From Rags to Richmond Riches looking for Ted
The biggest surprise today was how close Wembley and Richmond are. If quizzed, I would have said 20 miles. In reality - 8 miles that includes some Adventure Lab Caching (ALC) meandering and a train from Kew Gardens.
A walk that shows the diversity (of wealth) of London. No hanging around in Wembley. I'd have got stoned on second hand breakfast jazz cigarettes. Not that there was anywhere to stop.
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| The Plough, Alperton |
There's no way this could be described as classic walking but it does have challenges to overcome. Circumventing Hanger Lane gyratory on foot requires luck and bravery. The main road of Hanger Lane is full of traffic noise, but does allow a glimpse through the gates of Ealing Village. Cottage living in West London. Distraction found in Gunnersbury Park, where an ALC shows me the temples, pools and gothic castles.
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| Architecture in Gunnersbury Park |
Planned to perfection for the 11am opening of my first Good Beer Guide Tick - The Express Tavern at Kew Bridge. But who are the hordes of people being helped across the pedestrian crossing under the M4?
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| Does Brentford still have a pub at each corner of the ground? |
Alert the "Dubious Ticks Committee". As beautiful as the Express Tavern looks, I'm not battling a four deep bar queue to drink Bass out of a plastic glass.
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| Guarded by two layers of bouncers - High and Low Viz |
Vow to future self - check the football. Not only did I plan a lunchtime pint at the nearest pub to a premier league game with a 12:30am kick off, I also planned a 19:00 return train after both Villa and Wolves took three points each back to the Midlands. Unsurprisingly, I have a delay/reply in progress due to the Avanti West Coast main line being blocked by the previous train due to "passenger disturbance".
Back to the walking.... Kew village is beautiful and a final ALC shows me the sights around the Green. I could bring photos, but probably best to let you use you imagination as to what the mortuary for Thames river drowning casualties looks like.
Richmond is not quite on the London Spiral Walk but it is easily accessible from Kew Gardens station.
Walking curtailed to go on the hunt for Ted Lasso.
I'm owed an half from missing the Express - so a beeline is made for The White Cross. 10 years since my last visit and I have fond memories of seeing the brightly lit neon signage after arriving in town as dusk fell after a riverside walk.
A simple Young's Pub that should be on all "Best views from a pub window" lists.
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| The White Cross, Richmond |
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| View from the pub steps |
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| Same view past the diners in the Bay Window |
Ted Lasso - the mildly amusing football based comedy drama that prompted me to take out another paid TV subscription - is quite the cultural phenomenon. I wait my turn for the photos outside his flat in Paved Court.
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| Paved Court - Home of Ted |
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| And there he is.... |
The fictional pub in the series, the Crown and Anchor, is in reality is the Princes Head. A prime location, looking over the Richmond Green and as you would expect from a Fullers House, a very good ESB.
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| Music is Life at the Princes Head |
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| Lots of Ted fans - but they can't complain - Richmond AFC Scarves behind the bar just encourages them |
Starving hungry, I would have eaten here if they had allowed a solo diner one of their free restaurant tables. All booked at 2pm sounds like an anti-rambler excuse. But to be fair, this did lead to a much more convivial experience in Cricketers next door.
Greeted by an old school, be-tied landlord, this Greene King House from 1770 has the same views over Richmond Green, with a far more laid back experience. Everything is old school - from the furniture, stripped floorboards and cricket related paraphernalia. Timothy Taylor an addition to the GK Standards but it was the food and service that made this place a joy. Prices reasonable (for London).
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| Handsome and Old School |
Walk Information
Distance - 8 Miles
Start - Wembley Central Station
Finish - Kew Gardens Station
Areas Walked - Alperton, Ealing, Gunnersbury Park, Kew
Geocaches - 2 and two Adventure Lab Caches
Pubs - 3
Previous Walks - Stage 1, Stage 2, Stage 3, Stage 4, Stage 5, Stage 6, Stage 7, Stage 8, Stage 9, Stage 10, Stage 11, Stage 12
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