The Rugby Fan's Guide: Getting from The Greyhound Kew to Twickenham Stadium
.webp)
Match day at Twickenham is one of sport's great occasions. The roar of 82,000 people, the smell of turf, the particular tension of a Six Nations afternoon. There's nothing quite like it. But if you've ever spent the two hours before kick-off wedged into a Twickenham high street pub, shoulder-to-shoulder, waiting eight minutes for a pint and unable to hear the person next to you, you'll know that the pre-match experience doesn't always live up to the main event.
There's a better way. And it starts about four miles up the road, on Kew Green.
Why Kew Green Beats Twickenham High Street Every Time
Let's be honest about what the pubs near Twickenham Stadium look like on a big match day. They're packed from noon. The beer queues are long, the atmosphere is frenetic, and by the time you've fought your way to the bar, you're already a bit tired before the rugby's even started.
Kew Green is the alternative that most fans haven't discovered yet, which is precisely what makes it better.
The Greyhound sits right on the Green, a proper old pub with space to breathe, a full food menu if you want to line your stomach properly, and the kind of pre-match atmosphere that's actually enjoyable: buzzing, friendly, and not so loud you lose your voice before the anthems.
You get the drinks you actually want, served at a pace that doesn't require queuing strategy. You get a seat, if you book ahead. And you arrive at the ground fresher, warmer, and in considerably better spirits than the fans who've been standing in Twickenham since 11am.
Getting from The Greyhound to Twickenham Stadium
This is the practical bit, and it's simpler than you might think.
By taxi / rideshare The most straightforward option on match day. Kew Green to Twickenham Stadium is roughly 10 to 15 minutes by cab outside of heavy traffic. On big match days, allow a little extra time and aim to leave The Greyhound around 45 to 50 minutes before kick-off. Ubers and local cabs are readily available from Kew.
By public transport From Kew Gardens station (District line, a five-minute walk from The Greyhound), take the train towards Richmond, then connect to South West Railway toward Twickenham. The journey is around 20 to 25 minutes door to door, including the short walk at each end. Trains run frequently on match days and it's a perfectly easy route. Just check your timings before you settle in for that second pint.
By bus The R68 and 65 bus routes connect Kew with Richmond and onward toward Twickenham. Scenic, but slower. Factor in 30 to 40 minutes and avoid this option if you're cutting it fine.
On foot / cycling If you're feeling adventurous and the weather's cooperating, the route along the Thames Path from Kew toward Richmond is genuinely beautiful. It's not a quick option for getting to the ground, but worth knowing for the post-match wander if you're in no rush.
The Match Day Plan, Step by Step
Here's how a proper Greyhound match day looks:
12:00 — Arrive at The Greyhound Book a table in advance for a larger group. Get settled, order food if you want it. Our kitchen runs until mid-afternoon on weekends, so a proper meal before a cold afternoon in the stands is never a bad call.
12:00 to 14:00 — Pre-match drinks A Guinness, perhaps a second. Watch the earlier fixtures if they're on. Argue about the starting lineup. This is the good part.
14:15 — Start making moves Head to Kew Gardens station or order your cab. This gives you comfortable time to get to the ground, collect anything you need, and find your seats without the sprint.
Around 15:00 — Kick-off You're in. You're not flustered. You've eaten. Life is good.
Post-match — come back Rather than joining the post-match crush in Twickenham, head back to Kew. The Greyhound is warm, there's room at the bar, and the debrief is far more enjoyable with a proper drink in hand.
Six Nations at The Greyhound
For Six Nations weekends especially, The Greyhound is one of the best spots in southwest London to watch the earlier games before heading to the ground, or to catch matches you're not attending in something approaching comfort.
We show the rugby on match days, the atmosphere is exactly right, and you won't be fighting for a square foot of floor space to stand on.
If you're watching rather than attending, book a booth and you're sorted for the whole afternoon.
A Note on Brentford Stadium
For fans heading to events at Brentford's Gtech Community Stadium, Kew sits neatly between Twickenham and Brentford, making The Greyhound a solid pre-match option from either direction. Kew Bridge station is a short cab ride from the ground, and the principle is the same: a civilised drink before the chaos, rather than in the middle of it.
Book Ahead on Match Days
Match day Saturdays and Sundays fill up. If you're bringing a group, and most rugby fans do, drop us a reservation so we can make sure you have a spot.
📍 The Greyhound, Kew Green, Richmond, TW9
Less queuing. Better pints. Easier journey. See you before kick-off.