Reviews The Cocoanut

Gorgeous food, really pleased every time I've come here. Decent portions, fantastic pricing for the area, I'm always amazed by how absolutely wonderful every meal tastes. And of course, the adorable, confident pub dog is a bonus :)

I'm going to lather the history on thick in this review, as we dive into Kingston's long-standing relationship with the Coconut. Firstly, this pub part, this is the *only* pub in the UK with this name, keeping the original spelling of Coconut to this day. Relevancy to be revealed... It's a charming pub, comfortable, and a friendly, knowledgeable landlord who allowed me to outstay my welcome, as I squeezed in a pint as they closed between shifts. Our dogs played, Peroni flowed, and we chatted a bit about the history and pubs in Kingston. Highly rated Thai food served here, and only a short walk from Kingston town centre, hidden down a quiet residential street, it really is one of the of the best finds in Kingston, and worthy of a visit. Secondly, did you know, The Coconut Shy game originated in Kingston? It first appeared at Kingston's Annual Pleasure Fair in 1867, where the local paper reported "for the small sum of one penny, you could have three throws with sticks with the prospect of getting a cocoa nut". Lastly, and the reason all of this is tied together, is that Kingston was one of the main importers of the coconut to the UK. Previously rare, it saw a boom in popularity due to its varied uses; mats, brushes, metal polish, and alternative candles. The area also has close links with Kew Horticulturists, as the refuse was used at Kew Gardens also. All of this propelled along by an industry that propped up a community with employment for decades. Down the road from the pub, along the Hogsmill river, there were mills used for a variety of industries, one of which was used for processing coconut fibre in around 1840, and became the epicenter of the coconut industry in Kingston. The pub itself was originally The Joiners Arms in 1840, but due to the proximity of the mill and the workers who drank there, it became affectionately known as The Cocoanut, landing a full licence in 1858. Now owned by Fullers since circa 1930, it stands as a reminder of the once thriving industry that hugged the nearby river. Sources; Richard Holmes (Pubs, Inns & Taverns Kingston), Hugh Harris/June Sampson (Surrey Comet), StJohnHeritage (Wordpress)

Firstly the service was excellent and we were recommended choices everyone enjoyed. I had the Jungle Curry with pork, which was delicious and well seasoned with good heat level. The Masaman was really good too. Will have that next time. The mixed starter to share was great. Make sure to get that. Everyone enjoyed it!

Six of us went there last night 25/05/23 and all 6 enjoyed every bite, lovely food, amazing aroma's all at a very fair price. Will visit again for sure. The best Thai food in Kingston and maybe in London too. 5 ☆☆☆☆☆'s

The food here will blow your mind amazing intense flavours immediately took me back to the streets of Bangkok and the islands of Thailand. This place is the real deal if you love your Thai food.