10 of the cosiest pubs in south west London and Surrey
As we brace ourselves for the winter months ahead, the quest for the ultimate cosy pub begins, and we’ve got some suggestions
Pictured: The Lass O’ Richmond Hill
1
The Hand in Hand, Wimbledon
This Wimbledon haunt features low ceilings and fireplaces and is adorned with candles – ideal for a Sunday session. What’s more, The Hand in Hand’s proximity to the Common makes it a firm favourite among Sunday amblers, particularly those with canines in tow, with the pub winning doggy pub of south west London back in 2016. The pub staff feed friendly pets with goodies from the kitchen, and run Dog of the Day competitions which please both pets and owners.
2
The Antelope, Tooting
This epic drinking den stretches and bends like a twisting maze with multiple bars and rooms. Two of its rooms offer visitors to the Tooting tavern open fires, and there is another wood fire in the games room, meaning there is a good chance you’ll be able to hunker down and find a spot on the hearth. Complementing the snug setting, the Antelope’s ceiling is adorned with twinkling fairy lights, and its wooden flooring is carpeted with homely Persian rugs.
3
The Windmill, Clapham Common
Nestled into the beautiful scenery of the common, The Windmill offers a restful, warmly-lit sanctuary for weary travellers. With a curated menu ranging from small plates of arancini to sharing boards of baked camenbert, the pub is an ideal spot to break for lunch amidst a brisk walk in the park. The bar serves a selection of delicious light and dark beers; the perfect boozy respite as the winter months approach.
4
The Albion, Kingston
Come the colder seasons, the humble Albion comes into its own offering Kingstonians a much-needed dose of hygge. With its homely and intimate low ceilings, a dimly-lit bar that oozes ambiance, and the cosy leather armchairs perfect for sinking into, it’s an idyllic spot after a long day of scuffing shoes and kicking up autumn leaves. Opt for a spot by the fireplace and muse over the impressive selection of keg lines and craft ales on offer.
5
The Grumpy Mole, Epsom
Low ceilings and soft seating are accompanied by shelves, paintings and cushions to lend a distinctly living-room-like vibe to the atmosphere of The Grumpy Mole. This is paired with a canopied outdoor seating area with round tables that feels distinctly intimate yet stylish. Their a la carte menu offers a whole range of treats, from steak ‘on the stone’ to classic beef stroganoff with tagliatelle. They also provide a delightful Sunday roast, with choices between sirloin of beef, free range chicken, leg of lamb, or if you’re feeling particularly ravenous, the trio of roasts.
6
The White Swan, Twickenham
Along the towpath from Richmond to Twickenham and almost equidistant between the two is the beckoning bar of the White Swan. The pub makes the most of its prime riverside location with a charming outdoor patio that seemingly floats on the Thames at high tide, but during the winter months its punters are enticed inside with its cosy front room and sensational Sunday roasts. Riverside walkers and mucky pups can dry off by the warmth of an open fire accompanied by a pint of Naked Ladies, a local favourite ale named after the frolicking marble statues of York House just a stone’s throw from the pub’s front door.
7
The Mute Swan, Hampton Court
Amble along the Thames loop from Hampton Court to Bushy Park and you’ll pass by The Mute Swan, a friendly pub with a curved bar and spiral staircase making for an open and welcoming interior. The Mute Swan is virtually on the doorsteps of the royal palace and visitors are reminded of the area’s heritage with spectacular views overlooking the historical bend in the Thames. Come winter time and the views transform with the seasons, as the original Tudor section of the famous palace looks particularly wintry and whimsical shrouded in mist or a smattering of snow.
8
The Lass O’ Richmond Hill
This gorgeous pub is the perfect cosy stop-in after a wintery walk through Richmond Park. Complete with crackling hearths, armchairs you can sink right into, and ultimate village inn vibes, it takes the meaning of warmth and cosiness to a whole new level. Enjoy a belly-warming pint or a rosy glass of wine alongside a menu of delish seasonal produce. You can spend many a Sunday afternoon in winter enjoying the Sunday roast menu, from which you can choose an amazing 35-day aged west country Angus rump of beef, rolled Welsh salt marsh lamb, or garlic and thyme half Hertfordshire chicken.
9
The Angler’s, Teddington
The Anglers is a prime spot in the summer with its vast garden, but come winter, it is just as compelling for those on a wintry walk along the river. There’s open fires and great beers on tap. Tuck into fish and chips or a great burger.
10
The Sun Inn, Barnes
With a homely farmhouse exterior and a gorgeous riverside location, The Sun Inn generates a charming, village-like atmosphere. The dark wood-panelled rooms call back to days of old, where one can imagine farmers coming in to enjoy a pint accompanied by warm light and a roaring fire. Their menu offers delicious, warming food like brick chicken in garlic, brine and lime butter sauce, as well as daily seasonal specials prepared by their chefs. Of course, no pub is truly complete without a Sunday roast menu, and The Sun Inn delivers in style: choices of aged sirloin of beef, half-roast chicken, nut roast, and pork belly ensure there’s something for everyone.
