Popular TV bar is based on a 300-year-old English pub in Richmond

In the bustling heart of Richmond, a stone’s throw from the winding Thames sits an unassuming hero that has captured the imaginations of viewers worldwide. It’s not a Hollywood set. Nor is it a newly minted tourist attraction crafted from the fabric of flashy marketing schemes.

This dear readers, is The Prince’s Head, a pub with more history in its weathered bricks than most modern landmarks can claim in their entirety. And yes, for those caught up in the football fever of Apple TV’s Ted Lasso, it is indeed the real-world doppelgänger of the beloved Crown & Anchor.

Let’s take a stroll down the cobbled streets of memory lane and cinematic trivia. We'll uncover how a 300-year-old pub became the watering hole for a fictional football coach from Kansas, making a splash on screens and in hearts globally.

While the Crown & Anchor is the fictional hub where Ted Lasso and his band of merry footballers drown their sorrows and celebrate their scarce victories, The Prince’s Head is its historical counterpart. It boasts a legacy that stretches back to the early 1700s. Nestled at the corner of Richmond’s famed town square, this pub has been serving pints and Sunday roasts much longer than television has been a concept.

The Prince’s Head is not just a pub; it’s a cornerstone of community life, where whispers of the past meet the cheers of present glasses. Its oak-paneled walls and crackling fires set the stage for stories that could rival any on-screen drama.

For the legions of Ted Lasso fans, stepping into The Prince’s Head is akin to walking onto the set of their favorite show. As reported by sources including Timeout and Cinemablend, when filming Ted Lasso, the producers needed a location that exuded authenticity and charm. They found it in Richmond. Richmond was chosen for its aesthetic appeal and its ability to embody the show’s heartwarming and homey spirit.

The exterior of The Prince’s Head may be more recognizable to some than their own local spots, thanks to its repeated appearances throughout the series. It stands as a silent character, witnessing the highs and lows of the show’s beloved characters.

The buzz around Ted Lasso has turned this historic pub into a pilgrimage site for fans. As noted in NewsShopper and on the pub’s own website, tourists flock from around the globe, eager to capture a piece of the magic. They come for the "ussies" and stay for the vibe that can only be found in a pub that has perfected its craft over centuries.

The Prince’s Head offers more than just a quick photo op. It's an experience steeped in history. Here, one can enjoy a pint of ale much like the locals have for generations. They're surrounded by memorabilia as rich in history as the episodes of Ted Lasso are in laughter and tears.

Gesso and other local insights reveal that the pub’s history is interwoven in the fabric of Richmond. The pub has hosted countless historical figures and events throughout its long-standing tenure. The layers of stories within its walls provide a story that no studio could replicate. This authenticity is palpable, whether you’re a local, a tourist, or a starry-eyed fan of the show.

Indeed, The Prince’s Head is not merely a set piece forgotten once the cameras stop rolling. It is a living, breathing establishment that continues to write stories with every passing moment. Each patron leaves a piece of their own story within its ancient walls.

As Ted Lasso continues to charm audiences, it’s important to remember the real star that offers more than just a pint of beer but a sip of history—The Prince’s Head. Whether you’re a football fan, a history buff, or just someone looking for a pint, this pub is a testament to the enduring power of place and story.

It reminds us that sometimes, the best tales are not found in the pages of a script but in the laughter, tears, and cheers of a pub that has stood the test of time.