The Wych Elm — Restaurant in London

One of the elusive Kingston pubs that have escaped my reviews, simply because whenever I've been it's been too busy, or dark, or I've forgotten. All good things. It's cosy in the winter, busy in the summer, and once I'm there, I usually get so wrapped up in conversation that the idea of taking any photos for my Instagram nobody looks at or a review nobody reads on Google falls by the wayside.

A Fullers pub but with substantial character, drawn to the stained glass windows that cast hues of green across the nooks and seats. Outside, hanging baskets draped across the front of the pub, I pause to try and capture the full display but it's hard when there's a torrential downpour on the way and a man going under the flowerpots looking for cigarette butts. You might have to take my word for it if the picture doesn't do it justice.

Indoors it's divided into two distinct rooms; on the right, more of a casual seated area for solo drinkers. On the left, tables, mostly reserved, for dining later that evening. A little celebration goes off in my head as I see stools spread across the bar, but they have backs to them, bar chairs, even better. No need for coat-hooks (there's a coat stand), and no more precarious balancing act as I wobble on and off a stool with my constant back injuries.

The garden is packed with seating, it's hidden from view on the main road, as are a few of them around here (Norbiton, Willoughby). The Guinness poured was lovely, hoofed it back before the storm came again, and basked in the relative quiet that was on offer. I would've opted for a pint of Fullers or Darkstar as I have done in the past, but I'd had so many bad Guinness recently I needed to course-correct.

The pub is closest to Kingston Station, but you can also jump off at Norbiton. There's a nice little crawl this side of town - Norbiton, Willoughby, Wych Elm and Park Tavern. All walkable, all very nice pubs, a real sense of community with them, and some are my favourites in "London" . I'll pop back here again soon, maybe for an award-winning dinner, or one of their plethora of events - curry nights, cocktail nights, live music.

Or just a pint and a...

Having been here plenty of times, it’s about time to rate it! We’ve enjoyed many a good drink here, and the staff are always exceptionally friendly and helpful.

The pub has a really nice, friendly and chilled out atmosphere. It’s comfortable with plenty of seating and a separate area for eating or that can be booked for private events. There’s always a great selection of beers, and I was pleasantly surprised to find a good couple of craft beers on tap when we last visited as well.

Last time we went was for my nephew’s birthday meal, and they very easily accommodated a group of around 20 of us - again with a very friendly and helpful service. The only slight disappointment this time around was that the food really did seem quite hit and miss.

Most people had a roast, with the beef being great apparently, whereas people said that the vegetarian roast option and the pork were not very good at all. I had the fish and chips - one of my go to favourite meals, especially when in a classic British pub! - but was sadly also rather disappointed. There was no option for mushy peas, which whilst being pedantic is an absolute essential for fish and chips if you ask most people! The fish really wasn’t great, and was quite tough in places which is rather unpleasant. Also somewhat bizarrely, it was served with French fries... Fish and chips with skinny fries?! Come on people!! We need chunky chips!!

Again, I’m being fussy, but the food was quite a let down, especially as it’s not the cheapest. Aside from that though, it was a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon. Hopefully next time the food...

Always liked this bar. Great service and good food in a nice setting. The one negative with tonights meal was the wine. I don't mind spending £40 on a bottle a bottle of wine with a meal but just not one that retails at £7. Will stick to a pint in future. Edit: I note the management's comprehensive response. My live search now shows the cost of the bottle of wine has risen to £8.05 inclusive of vat. At that price, reviews state it is nice. It is not nice at £40 so my point remains. Markups are fine, but "too crazy" and/or "simple greed", may be two reasons why places are struggling? I always tip well and am very happy to support local bars and restaurants and pay the appropriate price to see them survive but whilst the policy of adding roughly £2 onto a pint is fine, £30 onto a bottle of wine, not so much. If Fullers want to encourage people to drink less at home, then this may be a good place to start? In the meantime, I shall now seek out a less argumentative bar for my custom. That is a real pity, but if I want a lecture or debate on commerce, I will go back to uni. Definitely no forty quid,...