‘We love the feel of the place,’ writes a Guide reader in 2017 of this lively pub-with-rooms in a ‘magnificent location’ between Richmond Park and Kew Gardens. It is owned by chef Paul Merrett, who stepped back from Michelin stardom to enjoy the relaxed gastropub style at this jollied-up Victorian inn. Encouraged by ‘excellent staff’, the vibe is buzzy all day: ‘post-school drop-off coffees in the morning, great food and pub atmosphere at night’. Choose from a good-value bar menu (perhaps an Angus burger or a Caesar salad), or sample modern dishes in the conservatory restaurant and terrace. Typical offerings: radicchio and pear salad, salt-baked beetroot, walnut and labneh cheese balls; chargrilled Gloucestershire Old Spot pork chop, smoked apple ketchup, thrice-cooked chips. In the walled garden, the outdoor kitchen fires up for a summer cook-out. Well-priced, modern bedrooms are supplied with an espresso machine and home-baked cookies. ‘Our ground-floor room had noise from the guests above, but was adequate otherwise.’ More than adequate: the fruit, cereal and ‘tasty local bread’ at breakfast. (Gregory Powick)