Orange Tree

Just what Richmond needed - another pub in London calling itself the Orange Tree. Because apparently, we were running dangerously low on establishments named after foliage. Still, there's something about this particular Orange Tree that's been drawing crowds to its corner of Richmond, and despite my best efforts to maintain my professional cynicism, I'm finding it harder to roll my eyes with each visit.

Let's address the elephant in the room - yes, the Orange Tree London is yet another pub-slash-hotel hybrid, a concept that usually fills me with the same enthusiasm as a root canal. But here's where things get annoyingly interesting. The downstairs bar area has managed to strike that elusive balance between traditional pub charm and modern sensibilities, without falling into the dreaded "Instagram-ready" trap that plagues so many London venues these days.

The staff, particularly characters like Tyrese and Alex (who seem pathologically incapable of having a bad day), inject the place with an energy that's frustratingly infectious. Trust me, I tried to maintain my usual air of detached criticism, but it's rather difficult when your server approaches with the kind of genuine enthusiasm usually reserved for lottery winners and puppies.

What's particularly vexing is how they've managed to preserve the soul of a proper London pub while quietly elevating the experience. The bar setup is extensive without being pretentious - they'll pour you a perfect pint or mix a cocktail with equal skill, and somehow manage to do it without the mustache-twirling theatrics that plague many of the city's more "sophisticated" establishments.

For those seeking liquid sustenance, the beer selection deserves particular mention. It's comprehensive without being overwhelming, and - I can't believe I'm saying this - the staff actually knows their stuff. Ask about any of the offerings, and you'll get genuine insight rather than the usual rehearsed tasting notes that sound like they were copied from the brewery's website.

The food program (yes, we must call it a "program" these days) is another reluctant highlight. While some pub kitchens seem to operate on the principle that hungry people will eat anything, the Orange Tree's offerings are surprisingly well-executed. The portions are generous enough to satisfy even the most ravenous patron, and the quality consistently exceeds what one might expect from a Richmond pub.

The venue itself deserves mention, if only because they've somehow managed to create distinct spaces that actually work together. The main bar area maintains its pub identity while the dining sections feel more refined, and yet neither feels out of place. They've even managed to accommodate groups without turning the place into a shouty mess - a feat that deserves recognition in itself.

For sports enthusiasts (a category I typically avoid with impressive dedication), the Orange Tree has become something of a destination. They've installed screens in strategic locations that somehow don't dominate the space when there's no match on - a bit of design wizardry that I'm almost angry about appreciating.

The dog-friendly policy is another touch that adds to the community feel, though I'm still trying to maintain my skepticism about establishments that welcome four-legged patrons. It's hard to keep up one's cynical facade when there's a golden retriever giving you hopeful looks from the next table.

Now, about those payment options - they've embraced the modern era with contactless, cards, and all the usual suspects, while maintaining the ability to handle actual cash. It's almost as if they've thought about what their customers might actually want. How inconvenient for those of us who enjoy complaining about such things.

Look, I didn't want to like the Orange Tree London. It goes against everything in my nature to praise a venue that, on paper, sounds like just another entry in Richmond's ever-growing collection of pubs. But here I am, reluctantly admitting that they've created something rather special. Whether you're after a proper pint, a well-mixed cocktail, or a meal that rises well above standard pub fare, you'll find it here. And yes, I'm as surprised as you are to be writing those words.

If you must visit - and based on the consistently full tables, it seems many of you already have - you'll find the Orange Tree in Richmond doing what many London pubs attempt but few achieve: creating a space that feels both current and timeless. Just don't tell them I sent you. I have a reputation to maintain.