The Quintessential Greenwich Pub?

Long and affectionately known to locals as the ‘Tolly’, this true community hub once served as an off licence for the now-defunct Suffolk brewery Tolly Cobbold. Since acquiring the adjoining Greenwich Union, which never reopened after the pandemic, the cherished institution has never looked better.

Young’s have done brilliant work combining the two spaces without sacrificing the unique feel of the beloved ‘Tolly’. Jools Holland, who played the piano here many times, would still feel at home amongst its cosy leather banquettes, dark-wood bar and colourfully eclectic art and furnishings. Regulars stumbling across the bright dining area leading to the beer garden feel as though a curtain has simply been pulled aside, revealing more of the pub they’ve always known and loved.

But, post-renovation, things are definitely brighter and better than ever! Dog lovers and sunseekers revel in the expansive, umbrella-shaded beer garden, fringed with bamboo and playful ‘portraits’ of former monarchs. It’s an ideal space for parties, available for hire (with no minimum spend) and frequently host to live music and events such as ‘Sit and Paint’ sessions. The pub’s varied, inviting indoor spaces can also be hired for parties of many sizes.

Jamie, the Richard I’s bearded, beaming general manager, embodies the pub’s enduring spirit of hospitality. A Young’s veteran of 11 years, he greets newcomers as happily as the locals he knows by name. Jamie dreams of sharing his canny selection of malt whiskies with a great storyteller like Louis Theroux.

‘Seasonal’ and ‘local’ actually mean something on the Richard I’s drool-inducing menu, which changes quarterly. Sustainably caught fish is rushed directly from independent boats; Kentish lamb comes from the Romney salt marshes; Greenwich’s own beloved Paul Rhodes bakes the ever-fresh artisanal bread; and Nutbourne Tomatoes supplies up to 28 heirloom varieties from its West Sussex farm.

Whatever the season, generosity and a nostalgic love of British cuisine distinguish the food at the Richard I. Whether that’s lamb scrumpets (croquettes) or a jam roly poly straight from the pages of Mrs Beeton’s Book of Household Management, you’ll find ‘home-cooked’ delights at any time of the year.

While, as a Young’s pub, there’s always a fantastic range of award-winning ales and craft beers on show, connoisseurs aren’t neglected. Amongst Old- and New-World classics you’ll find irresistible peculiarities such as Nyetimber Classic Cuvee, a champagne-style blend of chardonnay, pinot noir, and pinot meunier that’s the much-awarded pride of this South Downs winery. Naturally, if you’re after a pint of Young’s hoppy London Special or rich Double Chocolate Stout, they’re also poured with pride and precision.

Lovers of Georgian architecture have an additional reason to drop by the Richard I. Set centrally on Royal Hill, a crescent of historic and handsome homes, grocers and other independent stores, the ‘Tolly’ occupies Grade II-listed early-17^th century buildings boasting original multi-coloured bricks, moulded architraves and a central bay window of curved glass. It’s easy to see the historical bones underneath the current, gorgeous exterior.

Many see the riverside splendours of Maritime Greenwich; too few wander the few hundred metres beyond Greenwich DLR station to this beloved hub of community spirit and celebration.