A little about the Grey Horse & Kingston

Kingston claims (along with Winchester) to be the ancient capital of England. The Anglo-Saxon Kings were crowned within its walls, hence its name, Kings Town. A market has been held here since mediaeval times and there are some 16th Century buildings still standing.

The Grey Horse is the oldest of the four Youngs pubs in Kingston and was built in 1849. It was originally owned by George Nightingale, brewer at the local Nightingale Steam Brewery and Mayor of Kingston in 1846. The brewery and its pubs were sold in 1891. Young's took over the Grey Horse but the brewery buildings were bought by Kingston Corporation and demolished to make way for the borough's first council house scheme.

The pub's early history is a bit hazy but it is known to have always been a popular watering hole for locals. The delights of crib, billiards and dominoes were passed over in the '50's for the trend towards live jazz. The Grey Horse established itself as one of London's premier jazz venues. The jazz influence lasted twenty years or so until pop reared its head and slowly overtook in popularity. The venue now hosts all genres of music from jazz/funk to blues and rock to suit all ages in a seperate air conditioned room.

With the opening of The Ram Jam, there is a choice of live music. Anything from blues, jazz or country is on offer as well as great Cajun / Creole food. Check www.ramjamclubkingston.co.uk for a menu and gig guides!