The Ram — Restaurant in London

An unforgettable experience at the Ram. Archie was a MVP who made our visit great.

Nestled along the picturesque banks of the Thames in Kingston, The Ram is more than just a pub, it’s a destination. From the moment you step inside, you’re greeted with a cozy, inviting atmosphere that effortlessly blends traditional charm with modern comfort. Whether you're catching up with friends, enjoying a romantic riverside drink, or simply unwinding after a long day, The Ram offers the perfect backdrop with its stunning views of the water, crackling fireplaces, and thoughtfully curated ambiance.

But what truly elevates The Ram from great to exceptional is the people, and in particular, Archie.

From the very start of our visit, Archie went above and beyond in every possible way. His warm smile and genuine hospitality made us feel not just welcome, but truly at home. He wasn’t just serving drinks, he was crafting an experience. Attentive without being overbearing, thoughtful without missing a beat, Archie anticipated our needs before we even voiced them. He remembered our preferences, offered fantastic recommendations from the menu, and even shared a few local tips that made our evening even more special.

What stood out most was how much he cared. Archie wasn’t just doing his job, he was exceeding it with grace and authenticity. He checked in with a personal touch, made us laugh with his friendly banter, and ensured every moment of our time at The Ram was comfortable and memorable. It’s rare to encounter someone in hospitality who makes you feel so genuinely valued, but Archie does it effortlessly.

The pub itself is a gem, ideal for any occasion. Whether it’s a lively get-together with friends, a quiet date by the river, or even a solo evening with a pint and a view, The Ram delivers every time. The outdoor terrace is simply magical at sunset, with the Thames glistening and the buzz of conversation blending with the gentle sounds of the water.

The Ram has always been one of my favorite pubs in Kingston, a place where good times are guarantee, but thanks to Archie’s outstanding service, this visit was nothing short of perfect.

If you’re looking for great drinks, beautiful views, and a team that treats you like family, The Ram is the place to be. And if you’re lucky enough to be looked after by Archie, consider your evening...

The Ram itself was originally a brewery site in the 1500s, it was first noted as being a pub in 1708. Although this was a few doors down, and the current "Ram" site only appears from 1840 onwards after a licence transfer. There's nothing significant of note about this place historically, only that it's maintained a degree of independence from other tied houses having been owned by Frickers Brewery (1903-5) and Royal Brewery of Brentford respectively.

Only 2 doors down was the more colourful Eagle Tap. It was described as poorly ventilated and unsanitary, cited for drunk and disorderly behaviour, and the landlord during WW1 would sell intoxicants to soldiers. Despite this, it would turnover 5x as much as The Ram, but it ultimately became offices in the 1950s, and now a Best-One cornershop.

History lesson over (credit to Richard Holmes again), the pub itself had such a welcoming vibe. Open space with lots of booths, a small but refined select of local ales on. I opted for @twickenhamales Naked Ladies which is always a winner. Keg wise it's the usual suspects, but with a Lervig House Party beer on, and in January I think they even shove the NA one on too.

Food looked very good, a step above normal, and 50p a wing Wednesday with the T&C's specifying a minimum of 6, and no maximum. Intrigued. A spacious garden down towards the river, which during the "outside only" period of lockdown(s) took over a much, much larger space. Must have some decent contacts at the council to get away with that.

Felt like a nice pub overall, one I'd definitely go back to. Something kind of interesting (to me at least) sitting in old buildings. Take a lot of pubs current states for granted. Anyway, I'd love to see a wider selection of beers but what can you do if you're tied. Another one checked off the list, and if you're strolling along the river you can sack off that Sam Smith's pub and head...

We went in on Saturday lunchtime as a party of 8. Between us we ordered three 'small plates', three sides, two main dishes, and a 'lunch' dish. This was not a very large order, and the pub was almost empty (never a good sign...), so the ensuing fiasco can't be easily explained.

First, after about 10 minutes, they brought out the two sides of sweet potato fries, and one small plate - the lamb "ribs" which turned out in fact to be only a singular rib, and to be already cold. The rib was sent back. We then waited... and waited... and ate all the fries, which were nice enough but not exactly generous for the £5/portion price tag. About 15 minutes later, after we'd asked twice about where our food was, some of it appeared. Another 5-10 minutes and the rest of the order turned up - but still no rib, which took yet another enquiry at the bar.

None of the food was worth the wait. The poached eggs with avocado was served on toast so tough that it should have come with a hacksaw. The avocado and black bean tostados was surprisingly small even for a 'small plate' (at £7), with 2 of the 3 mini-tortillas not fried properly, and excess pickling liquid from the onions running off the tortillas when picked up. The mushroom curry and the fried chicken were apparently "just OK" and the fish & chips "alright, not as good as it can be". The wedge salad wasn't commented on either way.

The staff didn't seem remotely concerned about the way our meal emerged from the kitchen in dribs and drabs. We did get one additional free portion of sweet potato fries, but only because someone in our party requested it - nothing was offered to make up for the shambolic service, and there was no apology. The food was hugely overpriced and very underwhelming. We'd have done far better to wait in the queue at...