There are bars and pubs for every occasion in and around Kingston. Whether you’re looking for a place for a quiet drink, somewhere cheap before going to a club, somewhere to impress a date or to take in the views of Kingston, there is a place for everyone.
The Kingston Mill
The Mill is the place to go if you’re looking for a good night at the pub. Situated right on the river, The Mill offers a range of drinks at reasonable prices alongside a relaxing atmosphere whilst boasting great views of the river and its wildlife. The staff are incredibly friendly and the indie/alternative music that plays throughout the day is great to enjoy with a drink or playing a game of pool.The menu is full of great food and the price of drinks is very reasonable especially on ‘Mill Mondays’ where selected pints are £1.75. Alongside the great range of beers, wines and spirits why not treat yourself to a cocktail? The Mill offers both cocktails and mocktails with their Mojito being particularly good. The Mill is usually frequented by artistic students especially on Mondays, but there is a huge mix who are mainly students looking for a good night in town.
The Ram
Just down the road from The Mill, The Ram shares similar views of the river however you can enjoy them in their beer garden which is usually busy during the summer months. There is a good atmosphere that is enjoyable at all times of the year whether inside sheltering from the rain or out in the sun. Prices are reasonable and there is a good selection of real ales at the well stocked bar. The Ram offers a quieter atmosphere than The Mill, with people of all ages it is a very nice place to relax. What better way is there to enjoy one of Kingston’s sunny days than sitting by the river with a cold drink and good company?
The Cricketers
Located by Fairfield recreation grounds, The Cricketers is a pub with a great atmosphere and friendly staff. The pub serves a range of drinks and there is also Lebanese food available at competitive prices. There is a beer garden and a pool table. Every Thursday there is a pub quiz and bingo that always brings in a crowd. By the end of the first night you will undoubtedly be singing “Bingo, Bingo, get your dabbers out”. The Cricketers attracts both a host of local people and students who live close, everyone enjoys the mix of company and nights are always enjoyable. Live music is often being played and there are karaoke nights so if you fancy a sing-a-long then head to The Cricketers and belt out your best Elvis impression.
The King’s Tun/Coronation Hall
Both of these Wetherspoons pubs are within walking distance from Penrhyn Road campus and offer a wide selection of pub food and very reasonably priced drinks. The King’s Tun is opposite Pryzm in Kingston town and Coronation Hall is opposite Surbiton station. There is a good atmosphere in both pubs and the food is great value; especially convenient for those nights when cooking seems just too much of a chore. A particular favourite amongst students are the cocktail pitchers that are cheap and very enjoyable, whether you want Sex on the Beach or The Godfather you are sure to enjoy the range and size of the cocktails at “‘spoons”.
The Rotunda
Kingston’s Rotunda has a lot to offer whether you want to see a film at the Odeon cinema or dine at one of the selection of different restaurants like Five Guys. Downstairs is TenPin offers student deals on Wednesday for cheap bowling. There is also a bar that is reasonably priced especially on Tuesdays, when drinks are half price. As well as a great selection of traditional soft and alcoholic drinks there are also cocktails available. So why not head to The Rotunda, enjoy something from their range of drinks and watch as your bowling gets progressively worse the more you enjoy the bar.
Pubs and bars are not the only places in Kingston to grab yourself a drink, for example, TGI Fridays has a large selection of cocktails, as does Las Iguanas. With the close proximity of all of these pubs and bars why limit yourself to one or two? Let us know your favourites.
Megan Kelly
Maurizio Kayonjo