I’ve yet to meet anyone who hasn’t fallen for the charm of Ted Lasso. On this our last trip, I put it to Himself that a visit to Ted Lasso’s Richmond was non negotiable. It took a bit of planning, but today’s the day.
First stop, Windsor’s Riverside train station, a direct 25 minute journey, vs the several interchanges required to depart from the Windsor/Eaton station. A little aside on English public transport: outside of the London Underground, tickets can be tricky. Much of the public transport is privatised and tickets are not transferrable between operators despite travel destinations and ticket offices being identical.
Armed with South Western Rail tickets purchased yesterday, we’re up bright and early make the most of the day. The first hurdle comes early: the Riverside station is closed for the weekend – maintenance works. A replacement bus service is in place but our quick direct route becomes a convoluted bus/train 90 minute combo. *Sigh*
Ah well, at least we’re here. On to Richmond Green! And there it is opposite the pub, clearly a well used public space, it’s busy with kids playing and many a happy dog.
In the series The Green is where Ted and Coach Beard frequently wander, where Roy Kent coaches the little girls’ team and where busker Cam Cole plays.
Ted and Beard’s bench sits between the pub and The Green. A clear shot of just Himself is impossible.
Across the way sits the 300 year old The Prince’s Head aka Ted Lasso’s pub, the Crown & Anchor, already busy pre lunch. We’re lucky to get a table, I didn’t think to book.
There’s the ‘Ted Lasso table’, booked out months in advance.
The bar is a familiar sight to anyone who’s seen the show.
We’re in the back room with Ted memorabilia – the BELIEVE poster of course, hung appropriately on an angle and other AFC Richmond paraphernalia.
A nod to the ebullient Dani Rojas, one of my favourite characters.
Lunch has to be fish and chips, although there is a good selection of food and international wine to chose from – the kitchen hasn’t let stardom go to its head. It’s very good – perfectly steamed cod in a crisp light batter. Jury’s out on mushy peas, I think prefer salad.
A steady stream of fans drop by to take photographs of the Ted wall. I’m clearly not the only fan in town!
Post lunch we tour shooting location highlights: the Paved Court alley way where Ted lives and his front door.
There’s an official Ted Lasso merchandise shop that stocks AFC Richmond jerseys and other memorabilia.
I rather fancied a ‘BELIEVE’ sticker, roughly the size of a postage stamp, but not at £4.95. That’s a bit cheeky.
The Victorian Richmond theatre is located just across The Green – it was the venue for the Season 1’s charity gala auction.
Ted Lasso aside, Richmond has some rather lovely buildings.
Riverside is a familiar scene with the arched bridge over the Thames.
The river walk takes us along the enormous Richmond Park. Many years ago, Himself and I spent a very happy afternoon feeding squirrels here. We must be at the opposite end of the park today, in an area used for grazing cattle. Rather impressive houses overlook the rural pursuits below.
The water level in the Thames is really high – it’s broken its banks in a few spots and on the verge of covering the walkway in others.
We can’t miss the opportunity to stop by Petersham Nursery where our niece worked as a chef at the start of her hospitality career. It’s the perfect spot for afternoon coffee.
It’s so lovely to be surrounded by nursery flowers and greenery after summer’s damage.
I see a huge (and sadly likely my last) bumblebee as he zips about on a pollen run. Just look at his gorgeous fuzzy butt. 💕🐝
It’s a pleasing end to a happy day before we start the fiddly trek home. Today is our last day before we settle to pack up to hand the motorhome over. I’ll think about that tomorrow.
If you haven’t yet seen Ted Lasso, I encourage you to do so – it’s a sheer delight.
