The Shaftesbury Arms

This large traditional pub (which used to be frequented by the local police when off-duty) was extensively refurbished a couple of years ago and is now one of my favourites in the area. It’s a 10 minute walk across Richmond Circus with all its traffic – away from the bustle of Richmond town centre.

There is a large central bar – staffed by bright young things – and an assortment of seating choices from large wooden tables around which a group can easily fit, to smaller tables and chairs for couples. It’s nice that the seating is arranged to provide numerous nooks where it can feel quite private despite the larger more open areas.

I like that the place – which deserves its name as “the best kept secret in Richmond” - blends intimate wine bar with modern pub. There’s always a lively buzz of activity here. Although during the day, you’d be fine reading a book or tapping away at your PC at one of the lighter tables by the windows.

Just about all the customers in the evening are smart youngsters (late 20s to 30s) – and as a Young’s pub – it attracts a substantial number of chaps. So the beer must be good. But during the day time I have seen a wider mix of people and even some families (there’s a children’s menu containing rather mature selections such as steak and chestnut mushroom pie, battered mini fish and chips, smoked chicken breast, Cumberland Sausage and mash and cheese on toast with chips).

A big attraction for me is the large garden out the back. Bright striped chair cushions, with lots of covered areas and heaters for those who prefer their drinks al fresco. There’s even a box of red blankets and cushions so that you can get really snuggly.

When we visited last Thursday evening (it’s a convenient meeting point both for the restaurants down the Kew Road and also for Kew Gardens – although I guarantee you will be tempted to stay longer than you planned) there was even a fire pit burning brightly just outside the door – which filled the bar with a wonderfully winter wood smoke aroma.

The wine choice was good too – although we all seemed to opt for the 2013 New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc (£6.90 for a small – but still sizeable glass or £9.40 for a large one and £27.30 for a bottle). We drank more than we planned.

We didn’t get to try the food – although steaks (from £12.50) and fresh fish (grilled salmon £12.50 and whole roasted sea bream £13) looked good. There were some other interesting options on the menu including pan-fried quail (£11.50) and ox liver (£11). There are also meat and fish platters to share (from £22). There’s an incredible range of roasts on the Sunday menu and even the vegetarians are catered for.

The Shaftesbury Arms

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