Orange Tree Hotel, Richmond

A refurbed pub close to the station,five handpumps with three from Young's, Bitter,Special and Gold,along with Southwark Bermondsey Bitter and Twickenham Naked Ladies. I was rather disappointed with this pub for a number of reasons, my half of the Naked ladies arrived as a short measure of more than an inch, which of course I had to get a top up,just as well as it cost £2.35 for the privilege and to top it off it was in poor condition and totally tasteless, by far the worst pub of my day,I don't intend to return.

Young's pub with a U shaped interior and a drinking area out front when the rugby is on. 5 real ales which included 2 non Young's.

January 2015:- "The Orange Tree" I am reliably informed (by a close source) serves 'Meantime Brewery' beers... I'm glad to report! Although I haven't confirmed this report, yet..! :o)

ORANGE TREE: Yes, very handy for the train station, but I fear some of OT's custom may be taken by the newly re-furbished and re-opened 'Railway Tavern' on the other side of the main road (Kew Road). The OT does good lunches, etc, and is most definately a rugby pub on Twickenham rugby days! (You can't move in here when England are playing! So don't venture in on those days if you don't like rugby)! Pleasant enough bar area, and you can usually find a seat in the front bar area, the rear is all restaurant now, and at busy times you may even have to book a table there. I had the pleasure of meeting the manager here (oh, a couple of years ago now, so it may have all changed since then) and he was a bit of a colourful character, I couldn't work out if he was an old-time rugby player or a gangster! He was very polite tho', and helpful, in the circumstances. The 'Orange Tree' is the last pub in Richmond town centre, if your heading down the Kew Road towards Kew. And I'm sure many commuters use it while waiting those 25 minutes for the train :o) I do. TJ

Not as large as I remember this place from many years ago, a U-shaped space with a central horseshoe bar in dark wood but with a contemporary tiled bar back. Wood flooring with a chequer tiled walkway from the entrance and around the bar perimeter. Mixed seating with some stools at a drinking ledge along the front windows, patterned armchairs at old dining tables and a high bench along one side which has bowler hat styled lamps above. The rear return area is a dedicated restaurant called "Fentons", possibly why the pub seems smaller than it used to. There is a separate hotel area with the reception off the bar, thirteen "boutique" rooms upstairs. Three fireplaces hint at an original layout, décor includes tennis and rugby paraphernalia, cases of tobacco pipes, old maps then a pair of IKEA style shelving units form a sort of divide to the rear with the shelves housing books, pots and vases and a model bicycle. Old leaded windows with the pub name, brewery and some coloured inserts have been retained/restored. Young's beers, Bitter, Special, London Gold, guest Hog's Back TEA and cider from Aspall's, Ciderkyn. Obviously having a dedicated restaurant, food is served but the lunches had finished mid Saturday afternoon although a board listed a variety of bar snacks. The TV was off and I also noticed a drop down screen, I imagine this gets used for big rugby games but I don't think this is a round ball pub. Outdoor seating to the frontage. Not a bad spot, maybe trying to cater for a number of types of customer but comfortable enough and handy for the train.

Refitted Youngs pub with plenty of pot plants, sofas and the contemporary choc n’ cream colour scheme. Saying that, I quite liked it in here - well the corner cubby-hole by the door anyway. I can’t recall what my pint was but it was acceptable enough. Nothing of note to keep you there beyond a pint but a pleasant enough stop if you’re in the town.

Randomness Guide to London - Orange Tree entry