Richmond Arms

Blimey, this place is a bit of a Janus as it has two faces. During the day and evening it is a perfectly decent ordinary pub in the centre of Richmond, however after closing time it dusts off the day’s business and becomes a very nice gay bar! I know this because I went with some gay friends one of whose birthday it was. I probably wouldn’t have gained entry on my own but inside was brill indeed. I danced the early morning away, up until about 2am when the place closed down. Music was great, drinks were expensive and I was even asked to dance which absolutely never happens in straight discos. I will have to try the pub with its day time face on. Richmond is a surprise!

This place just doesn’t do it for me. Beer selection is very weak, with no real ales. Atmosphere is OK, enhanced by a disco ball. Prices were high for what we got, but they do have Happy Hour at certain times. There are just too many options in the area for me to ever feel the need to go back.

When I was at university I had a crush on my history lecturer. He was so well groomed and well dressed. (Clue *1). One day I was strolling through Richmond and spotted him walking down the alley way towards this pub, so I thought I might follow him to see where he went. (IT WASN’T STALKING!). He went into this pub with its rainbow flag proudly flying. (Clue *2) Has anyone guessed yet that this is a gay pub?
«How could you not have realised that this was a gay pub?» Asked my friend. «The flowers are so well tended to out the front — when do you see that with a straight pub?». That is true. This pub has one of the nicest flower displays that I have ever seen.
it also has an extremely friendly crowd. I would say that it is more gay than mixed. They also hold cabaret nights as well as other entertainment. It is tucked away from Richmond high street, and obviously has a completely different vibe from the loud, crazy bars that are so near it. Somehow it seems like an oasis of tranquility. I just wish that I had discovered it in more pleasant circumstances!