From Ted Lasso’s “Believe” to a mad dash along the Thames — Richmond delivers heart, humour and a happy ending.
When the whole team pressed a hand to that poster in the locker room — you know, the one above the door with the simple word “Believe” — I swear my heartstrings received a little tug.
Hi there lovely readers,
So here we are in Richmond — Ted Lasso territory. And yes, I’m unabashedly into that poignant, hopeful message: “Craft your thoughts, be patient, stay kind, stay positive.” It’s the kind of thing that can change the way you walk down a street or talk to yourself under your breath.
We wandered into the forecourt (the one that’s strung with fairy lights by evening), passed the bench where Ted and Coach Beard mused over takeaway coffees, and walked the lane to “Ted’s home away from home.” I just loved the wee barrel yielding water for the pups.
We also dropped by The Crown & Anchor — real-life The Prince’s Head — where we collapsed, ordered our usual, and let our boots take a rest. Richmond’s charm doesn’t depend on the show, but Ted gave every corner a little extra warmth.
After lunch, pints, and lots of laughter, we made a beeline to the White Cross Pub to rendezvous with our host Adrian (who’s basically family now). He’d just told us we are running late for the Thames cruise back to Westminster — cue the classic dilemma: drain your pints in one gulp, carry them with you like juggling grenades, or leave them behind as sacrificial offerings. We opted for speed (sans beer), sprinted the 800 metres to the dock, hopped aboard mid-boarding, and collapsed into deck seats. Evidence of gasps + apologies? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely. Because, dear readers, we made it. Believe!

And of course a post will not be complete without a fact or two yes? Here’s my Richmond top 5:
1. Locations used in Richmond for filming Ted Lasso include:
• The Prince’s Head Pub: This pub was used for the exterior shots of the “Crown & Anchor” pub. The interior scenes were filmed on a studio set.
• Richmond Green: A large public park that frequently appears for outdoor scenes, including Ted’s walks, public events, and Roy coaching his niece’s team.
• Paved Court: The charming alley where Ted’s front door is located in the show.
• Richmond Theatre: Appears in the show and can be visited in the area.
• Gaucho Richmond: A restaurant on the riverfront where some scenes were filmed.
2. Richmond Park is a National Nature Reserve and home to anthills that go back150 years, an ancient oak that’s an estimated 750 years old and the 600-strong herds of red and fallow deer that have roamed the park since 1637.
3. The Thames in Richmond is tidal, meaning even this far upstream the river’s level changes with the tide, often leaving the White Cross punters wading to their seats, beers aloft.
4. Richmond Bridge, completed in 1777, is the oldest surviving bridge across the Thames in London.
5. • Richmond upon Thames has been voted the happiest borough in London for several consecutive years.
The cruise back down the river was delightful, a warm breeze on our faces as we sipped G&Ts and marvelled at what a fabulously vibrant city London is, and we’ve barely scratched the surface. A toast to the weather, our hosts, and the city, now bathed in glorious shades of dusk, now, where to for dinner?