The Marlborough, Richmond

Youngs tied house,either side of the entrance are two raised sections with the furniture dominated by chesterfield sofas.Throughout the interior the flooring is wooden.There is wood panelling up to a dado rail with various Farrow & Ball colour schemes.Opposite a coal affect gas fire is the bar against the left wall,while the next section beyond has a more dining room feel with square tables and upright chairs.There is a real fire here below a very fine mirror.The side door here gives way to a seperate dining room,all laid for service off a corridor seating area,while the french windows give access to a very large beer garden laid with artificial grass. On the staircase to the first floor loos there are hanging partchment screens with the names of famous people who have lived in Richmond stretching from Henry VII to Tim Berners Lee,and on the interior walls there are portraits of some of these folk,including Bertrand Russell in a paradox. On my trip just two real ales,Youngs Original and a very good St Austell Proper Job (NBSS 4).Reasonably priced pub food at lunchtime,with a more formal restaurant style menu for larger appetites and wallets. I enjoyed my visit,the muzak was mellow and it's a dog friendly establishment.The staff were all charming,and there is the obligatory photo of both Prince Charles and his grandmother pulling pints of Youngs.A decent pub in a very upmarket area.

Young's pub with a slightly unusual frontage with two arched windows, with the central one also acting as the main entrance, and a square window in a different style on the other side. The slightly split-level bar has been given the usual mixed traditional / modern makeover, with a sizeable upmarket dining room beyond. Four handpumps on the counter, dispensing Ordinary (£4.50, and in good form) and Special, Hogs Back TEA and Old Rosie cider.

Official site of the Marlborough, contains menu, wine list and beer details - www.marlboroughrichmond.co.uk

Official site of the Marlborough, contains menu, wine list and beer details - www.marlboroughrichmond.co.uk