The Kings Arms, Bush Road, Kew 1984

On the edge of Kew Green, just a short stroll from the Thames and in the shadow of Kew Bridge, once stood a proud and well-frequented public house: The King?s Arms. For over a century, it served locals and travellers alike?a familiar fixture in this historic corner of west London.

A Pub with Deep Roots

The history of The King?s Arms stretches back to at least the early 19th century, though some sources suggest it may have been built in the 1770s by George Shennerstedt on land owned by the Earl of Bute. Originally supplied by the Collins brewery, it later became part of the Courage brewery estate.

Positioned at 85 Kew Green, this large Victorian pub offered prime views of the river and easy access to Kew Gardens and the surrounding green. Over time, it became a staple of the local community, welcoming generations of residents, tourists, and commuters passing over Kew Bridge.

Decline and Transformation

As with many traditional pubs across London, the King?s Arms eventually succumbed to changing habits and commercial pressures. It ceased trading as a pub in October 1997. For a time, the building was taken over by a Greek restaurant, and soon after by an Ask Italian?one of many mid-market chains that found homes in former pubs during the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Eventually, even that usage came to an end. Today, the building has found a new life as a children?s nursery, marking a complete transformation from its original use. While the structure still stands, the days of beer taps and bar stools have long faded into memory.