When the sun comes out in London, the city springs to life, parks fill up, riverside paths buzz with walkers, and the hunt for the perfect beer garden hits full swing. If you’re searching for the best beer garden in London, look no further than The Mitre in Richmond. This charming West London boozer has become a beloved hideaway for locals and visitors alike, offering heritage, warmth, character, and pints poured with genuine passion.
A True Richmond Gem with 150 Years of History
Tucked away in a peaceful residential corner of Richmond, The Mitre is steeped in London history. Built in 1865 by the church as a coach house, it has been serving the community for more than 150 years. That enduring legacy is felt the moment you step inside. The atmosphere is warm, unpretentious, and delightfully nostalgic. Leather Chesterfields, wingback chairs, real fires, and shelves stacked with board games create a cosy refuge in winter and a lively meeting place throughout the year.
The pub’s philosophy says it all: a traditional ale and cider house, with heaps of London heritage and a friendly, welcoming vibe. It’s the kind of place where regulars know each other by name, where tunes drift softly from the decks, and where every pint is poured with care.
You might even be greeted by Rudi, The Mitre’s much-loved house hound, widely considered Britain’s cutest pub dog. Just be warned: he has a charming habit of convincing visitors to buy him a packet of pork scratchings.
Possibly the Best Beer Garden in London
The Mitre’s beer garden has built a glowing reputation as one of London’s loveliest outdoor drinking spots. Hidden away at the back of the pub, it feels like a true sun-trap in summer, bright, relaxed, and perfect for long, lazy afternoons with friends.
Plenty of tables make it ideal for groups, while a small stage and outdoor screen mean there’s always something going on. Whether it’s football, tennis, or another big match, you can enjoy it al fresco with a cold pint in hand.
On Sunday afternoons, the space transforms into a mini live-music haven. From 5 pm to 7 pm every week, talented local musicians, handpicked from The Mitre’s enviable Rolodex, take to the stage. It’s one of the most enjoyable, atmospheric ways to finish the weekend in Richmond.
Beer Is a Way of Life at The Mitre
This pub doesn’t just serve beer. It celebrates it. At The Mitre, beer is a passion, a calling, and the reason they get up in the morning.
You’ll find an impressive selection of:
- Craft ales
- Lagers
- Stouts
- Ciders
The team takes pride in rotating our selection every week, keeping things exciting for anyone who loves discovering new pours. But if you have a favourite ale, just let us know, we’ll do our best to get it on the pump for you.
It’s this level of care and connection with regulars that sets The Mitre apart from your average London pub.
Perfect Pints Paired with Proper Pizza
A great beer garden deserves great food, and The Mitre has nailed it with its delicious pizza offering. Freshly made and packed with flavour, the pizzas are a huge hit with guests, ideal for pairing with a crisp lager or a rich, full-bodied stout.
Whether you’re after something classic, something indulgent, or something to share with the table, the pizza selection provides exactly what you need to keep the afternoon rolling. It’s simple, satisfying, and exactly what you want from a proper London pub experience.
A Cosy Retreat in Winter
While the beer garden shines in summer, The Mitre remains just as magical in the colder months. The saloon bar becomes a snug woodland hideaway, cosier than a pixie’s pocket.
With real fire burning, great music playing on the decks, and the shelves overflowing with board games, it’s a place to hunker down, unwind, and forget the outside world for a while. The charm is unmistakable, and it keeps locals returning week after week.
Your New Favourite Pub Awaits
Whether you’re stopping by for a sunny afternoon in one of London’s best beer gardens, settling in for live music on a Sunday, or curling up by the fire with a pint in winter, The Mitre offers a brilliant pub experience that feels both timeless and refreshingly real.
So if you’re looking for the best beer garden in London, it’s time to head to Richmond and discover The Mitre, possibly the greatest small pub in the world.