Pubs & Live Music

The Sussex Arms This pub is worth visiting for its gorgeous interior alone – the ample polished wood, exposed brickwork and genuine log fire all make The Sussex Arms feel like it has just landed in Twickenham straight from the countryside of its titular county’s South Downs. A large beer garden adds to the rustic rural feel, as does the pub’s regular beer festivals, hearty BBQs and a huge variety of beer – there are 15 cask ale pumps, 6 ciders and 10 keg lines on at any given time. 15 Staines Rd, Twickenham, TW2 5BG. 020 8894 7468 www.thesussexarmstwickenham.co.uk/

The White Swan The White Swan is a traditional free house right on the banks of the River Thames in Twickenham. The pub dates back to the 17th century. You can see them in the Samuel Scott print, dated 1760, that hangs above the fire in the bar. Riverside, Twickenham, Greater London, TW1 3DN. 020 8744 2951. www.whiteswantwickenham. co.uk/

The Cabbage Patch As the giant inflatable rugby ball that occasionally sits atop the pub on match days oh so subtly suggests; this is a pub deeply dedicated to all things egg chase. Indeed, The Cabbage Patch has a valid claim of being the most famous rugby pub in London, if not the whole of England. 67 London Road, Twickenham, TW1 3SZ. 020 8892 3874 www.cabbagepatch.co.uk/

The Eel Pie A wonderful pub that pays tribute to the two things Twickenham is most famous for, rock ‘n’ roll and rugby. Taking its name from the (in)famous Eel Pie Island where Rod Stewart, The Rolling Stones and Eric Clapton (among others) all started out during the birth of the rock and roll scene of the early 1960s, you will find plenty of quirky musical and rugby memorabilia adorning the pub’s walls as well as a fab roster of live music events including a regular vinyl night. 9-11 Church Street, Twickenham, TW1 3NJ. 020 8891 1717 www.theeelpie.co.uk/ The Alexander Pope Hotel Another of Twickenham’s superb riverside pubs, the stylish contemporary design of The Alexander Pope Hotel makes the most out of every single ray of sunshine, with a glass-fronted entrance that acts as a magnifying glass to throw a constant spotlight on the pub’s vibrant interior decor. Cross Deep, Twickenham, TW1 4RB. 020 8892 3050 www.alexanderpope.co.uk/

The Prince Albert A proper traditional boozer with a fun Thai twist, The Prince Albert is a great pick for those after a slightly more laid-back atmosphere as it’s off the beaten path and less hectic on match days than some of the other pubs on this roundup. 30 Hampton Rd, Twickenham, TW2 5QB. www.princealberttwickenham.co.uk/

Should you wish to wet your whistle in Twickenham you could hardly have a wider choice. ‘Old school’ inns and taverns, cocktail bars, live music venues, gastropubs, they all abide aplenty in Twickenham. Here are a few suggestions but the best way to find your ‘local’ is surely to take the air and simply explore.