Swallow Kingston Lodge Hotel

We came down from Cheshire to combine a wedding invitation in Kingston and a short break. We stayed at the Kingston Lodge Hotel and the rooms were typical of the larger hotel chain rooms. Comfortable, clean and impersonal.
The breakfasts were very good and it was well situated for sightseeing the area. Kingston itself was a good shopping area with direct trains to London. Hampton Court, Wisley Gardens, Kew Gardens and Windsor Castle were all easily accessible. Richmond Park which has deer roaming in it is only 5 minutes walk from the hotel and we walked round the perimeter approx 7 years which was invigorating. We took the opportunity to visit 5 locals pubs for a drink and food with mixed fortunes.
THE ALBERT ARMS, Kingston Hill. Nice environment, comfortable seating and excellent food.
PARK TAVERN; New Road Kingston. One of the smokiest pub I have been into very little ventilation and it did not have a no smoking area. We thought it was a health and safety hazard and left as quickly as we had finished our drink. Did not bother to eat. Terrible.
The RAM; Kingston Town centre. A lovely riverside pub with a garden area out onto the Thames. Excellent pub food very good value. Recommended.
HAND AND FLOWER: Ham Common. another poor choice. To start with it was dirty, the staff were off hand and the beer nearly undrinkable. food average. one to avoid.
NEW INN: Ham Common. A traditional English pub. we were made to feel very welcome, the staff were friendly and the beer well kept. Very clean. Good portion of high quality food albeit a little expensive. Only one point that irritated us was smoking is allowed at the bar and customer sitting on a bar stool seemed to blow smoke into our faces. Otherwise all round superb.
To anyone coming to the area wanting to be out of central London we can recommend the Kingston Lodge hotel a good base in a pleasant area.