The Bishop

Formally ‘The Bishop Out of Residence’ — named after William of Wykeham, Bishop of Winchester, who had a palace in Kingston from 1202 but was famously never there. The name is the most interesting historical detail here, because the pub itself is thoroughly modern: a Young’s venue at the junction of Market Place and the riverside, polished and contemporary.

The terrace is the main draw. Large, with direct views of Kingston Bridge, it catches the evening sun and fills predictably on summer weekends. Inside, the seasonal British menu covers Sunday roasts and brunch. Upstairs, the River Room bar is available for private hire. Dog-friendly.

The Bishop is more bar than traditional pub — you won’t find sticky carpets or cask-ale philosophers propping up the counter. It’s a good-looking place for a good-looking drink, and the terrace genuinely delivers on the riverside promise. Premium pricing reflects the Young’s brand and the location.

The honest trade-off: less historic personality than Kingston’s older pubs despite that 1202 name origin, and riverside weekends get predictably hectic. But for a polished meetup spot with proper views, it works.

Local’s Tip: The terrace faces west — summer evenings get the best light.