The Cocoanut, Kingston — Restaurant in London

I'm going to lather the history on thick in this review, as we dive into Kingston's long-standing relationship with the Coconut.

Firstly, this pub part, this is the only pub in the UK with this name, keeping the original spelling of Coconut to this day. Relevancy to be revealed...

It's a charming pub, comfortable, and a friendly, knowledgeable landlord who allowed me to outstay my welcome, as I squeezed in a pint as they closed between shifts. Our dogs played, Peroni flowed, and we chatted a bit about the history and pubs in Kingston. Highly rated Thai food served here, and only a short walk from Kingston town centre, hidden down a quiet residential street, it really is one of the of the best finds in Kingston, and worthy of a visit.

Secondly, did you know, The Coconut Shy game originated in Kingston? It first appeared at Kingston's Annual Pleasure Fair in 1867, where the local paper reported "for the small sum of one penny, you could have three throws with sticks with the prospect of getting a cocoa nut".

Lastly, and the reason all of this is tied together, is that Kingston was one of the main importers of the coconut to the UK. Previously rare, it saw a boom in popularity due to its varied uses; mats, brushes, metal polish, and alternative candles. The area also has close links with Kew Horticulturists, as the refuse was used at Kew Gardens also.

All of this propelled along by an industry that propped up a community with employment for decades. Down the road from the pub, along the Hogsmill river, there were mills used for a variety of industries, one of which was used for processing coconut fibre in around 1840, and became the epicenter of the coconut industry in Kingston.

The pub itself was originally The Joiners Arms in 1840, but due to the proximity of the mill and the workers who drank there, it became affectionately known as The Cocoanut, landing a full licence in 1858. Now owned by Fullers since circa 1930, it stands as a reminder of the once thriving industry that hugged the nearby river.

Sources; Richard Holmes (Pubs, Inns & Taverns Kingston), Hugh Harris/June Sampson (Surrey Comet),...

Firstly yes food was decent although perhaps a more equally proportioned serving of rice vs curry/stir fry/whichever main is chosen. Rice is quite a large portion in comparison to the meat dishes. Second point - was made to feel uncomfortable as soon as I entered in being told there was no bar service for drinks and that they had to be ordered at the table. This then led to a service charge being added to the bill without being informed that that was happening. I was not told about the service charge so was not expecting to see it on the bill so did not look for it! On review after leaving I realised that a service charge was there... I am pretty sure that service charges are meant to be optional but no mention from anyone at point of sale. Thirdly, moving on from the feeling of not being welcome, this continued throughout the meal. The food took forever to come and I'm wondering now in hindsight if that was done on purpose so that I never come here again? It wasn't busy, only one other group of about 4 was in part way through my sitting so it does not make sense that an hour and a half after the food was ordered it was served. Final thought, perhaps invest in some trays so that you don't have to bring drinks to the table (if of course you continue to enforce the drinks being ordered via table...

If you want properly spicy, but good tasting food, get here and I recommend the Jungle Curry, start out with a 3 or 4 out of 5.

This place looks like a simple pub, but is actually a delicious fairrly authentic (if limited menu) Thai restaurant. You're going to get a solid portion, delicious curries and noodle dishes, for a very reasonable price, in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Best of all, if you, like me, actually want something to be spicy when you order it spicy, they know how to keep the flavor and add the spice. Sometimes I get risky and order a 4 out of 5 for spice, instead of my normal 3/3.5, and it tastes so good, yet is so spicy I'm sweating, crying, maybe even getting a little light headed in my seat. Meanwhile, my best friend has ordered 5/5 and extra raw chillies to the table. He smiles at me from across the table, taking bites of his Jungle Curry and the raw chillies, explaining that back home, in Manipur, this is like a 3.5...