With the sun finally shining we thought we’d enjoy a long walk at Richmond Park starting at the Ham Common gate and zig-zagging down to Kingston gate. We’d had to park on the road outside as all the car parks were full and we were thus almost tempted to explore the common instead. But we’d noted that there were loos at both gates (although the only refreshments we saw were from an ice cream van at the car park) and thought we’d stick instead to Plan A. The nearby pond had been fenced off for the removal of some non-indigenous plants but Alfie managed to find a few ducks along the way so he was happy. Having built up an appetite we were keen to find somewhere dog friendly for lunch.
The Dysart on the Petersham Road was fully booked. And there was no space in the car park at the Lass of Richmond Hill. We decided that in future we would have to book our Sunday lunch time adventure! And I guess that the recession must be over with so many folk out to lunch!
So we continued until we came to The White Horse in Richmond (which is just behind the Red Cow on the Sheen Road).
As well as being a sizeable pub, The White Horse has the added advantage of a good sized walled rear garden which has an adjacent kid’s playground – ideal for families. And there certainly lots of families in the pub when we entered. But we delighted to find two empty tables (mind you, it was past three o clock at this stage so I can only assume that we missed the rush).
My companion went off to order some drinks and negotiate modifications to the menu for a vegan-suitable meal. The staff were great – removing the goat’s cheese from a chicory and pear salad and adding a side of chips. Whilst the roasts looked tempting, I opted for a cheese burger. Obviously, Alfie had a morsal or two from my plate.
We bumped into some other friends of ours and extended our late lunch to include some coffee. Then we had a final walk around the nearby roads – which had some lovely houses and quaint street lamps – before heading home. Alfie was asleep on my lap before we got there.
