Four alfresco riverside pubs in Kingston that are worth the trek

The riverside at Kingston upon Thames has a rich array of pubs, bars and restaurants, all within shouting distance of the bridge and an ancient marketplace. When the sun’s out, they’re all ideal for alfresco drinking and dining. Here are four of the best.  

1. Woody’s

The owners of Woody’s reckon their bar and kitchen is an extension of their customers’ living rooms: ‘… a place to relax, kick back and put your feet up with whatever rocks your boat’. There’s craft beer, and the food is also known to make waves. 5 Ram Passage, KT1 1HH

2. The Boaters Inn

Upriver from the bridge is The Boaters Inn, another independent pub and eatery. Sitting in a leafy park away from the town centre, The Boaters Inn (so called because it’s next to the famous Kingston Rowing Club) provides a cosy vantage point for observing the river’s goings-on. On hot summer days, the park effectively becomes the pub’s beer garden – so pack the blanket and frisbee. If you forget the picnic, The Boaters Inn kitchen and BBQ does takeaway. Canbury Gardens, Lower Ham Road, KT2 5AU

3. The Ram

The Ram is famed for its craft brews, real ales and draught tap room. It’s reassuringly traditional, with dark oak furniture, tiles and brass decor, but in summertime head for the long riverside garden. The food mostly follows the traditional format, but look out for off-grid starters such as gambas pil pil (tapas of prawns) and their board sharing platter of global good stuff. 34 High Street, KT1 1HL

4. Stein’s

Stepping into Stein’s is like being transported to a Bavarian biergarten. The interior is designed in an authentic chalet style and outside there is a shaded riverside terrace. Try their currywurst or a giant schnitzel with a pint (or a litre-sized ‘stein’) of weissbier. Against the backdrop of the river, this is a seriously winning combo. 55 Richmond Towpath, TW10 6UX

Photography: What Dad Cooked

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