On a sunny Saturday afternoon, we booked The Telegraph Pub in Putney Heath for a relaxed lunch with my partner, a friend and our little Jack Tzu dog. Set beside the cricket ground and surrounded by greenery, it feels like a countryside retreat despite being just a short walk from Putney. The Telegraph is dog-friendly, has a large garden with plenty of outdoor seating, and offers a crowd-pleasing menu featuring pub classics and excellent stone-baked pizzas. The Telegraph is a must-visit if you’re looking for the best pubs in Putney.
“We were bowled over by the quality of the food, the stylish setting, and the peaceful, unpretentious atmosphere at The Telegraph Pub,” Homegirl London.
The Telegraph Pub Menu
Starters include pub favourites with a modern twist. My partner and friend shared the crispy squid with sweet chilli sauce, which was well-cooked and nicely seasoned. Other options include king prawns with garlic butter and ciabatta, halloumi fries with tomato relish, and a teriyaki vegetable gyoza dish. There’s something for meat-eaters and vegetarians, with a relaxed, shareable feel to the nibbles section. They cost £5-8.50.
I ordered the Moving Mountains vegan burger. When it arrived, the burger was towering so high I wasn’t sure how to tackle it. For a moment, I thought there were two patties crammed inside the bun, but then I clocked the onion ring perched on top. Ever resourceful, I gave it a gentle squash so I could fit it into my (admittedly large) gob! I loved every mouthful! The rest of the menu includes chicken Milanese, battered fish and chips, and a crispy beef salad. Mains range between £17.50 and £19.50.
A separate stone-baked pizza menu and a pizza oven on the terrace are also available. My partner chose the goat’s cheese pizza, topped with portobello mushrooms, red onion, rocket and a drizzle of balsamic. I couldn’t resist a bite; it had an outstanding balance of sweet, sharp, and earthy flavours. Other non-meat versions include Margherita, garlic with mozzarella or balsamic onion with vegan mozzarella. Our friend went for the pepperoni pizza, which featured roquito peppers and fresh chillies, delivering just the right heat. He considered the chorizo with green chilli and oregano, but settled on the pepperoni. Pizzas cost £13-15.
Desserts are traditional and comforting; we discussed ordering the sticky toffee pudding with vanilla ice cream, but we were stuffed, so we decided to give it a miss and save our waistlines. There’s also a triple chocolate brownie if you’re in the mood for something rich. Desserts cost £8.50.
Helpful Information About The Telegraph Pub
The pub takes its name from the Admiralty Telegraph, an 18th-century shutter signal station once located nearby that relayed messages between London and Portsmouth during the Napoleonic Wars. After closing temporarily in 2019, The Telegraph was brought back to life with its charm intact. It now serves as a much-loved gathering place for locals, dog walkers, and families enjoying the nearby heath.
The interiors are stylish, with a clean, modern look that feels warm and inviting. Tables and chairs are thoughtfully arranged to give a sense of space, with some cosy nooks tucked into corners for a more intimate feel.
Outside, there’s a large terrace with picnic-style tables and benches spread out across a generous garden area. Part of the seating is covered under a tented roof, perfect for year-round outdoor dining, while the rest of the garden offers open-air spots ideal for sunny days. It’s dog-friendly and has plenty of room to settle in and linger.
The Telegraph is located at Putney Heath, London SW15 3TU, which is easily reached by bus or via Putney rail station or East Putney on the tube line. For more information and to book in advance, check out The Telegraph Pub website.
While you are in the area, you may find this article of interest:
Putney Heath Walk And Pub Lunch At The Telegraph
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London. I only write about eateries where I had a good experience. I recommend you do further research, as standards fluctuate, as do opinions. Please check if the establishment is still in business and what the opening times are before you go. If you discover this restaurant has closed, contact me to remove it from my blog.