tables with tablecloths, even in the courtyard in the back and presumably on the roof terrace upstairs although this was not visited. The substantial original bar counter remains though, complete with a few stools, and they are happy to serve drinkers there as well they might be at the silly prices, even for Richmond. The cask ales were Atlantic and Harvey's Best: condition middling. I can't say I'll be returning.

Yes this is a gastro pub serving up market food and the main pub room downstairs (well described by others ) is complemented by a second area laid for dining in the Function Room upstairs. And, yes if you are only after a pint then I would agree give this one a swerve, with possibly one exception, and that is if it is a fine weather day. We were lucky enough to visit on a fine day during our recent mini April heat wave and at this time the small compact garden at the back and the more hidden decked roof-top garden patio either accessed from a stairway from the garden below or the upstairs dining room is really a pleasant spot to sit with a pint soaking up the sun. At least it does serve Real Ale although sadly this was only Doombar and a passable Adnams Ghost ship and when sitting on the roof top patio you do get waitress service from the dining room saving having to go and get yourself noticed at the bar.

Not much to add to previous reviews. Definitely gastro-leaning, bare boards, wooden tables with elaborate menus on all of them etc. Otter (£4.50 a pint, but condition passable!) and Doom Bar. Plenty of staff on show, although it took several minutes before one of them deigned to serve us, even though there was only one other drinker propping up the bar! Disappointing experience, no plans to return in the near (or probably distant!) future.

In a pleasant setting down a narrow lane the Britannia is nowadays more gastro than pub most of the open space taken up by diners. There was some room for vertical drinking with two ales on, Butcombe Bitter and Bath Gem. Not really a drinking destination.