The old Clockhouse pub in Teddington's High Street will reopen next week restored to its old name of The Kings Arms, and with a clear and exciting vision to "put something back into the community."

Plans for the launch of the much-loved pub which dates back to 1860 could not be more timely as only two weeks ago Teddington was named as the best place to live in London by The Sunday Times .

General manager Simon Knox has had his work cut out preparing the pub for opening with the additional challenge of making the premises Covid-safe when it reopens for the first time on Monday.

When the The Kings Arms opens next week it will have outdoor seating for 81 customers, including three new three-person tables at the front of the pub and 12 wooden tables and benches at the back, each accommodating six people.

The new-look pub will showcase artworks of Teddington landmarks such as the Lock and Bushy Park by local artists, as well as a fascinating collection of photographs provided by local historian Ken Howe including one of the old Kings Arms itself!

As well as capturing a taste of the flourishing arts and crafts activities of Teddington, the pub will also celebrate the community's historic music heritage.

It will display rare album covers by Pink Floyd, whose guitarist Dave Gilmour turned a houseboat moored at Hampton into a recording studio, and Status Quo, whose frontman Rick Parfitt used to live in a luxury flat in Ferry Road.

Mr Knox is pals with musician Rick Parfitt Jnr and when government guidelines allow it he would like to introduce a weekly live music session.

The pub will also have a function room accommodating up to 40 people for special events.

Local mums with small babies will also be encouraged to make use of the room for coffee mornings and even film shows. Baby changing facilities are also available.

The room will also boast a 72-inch screen for big sporting calendar events like international rugby, football, Wimbledon and the Ryder Cup.

As for the drinks, the pub promises an exotic collection of Gin Cocktails as well as lagers Amstel and Camden Hells, beers such as London Pride and Twickenham's Naked Ladies, Harveys and even a beer created by the pub itself called Kings Arms ale.

For the more adventurous drinker the pub will also stock Beavertown Neck oil and Laine Source pale ale.

Mr Knox said: "The Kings Arms dates back hundreds of years and has a fantastic history in Teddington.

"We want to restore that excellent reputation and provide a memorable experience for older customers who may have fond memories of the old pub as well as lots of new customers.

"We don't want to compete with the many great restaurants and eateries in Teddington but we do want to create a traditional and friendly pub atmosphere serving good quality and good value food in a simple way - including barbeques when the weather allows and stone-baked pizzas and a selection of basket food and a charcuterie board."

"We know what a great community Teddington is and how people get out and support new businesses and we hope they will do the same for us.

"We want to be celebrating everything that Teddington stands for as well as creating a great new pub at the heart of the community."

If you would like to book a table at the Kings Arms, please email [email protected] or telephone 020 8977 3909