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Top 10 Things to do in Richmond

By Burn •

I must admit that we Burners are very lucky to work in such a lovely part of London. As I enter my third month at the agency, exploring Richmond during my lunch hour remains a highlight of every day.  Some of things I would have recommended have previously been touched on in our Jess’s post on Most Instagrammable London Spots to Visit Now (word of caution: you’ll want to go to all of them). That said, I had to cut this list from over thirty suggestions, so the following really are the crème de la crème…

  1. Treat yourself at So Bar Richmond

Nestled in the lanes between Richmond’s high street and Richmond Green, So Bar Richmond is a lovely place to go for an occasion. The cocktails are heavenly, I recommend a Vesper Martini: Gin,Vodka and Lillet Blonde shaken with a twist of lemon. Table service means none of the nasty bar-barging regardless of what night of the week it is!

  1. Actually go and see that film

Both the Curzon Cinema (independent-feel, great selection of films) and the Odeon Richmond are situated in historic buildings near the river, which really adds to the experience and provides ample opportunity for a pre or post-film meal.

Top tip: Make the most of Odeon “Screen Unseen” night for a fiver. The idea is that you get to watch five-star films early at a fraction of the usual price, the catch? You don’t know what you’re going to see until the curtains lift (but it will never be a horror, fear not – if you pardon the pun).

  1. Watch the sunset on the riverside steps

I don’t know how or why, but Richmond’s sunsets always seem to have the most beautiful skies. I highly recommend taking some time out to sit and watch it (see my amazing photo).

  1. Have brunch at The Ivy Café

Confession: I haven’t actually been there yet, but I do peek through the window into a portal of warm, nostalgic glamour every time I walk past. Those that have been assure me that the brunches and cocktails are to die for. Sadly, brunch is only served at the weekend from 11-4, so booking is a necessity!

  1. Go to the pub (dream CTA #marketingbanter)

I can genuinely say that Richmond has a commendable selection of pubs, all of which really rise to the occasion for the festive season. My favourite has got to be the Old Ship – look out for the blackboard on the right hand side of their bar for festive favourites such as warm G&T’s, mulled wine or spiced cider.

  1. Sip pretty (delicious) coffee at Coffeeology

This independent coffee shop opened at the start of year and I didn’t know that I wanted a mustard coffee machine until I went there. It’s a lovely place to have anything from the classic flat white to the cult matcha latte. Having said that, you’d be hard pressed to not find a lovely, independent coffee shop in Richmond, particularly up on Hill Rise.

  1. Celeb spot

We’re not boasting (we are), but our current ‘spotted’ list includes Tom and Charlotte Hardy, Emily Blunt, Natalie Dormer, Fearne Cotton, Martine McCutcheon (shoutout to Love Actually) and Richard E. Grant. That said, apparently David Attenborough lives here, so seeing him is obviously the real goal.

  1. Marvel at the deer in Richmond Park

Put on a faux Australian accent to host the nature show of your dreams whilst stalking the stags across Richmond Park. Protected by law and property of the Queen, herds move freely. Best (if not slightly unsettling) at rutting season in October. Ideal for quick getaways, grab a bike at Richmond Cycle by the river for just £5 to see more of the park and watch the males jostle for pole position.

  1. “God, read a book.” from The Open Book Shop on King Street

I know that Kindles make far more sense financially and practically, but you must admit it’s just not the same as the glorious smell when you open a new book or physically turn over each page.

  1. Be both charitable and self-indulgent at the same time.

Mary’s Living & Giving Shop for Save the Children bordering Richmond Green is the arguably one of the best charity shops in the country for finding amazing vintage designer clothes at discounted price. And the best part? money goes to a good cause, according to their website, “on average over the last five years, 89% of our total expenditure has been on charitable activities. For 2016, that figure was 91%”.

Enjoy and please be sure to tag us on Instagram or Twitter (@burnmarketing) if you go to any of the above and/or leave a comment if you’d like me to do a spring/summer update. Thank you!

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