The Hogarth in Teddington has a new owner so I had to visit
If you regularly walk down Teddington's Broad Street, then you won't have missed the beautiful building that is the Hogarth Pub.
With its gold sign and large Edwardian-like windows, you cannot help but want to look inside, and that's before you've seen the floor poster highlighting the live events that go on.
The Hogarth recently underwent refurbishment run by new owner James Carey and reopened on 8 August.
Carey, from County Kildare, Ireland, isn't new to the pub scene as he has another pub in Brentford.
He has lived in Teddington for 11 years.
The previous owners of The Hogarth were UK pub chain, Fullers' Pubs.
I must admit, I hadn't been to the old pub, but when I saw that The Hogarth was reopening under new management, I knew I'd have to give it a visit.
I already knew I liked the Hogarth before I even sat down not only because the new pub boasts an elegant interior with its blue and golden walls and wooden table/ chair sets, but because of Carey's welcoming demeanour.
I'm of Irish blood myself, so I was delighted when I heard Carey's accent- not biased I swear.
Carey plans to serve food in the pub but has visions for it to be more of a sports pub; with two TVs inside and one in the beer garden, which he will only put on for big sports events like the Six Nations, Wimbledon, the Euros.
Carey also plans to host live music events on weekends.
He said for the new and improved pub to work "things need to change".
He told Teddington Nub News that as the pub is near Queen Mary University, it has always attracted a student crowd.
In the last two weeks since its reopening, Carey says that the pub has been busy for drinks.
I can see why, because, yes, whilst I visited the pub on a quiet Wednesday lunchtime, the calm and friendly atmosphere that the Hogarth exhibits is perfect for any pub vibe.
Plus, it has a cosy little beer garden, which I feel many pubs lack these days.
The Hogarth has one spacious room with plenty of tables, perfect for when it gets busy.
It also has what I would call a "comfy corner" with cushioned seats and sofas that is hidden away from the TVs for punters who do not like sports.
Eager for a pub lunch, I ordered the smashed avocado on sourdough toast with feta and sun-dried tomatoes and, of course, a cheeky glass of pinot.
Whilst there are a variety of classic pub meals to choose from, including fish and chips and chicken wings, Carey said that the current menu is limited because "it's hard to get kitchen staff these days."
He had two people in mind to hire as kitchen staff, but they pulled out last minute.
Despite Carey's struggles in finding kitchen staff, I thoroughly enjoyed my meal.
The sourdough was perfectly toasted, and the feta and tomatoes added a hint of extra flavour.
The texture was a wonderful blend of soft mushiness with crunch.
What's more, is that the pub is reasonably priced- something that is almost impossible to find in London.
The avo sourdough cost a mere £8, and a medium pinot cost £6.25.
It's safe to say that I'll definitely be returning to the Hogarth in the future (if not regularly) and cannot wait to see how it flourishes.
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