The Shaftesbury

Looking for that perfect London pub where cozy charm meets unforgettable nights? The Shaftesbury in London is about to become your new favorite haunt, and trust me, you're going to want to text your friends about this gem IMMEDIATELY.

Picture this: You're strolling through Richmond, maybe slightly lost, when you stumble upon what looks like your dream living room... if your living room served perfectly poured pints and had an endless supply of good vibes. The Shaftesbury isn't just another London pub – it's that rare find where the moment you walk in, you know you're about to have one of those nights that becomes an instant classic.

Let me tell you about last Thursday. What started as "just one quick drink" at The Shaftesbury turned into four hours of stories, spontaneous friend reunions, and that magical London pub atmosphere that makes you feel like you're in your own British rom-com. The kind of night where you end up becoming best friends with the couple at the next table and somehow learn three new card games from the locals.

The garden? OH. MY. GOODNESS. When the weather plays nice (which, let's be honest, is a rare London gift), The Shaftesbury's outdoor space transforms into this gorgeous urban oasis. Think fairy lights, comfortable seating, and enough space to actually hear your friends' latest gossip without having to do that awkward lean-in-yell thing.

Inside is where the real magic happens though. They've nailed that perfect balance of traditional pub coziness with modern comfort – think warm wooden surfaces, quirky corners perfect for date nights, and enough space for your entire squad to camp out for an evening of quality banter. And don't even get me started on quiz nights! Sunday evenings here are LEGENDARY – nothing beats the combination of competitive trivia, great drinks, and the inevitable "we nearly won!" celebrations.

Speaking of drinks – their beer selection is chef's kiss. Whether you're a craft beer connoisseur or just someone who knows what they like, The Shaftesbury's got you covered. The wine list is equally impressive (and dangerously tempting), and their cocktails? Let's just say I've had to screenshot their menu more than once to remember what that amazing thing I drank was.

But here's the real secret weapon – the FOOD. We're talking proper pub grub that's been elevated to an art form. Their Sunday roast has literally ruined all other Sunday roasts for me. The portions are generous enough to satisfy even your friend who "forgot" to eat lunch, and everything comes with those little extra touches that make you feel like you're getting away with highway robbery at these prices.

Dog friendly? CHECK. Your four-legged friend might actually get more attention than you here, and I'm not even mad about it. There's something about seeing happy pups lounging around that makes everything feel right with the world.

Here's some insider intel: Book ahead for Sunday roast (trust me on this one). The sweet spot for arrival is 6:30pm on weekdays – late enough to avoid the post-work rush but early enough to snag that perfect table by the window. And if you're planning a group thing, they're super accommodating, just give them a heads up.

The location is spot-on too, right near Richmond Circus. It's perfect for those "let's grab one drink" situations that turn into full evening adventures. The best part? There's both free and paid street parking nearby, so no need to play the usual London parking lottery.

Listen, I could keep going, but here's the deal: The Shaftesbury is the kind of London pub that makes you cancel other plans just to stay longer. It's where "quick catch-ups" turn into epic evenings, where strangers become friends, and where every visit feels like you're part of some exclusive club that somehow everyone is welcome to join.

Don't be the person who has to hear about last night's adventures at The Shaftesbury secondhand. Get yourself down to this Richmond gem and create some stories of your own. Your future self will thank you for making this your new local – even if it's not actually local to you. Trust me, it's worth the journey every single time.