Situated on the banks of the Thames, on the outskirts of London, the handsome suburb of Richmond is certainly not lacking in choice if you’re looking for somewhere to have a few drinks.Whether it’s a top night out in trendy bars, a pint or two in the many traditional pubs, or a pre or post-match drink to or from Twickenham, the home of England’s Rugby team, there is somewhere to suit everyone in this charming spot.
Here's our pick of the best places to try.
The Bootlegger Vault
Harking back to the prohibition days of the 1920s and 30s this speakeasy-inspired beauty of a bar will transport you to that enchanting era when glamour ruled, clandestine gatherings buzzed, and jazz thrilled.
As one of now six Bootlegger bars across England, the owners of the ‘Vault’ in Richmond leave no stone unturned in immersing their guests into this magical era. Offering a near-perfect alchemy of prohibition cocktails and extensive drinks menu, excellent food, live jazz and blues, and a promise of an evening of swanky revelry from a bygone era, you could easily forget you’re in the 2020s.
No.1 Duke Street
No 1 Duke St offers an enviable selection of beers, wines, and cocktails and a food menu covering breakfasts, lunch, roasts, and evening meals. Expect hearty portions of free-range chicken schnitzel, pappardelle with porcini mushroom ragu, and dry-aged rare breed beef with skin-on fries. Sunday Roasts are served with the usual line-up of veg, roast potatoes, cauliflower cheese, and Yorkshire pudding.
Occupying the former site of The Lot, the owners of No.1 Duke Street, have invested heavily to transform it into a smart neighbourhood bar and restaurant. With attention very much on service and detail, the attentive staff look smart, kitted out in their ankle-length white aprons, and provide a top-notch service to match. There’s nothing overly stylised about the interiors but the minimal-meets-industrial design creates a sort of blank canvas, primed and ready for pretty much any occasion. Blankets are offered to any chilly guests braving the outdoors; there’s a games room, nicely-lit bar areas, kitchen, and restaurant.
If the sun is shining (or you take up the offer of a blanket), try the bar’s courtyard and garden, promising an ‘oasis in the centre of Richmond’ and you’ll find you won’t want to move for the rest of day.
No.1 Duke Street is fast becoming a No.1 social meeting spot.
Richmond Vault Beer Cellar and Restaurant
Located in the centre of Richmond, this subterranean establishment is a haven for beer enthusiasts. Stepping down into its entrance outside a splendid (and very Richmond) Georgian townhouse, the curved underground arches and vaulted ceilings do add to the experience, with plenty of nooks and crannies to retire to for chats and catch-ups.
The beer choice is superb, with an extensive selection of expertly-sourced independent breweries. Other drinks are available too and equally well-curated.
Richmond Vault also offers a range of food that goes perfectly with a schooner of IPA – stone-baked pizzas, pots of mussels, handcrafted burgers, and succulent ribs.
The Orange Tree
If you’re looking for somewhere to base yourself on a rugby match day, The Orange Tree is not far from Richmond Tube Station, and they go all out, screening the big games and quite often putting on a not-to-be-missed barbecue and early bar. Expect a great atmosphere as locals and visitors alike congregate and soak in the buzz of a match day.
The Orange Tree is still well worth a visit when there is no rugby. Stylishly decorated, with cosy fires and an impressive drinks selection and food menu, it’s nicely situated at the top of the Richmond high street and perfect for a social meet-up with friends.
Incognito
To walk into Incognito is an experience in itself. A cocktail bar and restaurant located in the heart of Richmond, this is only telling half the story. Inspired by explorations from the ‘four corners of the world’, like a Victorian circus master, the bar brings a wealth of the odd, weird, and wonderful to this corner of Richmond, and what a feast it is. It promises experiences inspired by “the finest parlors of Marrakech and speakeasies of Chicago to share hallucinogenic tipples with the shamans in the deepest rainforests of Honduras, whilst searching for the treasures hidden at the Ancient Lost City of the Monkey God”. Quite the pitch.
Incognito doesn’t fall short either. Its stylish and sophisticated decor, expertly crafted cocktails, and delicious food menu hit all the right notes. Fine wines and craft beers are also available for those searching for something a little more sedate.
If that wasn’t enough, it also hosts various events and live music performances throughout the year, making it one of Richmond’s most popular nightlife destinations.
The Cricketers
Completing the list, The Cricketers is a good old-fashioned pub backing onto the picturesque Richmond Green.
With roots dating back to 1770, it proclaims to be one of the oldest pubs in Richmond – the food, drink, and ambience on offer are all superb. It’s a busy spot, so you may not always be guaranteed a table, but this all adds to the vivacious atmosphere at The Cricketers.
In the summer months, there’s a lovely beer garden to take in and if you don’t get a chance to watch the amateur cricket match taking place on the Green, then you’ll certainly hear the knock of leather on willow (and perhaps the odd LBW appeal) as you enjoy a chilled pint or glass of wine.
As Richmond residents will tell you, the bar scene of this timelessly stylish London suburb is hard to beat. Offering pubs, small-batch finds and popular classics along with everything in between, it is hard to think of a taste it doesn’t cater for. Whether you happen to be staying nearby, considering moving to the area, or visiting for the day, it would be a shame not to sample the many delights on offer.
