The Bishop, Kingston Riverside, Kingston Upon Thames

A polygonal building housing a popular, family friendly, Youngs pub in a riverside location beside Kingston bridge. More food led than wet so a lot of table and chair furnishing but with semi circular banquettes at round tables as well. The counter is in a back corner and has a selection of kegs of little interest plus three hand pumps, obviously the now lack lustre “Youngs” Ordinary sorry “Original” and the not very special Special, fortunately a Surrey Hills beer occupied pump 3. Nice river views and there’s a waterside patio.

A Youngs pubco. house,I used it in the 80's after it's opening as part of the Riverside Walk development when it was known as the Bishop Out Of Residence .In those days Youngs ale was decent and reliable when brewed in Wandsworth,the shotened pub name also hints at a reduction in ale quality once brewing was removed from Wandsworth. Set back from the walkway with a beer garden to the front means that river views are very limited inside on both levels.The interior spaces have an upmarket feel,almost dining room style while the rear bars serve the same ales at both levels ,on my trip Youngs London Original,Special and Adnams Ghost Ship,NBSS 3 ,£3.20 the half.I wandered up to the first floor terrace,a narrow outside space of 8 small two person tables but giving decent river views. More food orientated than boozer,it will attract tourist visitors but I found it antiseptic and not worthy of a revisit.The chain vibe is strong despite friendly serving staff.

Official site of The Bishop - www.thebishopkingston.co.uk

Official site of The Bishop - www.thebishopkingston.co.uk

A two-floor modern riverside building which has been heavily refurbished in the typical current posh and upmarket Youngs fashion, with prices to match. Signs advertising fresh oysters and ludicrously expensive steaks are a giveaway as to its target audience, however the riverside tables seem to drag in lesser mortals. Youngs Special and Ordinary, sorry Original, on handpump, along with SW19 as guest.