Richmond is a lovely town on the southwestern outskirts of London ¬– known for its many parks and open spaces, riverside bona fides, celebrity residents (including Mick Jagger), and now “Ted Lasso.”
If you haven’t joined the cult – fan club might be a more fitting term – or maybe living under a rock (though not in Richmond), Ted Lasso is a TV show sensation on Disney+, set in the London borough.
Ostensibly about a fictional British soccer team, Richmond FC, that imports an American football coach (Jason Sudeikis) who knows nothing about the sport, it is warm, funny, insightful into both British and Brit “football” culture, and equally appealing to viewers who care little about the latter (including my wife, who after being harassed into watching, went on to binge watch the two full seasons in a matter of days.)
So, watch the show.
But to our point, for those who have watched, they’ll know that, outside of the football stadium, perhaps the most prominent setting in the show is the local pub – reflecting the reality that British pub culture and football are inextricably linked.
The establishment in question is called The Crown and Anchor in the show, which is a fictional venue based on a real pub – The Prince’s Head. (The hilarious matronly, no-nonsense manager Mae is one of the unsung stars of the show).
Located across from Richmond Green, just a short walk from rail and tube stations, the pub is now the site of pilgrimages from fans (like an industry colleague and Lasso devotee I know who was planning a visit this month).
If you go, know that the Prince’s Head marquee was covered by Crown and Anchor only for filming; and like Cheers in Boston, the interior doesn’t necessarily match the TV version.
Visitors will also note real street scenes from the show, including Paved Court, where Ted lives, and the signature red phone box; plus, the general atmosphere of charming Richmond. (It should be noted that Twickenham also doubles as the setting for Richmond in the show; also, there is no actual football stadium to see in Richmond).
As for the pub, the real Prince’s Head dates to 1705 when it was known as The Duke of Ormonde’s Head, later the Duke’s Head (after Ormonde was disgraced), and then The Prince’s Head since 1778. The pub briefly lost its license around 1910 for allowing women in – an offence that thankfully is no longer in effect. (With such a history, it is perhaps unsurprising to learn that the pub doesn’t even allude to its current star status on its web site).
A “Fullers” pub, the Head features Fullers ales, but also craft lagers and seasonal ales, ciders, spirits, exclusive wines, and artisan soft drinks. Even tea, which show fans will recall that Ted would never order.
The kitchen serves familiar pub fare like pies, fish and chips, and burgers, but also more varied and elegant fare, like steak and wild game faggots. Like many pubs in Britain, Sunday means roasts.
Patrons will find sports (rugby, but apparently and surprisingly not football) on TV and there’s live music and an open mic night.
Located at 28 The Green, Richmond, opening hours are noon to 11 p.m. (10:30 on Sundays). Or subject to streaming any time!
With glass purposefully in hand, we at Travel Industry Today continue our series on some of the planet’s best bars, patios and rooftop venues. For more articles in the series, click here:
PREVIOUS ARTICLES: https://travelindustrytoday.com/pub-patio/