Ted Lasso pub: Roy Kent? No, Reece Kent - meet the real Richmond bar’s landlord

The landlord of a London pub featured in Ted Lasso has said tourists have flocked from “almost every country” for a pint, due to the show’s popularity.

Reece Kent - a name close to that of the character played by Brett Goldstein in the series - took over management of The Princes Head pub, by Richmond Green, in April 2022.

It is the pub that, for the past three years, has been best known for featuring in Apple TV comedy-drama Ted Lasso.

During filming the pub is temporarily changed - as the fictional boozer goes by The Crown and Anchor - but its whereabouts is well-known.

The 28-year-old said it is now a tourist hotspot for Lasso lovers visiting the UK - and he has guests visit from almost every country in the world.

He said that despite playing an important role in the show, there have only been “a handful” of filming days which have disrupted the day-to-day running of the pub.

But Reece said the show has been “great for the business” - as well as having a great impact on the whole of Richmond.

Reece, originally from Brentford, said: “When I came to this pub it was already involved with the show. But I didn’t realise just how many tourists it would attract - people were taking holidays and making sure this was part of their trip.

“It’s not just about the pub though, but about Richmond as a whole - the pub is just at the heart of the community here.”

When Reece took on the role as general manager, he was aware of the business’ connection to Ted Lasso, although had never watched it.

So he binge-watched it all and said he quickly became a fan - because “it makes you feel good inside, just like The Princes Head”.

Reece said when he first started managing the pub, fans of the show coming to visit would normally be from the US. But after the third season, popularity soared - and the pub began to welcome tourists from all over the world.

He said: “We’ve had people from Brazil, Canada, Australia, Germany - I think I’ve met someone who’s come from every main country now. It’s been quite a surprise how many people want to come actually.

“A lady does a whole Ted Lasso tour around Richmond and they end on the bench on the green. Tourists always want to come in and have a chat after - you can even tell when the tour is finished they all have an AFC Richmond shirt on.”

Reece revealed what it was like when filming the third season of the show, which came out in March this year, at the pub.

The crew only film the outside because any scenes filmed ‘inside’ are in fact a separate set based elsewhere, designed to match the actual pub’s interior. So, there were only “a handful” of filming days which needed the pub to close.

But Reece said producers would organise filming days when nothing was planned in the pub - because “customers come first.”

He said: “I wouldn’t cancel bookings. People take time out of their holidays to come, and often only have one day to visit.

“It’s exciting to be on Ted Lasso but I have regulars who have been drinking here for 50 years. I have to look out for them as much as everyone else.”

He added: “It’s good to customers them a great experience of the pub. Its also just about giving them that welcoming feel being part of something - being a part of Richmond.”

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