The Dysart Arms

I don’t usually get excited by pubs – one is much the same as the other although I like to be in comfortable and pleasant surroundings. But The Dysart Arms blew me away.

I went with a friend who had heard there was live music there. I had anticipated a noisy, busy place where you had to fight to get a drink. But I couldn’t have been more wrong.

It’s not really the sort of place you would think of going to unless you knew otherwise. It’s on the main drag from Richmond to Kingston – in Petersham and just before Ham. I don’t even think you could do it on public transport.

Anyway, as you drive past you may have noticed the trees outside covered in white fairy lights. Don’t be put off. There is a large car park so take a chance.

As you pull up you notice the exceptional beauty of the place. A stunning, perfectly presented substantial Tudor building with a large paved area out the front (I bet this place is packed in the summer – even with the busy road outside). There’s also an outside staircase to a small balcony bar as well – again, I look forward to trying this out in the sunshine.

There is a large castle-like double door in a suitable arch. Through those double doors and you cross a small hallway to the bar. And you can’t help but notice that this is no ordinary bar. It’s like stepping into an exclusive country spa. There’s huge pale flagstones on the floor and wrought iron candelabras on the ceiling and modern pictures of deer all around (probably because we are so close to the entrance to Richmond Park) – it really does feel like a castle.

The bar is small and beautifully presented – and I didn’t know whether to be more impressed with the uniformed staff, the coffee machine or the selection of aged whiskies on the silver tray before me. Having selected a glass of red wine (and left the specific choice to the bar staff – and they did good), my friend collected his pint and we looked for a seat.

There are a number of areas to choose from. To the rear it looks more like an informal restaurant. To one side there are booths and to another there’s a large wooden table that would seat eight-ten surrounded by smaller tables which are perfect for couples. To the left is an inviting open fire place (and yes, there was a fire) and a huge piano. Our live entertainment on this particular evening was Demis Valecchi a jazz pianist – and I was delighted when he acknowledged my request to play “Summertime” which is one of my all time favourites. The 1897 Bechstein Grand is used for jazz every Thursday. Fridays offer either jazz or classical and Saturdays has classical piano, guitar or lute. How civilised.

I really couldn’t get over the place. There are genuine leaded windows – with green rather than red or white roses. Those big scrubbed tables were just, well, solid. We sat next to the most incredibly cast ornate radiator. The walls are clean and tasteful. I really did feel like I had been transported to another world. Of class, taste and money.

There were a few couples around us – enjoying the food and the general relaxed ambience of the place. Looking at the menu I was sorely tempted to eat – butternut squash soup with broccoli seedling (£6.50), pan seared St Austell scallops with leek fondue and mustard frills (£9), fillet of channel bass with Milanese risotto and red amaranth (£17.50), Gressingham duck breast with prune and game sauce, sweet potato puree and violet pomme Dauphone (£17) – looks like these folk understand really good food too.

So. This would be very high on my list as a contender for a romantic evening out – a pub with what looks to be excellent food, thoughtful wine list and gentle music. And I would be quite happy to take business folk here for lunch or an informal meeting.

It’s so nice to be so pleasantly surprised. I will return there very soon.

The Dysart Arms

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