A welcoming cricket-club pub restaurant with widely praised Neapolitan-style pizza, open grounds, parking and event facilities, though isolated reports raise cleanliness and event-communication concerns.
The Duck & Ball delivers excellent food quality anchored by handmade Neapolitan-style pizza that earns consistent praise, paired with attentive service that shines across casual visits and large events. Its riverside cricket-ground setting and strong local loyalty create genuine appeal, though occasional consistency lapses and modest service knowledge keep it just short of the very top tier.
Tucked beside the cricket grounds on Dukes Meadows, The Duck & Ball feels more like a welcoming local clubhouse than a polished destination restaurant. Reviews repeatedly paint a lively, open setting with sports on, room to spread out and a genuinely warm welcome; one visitor summed up the appeal as a hidden gem where the grounds make the trip worthwhile. The marquee and outdoor areas also give it unusual flexibility for celebrations. The food story is led by handmade Neapolitan-style pizza: the dough and crust attract the most enthusiastic praise, and the current menu ranges from a vegan Marinara and classic Margherita to spicy Devil, Burrata and truffle-topped white pizza. It is recognizable Italian cooking rather than experimental cuisine, with burgers and gelato for broader appeal. Most reports describe excellent food and friendly service, although one takeaway order and one dine-in visit were distinctly poor, so consistency deserves a little attention. Families are particularly well served by the combination of familiar pizza, burgers, gelato and generous outdoor space. Reviews mention picky children happily eating the pizzas and kids running around the grounds, while the current menu offers several vegetarian pizzas plus a vegan Marinara. One isolated review alleges dirt and hazards, so parents should use their judgment and check current conditions, especially around busy event days.
Area vibe: Riverside, residential and village-like with shops and pubs along a busy high street.
Safety: Generally safe, well-lit high streets and pleasant riverside paths though quieter after midnight.
What's nearby: By the Thames towpath and Chiswick High Road with parks, local shops, pubs and good transport links (tube/overground/buses).
Start with a Neapolitan-style pizza, choosing between the spicy Devil, creamy Burrata, or vegan Marinara before finishing with gelato.
Expect a relaxed sports-club setting with parking and room outdoors, but confirm event details carefully and be prepared for busier conditions on match or marquee days.
Think welcoming clubhouse energy, cricket-ground views, sports, outdoor space, and enough room for families and large gatherings.