Richard I
52–54 Royal Hill Greenwich London SE10 8RT
One of our favourite Greenwich pubs, and a proper locals' boozer, set among the high-class butchers and greengrocers of West Greenwich – the area's most upmarket quarter. Local residents have been frequenting Richard – or the 'Tolly' as it's affectionately known by those above a certain age – for as long as anyone can remember, and to be honest it hasn't changed all that much over the years, which is exactly what makes it so popular.(It was refurbed a bit a few years back, much to the disgust of angry local resident Andrew Gilligan, but honestly it looks pretty much the same as ever). It still serves a solid selection of Young's ales in a somewhat tobacco-stained main bar – spartan yet cosy, with wooden floors and benches and a lovely window seat – and there's a large outside garden. There is food, and it's decent, but the Richard isn't any kind of gastro pub – just a place to prop up the bar, meet up with your mates, or take the weight off after a long day at the market. Really, Andrew.