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It’s not just about rugby – head to Twickers for food, culture and pubs.
Why go there?
Because it’s less posh than Richmond and livelier than Teddington, with a good dose of oval ball action to boot.
Marco Poggiaroni
Ah, rugby. We used to be good at that!
Yes, well, England’s recent disastrous collapse aside, Twickenham Stadium hosts all home fixtures and has been the centrepiece of the Rugby World Cup. Pubs in the area reflect this – The Cabbage Patch (London Road) is a memorabilia-packed gem, and is guaranteed to be bursting on match days, always offering a raucous atmosphere. Alternatively, there’s the more family-orientated Prince Blucher (The Green) where the old Twickenham rugby club used to play.
Maxwell Hamilton
What if I don’t like rugby?
The Sussex Arms (Staines Road) offers a tempting mix of independent ales, while The Barmy Arms and The White Swan, both overlooking the river on The Embankment, are also worth a visit.
Enough pubs, what about places to eat?
The cobbled Church Street is home to some fantastic eateries: Naz Balti and Twickenham Tandoori serve quality, affordable Indian food. For a different spice, try Pincho’s delicious Mediterranean menu. Or down on Heath Road there’s family-run Greek-Italian restaurant Kamares and tasty baked goods at Ruben’s Bakehouse. For flavours from further east, try Thai Upon Thames (Richmond Road), which is a favourite among locals and travelling fans alike.
I’ve got guests to entertain next week…
You can wow them with the independent local produce on King Street – from the Laverstoke Park Farm butchers to the award-winning Sandy’s Fishmongers. And make sure you stop for a coffee at Mambocino (Heath Road), which even has its own roastery.
Maxwell Hamilton
And for a night out?
Begin at TW2’s cocktail bar on The Green. It’s got a cosy, sleek feel – with a sweet happy hour. Then catch a gig at The Patch, a small club next to the Cabbage Patch, where the area’s rich blues tradition is still going strong.
How about some culture to top it all off?
Visit Marble Hill Park for some greenery on Richmond Road, and explore Marble Hill House, the lavish retreat built specially for King George II’s mistress Henrietta Howard. There’s also York House, a grand council building previously occupied by numerous aristocrats. The gardens contain beautiful statues and an impressive water feature. Arty types might prefer a visit to Turner’s House on Sandycombe Road, which the artist himself designed more than 200 years ago.
By Alex Taylor, who once queued behind Linford Christie at Twickenham Starbucks.
Fancy a change of scene? Take a look at the best bits of Canary Wharf.