The Canbury Arms, Kingston Upon Thames

Having read some of the reviews below and having frequented the pub for over 5 years, I sense sour grapes from some visitors. My experience (and that of my ale drinking friends) is one of complete satisfaction.
The Canbury is thriving, always busy with a warm ambience, attentive staff, and a kitchen that produces food that is second to none in this pleasant, leafy part of Kingston.
In addition to the superb wines they have a great selection of beers and real ales. I have been informed by the landlord that real ale sales constitute 60% of their overall beer sales, they sell between 9-18 gallons of each of their 5 ales on offer every week. The beer is fresh and well chilled and when they have hit the last pint in the barrel during a busy service, have always exchanged it without fuss if not up to scratch.
As a regular customer who is signed up to their loyalty card I benefit from 10% of every purchase being credited to my card which makes a pint of ale just �3.20 which I believe is great value. In addition to the loyalty card they have many other weekly offers available. I don't think the landlord can be blamed for the ever increasing duty, VAT and price rises by the government and drinks industry.

The back street pub has actually become a favourite destination for many discerning drinkers and diners and I'm sure the local residents would disagree that this part of Kingston is 'not particularly nice'.

A lot can be said for the multiple awards the pub has received, its obvious popularity within the local community and the thousands of pounds they have helped raise for many local good causes.

I would suggest that if you ever have an issue with the service provided raise it with the helpful staff. My experience is that they will move mountains to rectify a problem.

Well done the Canbury Arms - Keep up the great work.

21 Jan 2011 15:23

The Canbury Arms, Kingston Upon Thames

Well done the Canbury, I see you've won the Great British Pub Awards London region award for best leasehold pub of the year 2009, well deserved. The Canbury is a hugely successful pub and right on my doorstep, it offers something for everyone, why some people need to label it gastropub with a hint of bitterness in their tone I don't know. The atmosphere is welcoming to all, the beer is great and competitively priced, you pay the same price for a far more decent house wine than you would get in Pizza Express, the food is deliciously diverse and the offering ranges from ample bar snacks to superb pies and even salads these days!! If you want a greasy chicken in the basket this is not the pub for you but the Ploughmans is stonking! The food is an important part of this pub but they do not discriminate between drinkers and diners. The level of service is second to none, when the pub is full due to it's popularity the attentive staff make it quite clear when necessary there may be a slight delay getting food to the table,and as we all know patience is a virtue. The Canbury has reacted to the current economic climate and provided a menu that offers cheaper dishes without affecting the standard of the food, they even offer FREE toast with your coffee in the mornings!

5 Aug 2009 10:01