KINGSTONIAN

Kingston is the kind of place that you can easily get lost in, with a one way system as confusing as any and a huge number of tacky kiddy bars that have sprung up in the town centre- on top of this, Kingstonian's modern ground is an inconvenient distance out on the road to New Malden, about a fifteen minute hike from the centre and with little (i.e. nothing) to recommend in the way of local pubs.
Beerhound to the rescueonce again- for there are some real gems which can be teased out if you know where to look, which make Kingston one of the better choices in the Ryman league of cask ale options
The town centre is packed with pubs and bars, as already said; if you arrive short of time in the centre try the BISHOP OUT OF RESIDENCE (1), Riverside walk, off Thames St, a modern Young's pub on two levels, with one of the best riverside views in Kingston. The name refers to the Bishop's Palace, built by the Thames here for William de Wykeham (1376 to 1404). Nearby is the DRUID'S HEAD(2), Market Place, a Hogshead, superimposed rather clumsily onto a hitherto unspoilt old Kingston pub, but you should get some good beers here from a changing list.
But even closer to the station (under the bridge on exit and 1st right) is the CANBURY ARMS*(3) , a Courage house with a good range of changing guests. The pub has a pleasant atmosphere and is a GBG regular, and is the first of several excellent pubs north of the centre that could make a good post match trawl if you have the inclination. Continuing north east from the centre beyond the Canbury with a good map, the WYCH ELM*(4) in Elm Rd is a nice little Fuller's two roomer with a public bar and a smarter lounge. Full range of the award wining Fuller's ales, and food is available here but mainly lunchtimes. A short step and you reach the WILLOUGHBY ARMS*(5), a nice two bar Victorian local offering London Pride, Taylor Landlord and guests, at reasonable prices. Home to an annual beer festival.
Another few minutes on the same bearing will take you to the PARK TAVERN*(6), New Rd, off Queen St, the road to Richmond Park. Brakspear's and Young's are the usual regulars here, along with a guest. Do take a map with you or refer to streetmap.co.uk (see link below) because there are a maze of streets in this area that cannot all be shown on my sketch map (this one is beyond my map anyway, but worth the effort!).

South of the centre, try the COCOANUT (7) Mill St (Fuller's), or if you have a bit more time, the KELLY ARMS*(8), Glenthorne Rd, another backstreet local with Courage and guest. Food lunch and evenings.

Another good option is to stroll along the river through Canbury Gardens, in the midst of which is the Boaters (9), a modern pub but with some character, and a range of beers.

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