Welcome to a real pretty old-timer - a quintessentially English pub, the likes of which you’ll have only seen in the movies!

The Venue
You know you’re far away from Central London when the gardens become bigger and better. The Kings Arms isn’t the exception to the rule and is a lovely pub with a large, leafy outdoor patio - a sure hit during the summer.

The interior is quintessentially English - the wooden chairs with high backs, two working fireplaces, and couches are all so traditional you’ll get the feeling you’ve been here before. The dining room with tall windows looking onto the garden is particularly pretty, and even if there are a few cosmetic flaws, they are all forgivable: Kings Arms is definitely pleasant and welcoming.

The Atmosphere
The dining area seems a stronghold of groups of elderly coming in early for a meal, but the rest of the pub is livelier with people of all ages mingling at the bar. The staff are not the friendliest and the game machines spoil the old time feel of the pub.

In general, the atmosphere is pretty standard but the place is pleasant and excellent for a quiet conversation.

The Food
There isn’t anything overly exciting on the menu at Kings Arms, although prices are reasonable with mains costing £5.50-£8 and burgers £7-£8. Expect pub grub with the occasional European dish thrown in for variety.

The sharers (£3.50-£8) are more intriguing with vegetarian nachos, chicken wings, fougasse garlic bread, cocktail sausages, wedges or a generous sampler dish. The Eastern platter is just as tempting with lamb koftas, onion bhajis, poppadoms and mango chutney, and they also have an antipasti platter of cold cuts and olives. The menu is completed by fairly standard sandwiches (£4-£5), jackets (£4-£5) and desserts. Nothing will blow you away with but you’ll find something to fill you up.

The Drink
The best beers here are the ales, with Courage Best Bitter, Old Speckled Hen, Green King IPA and London Pride. Prices are the London average, with draughts at £2.75-£3.25 and bottles at the £3 mark. The wine menu is not too long but bottles are well described and grouped by flavour.

The Argentinean wines are the most interesting with a white Trivento Viognier and a red Otra Vida Malbec. Otherwise, opt of sunny Californians. The bottles are quite a steal, starting at £11 - the highest price being just £15. Large and small glasses are nicely priced accordingly. And the Champagne is quite cheap too at £32.

The Last Word
It can’t be claimed that the Kings Arms is so fantastic you’ll never forget it, but if you are looking for a typically English pub to have a pint in, this one is recommended.

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