Updated: March 2020
For a very middle class (but very nice) pub crawl in London head to the leafy south west location of Barnes.
If you’ve heard of Barnes then you might have your sterotypes of little Chelsea with yummy mummies and Range Rovers (and to an extent you’re not far off), but overlook this and you have to be honest that Barnes is blessed with a pretty high street, a village like community feel, and most importantly, in my opinion, a great selection of pubs.
Here’s a suggested route if you fancy taking a tour of the local drinking haunts in Barnes…
Where to start: take South West trains to Barnes Bridge not Barnes station (that’s a bit further from the pub action). Exit Barnes Bridge and turn left and you’ll see the first pub on your tour:
1. White Hart
The White Hart, Barnes
With its enviable position overlooking the Thames this a perfect first stop. Sit outside to take in the views if you can. There’s also a few choices for food here with the option of bar snacks at the Canon bar or the Terrace Kitchen upstairs (more high end and fancy). The latter doesn’t come cheap but then nothing does in Barnes. Check out the menus on offer here.
2.The TreeHouse
The TreeHouse – Barnes
Leave the White Hart and take the first exit straight on the mini roundabout (Sainsbury’s is on your left) down White Hart Lane and you’ll hit the TreeHouse. A great pub for a few drinks with quirky interiors and a tasty menu if you’re getting hungry (try the pie of the day).
3. Annie’s
Not a pub and not strictly for drinks but it’s across the road from the TreeHouse so is definitely worth a mention and you could add this to your list for dinner. It’s sister restaurant is in Chiswick and both are popular choices so are worth booking ahead on weekends. For more information see their website.
4. The Brown Dog
Turn down the street directly adjacent to The TreeHouse and then take a right down Cross Street and you’ll find The Brown Dog amongst the cottages that make up the Little Chelsea of Barnes. Check out the dog wall of fame which has photos of visiting dogs and take your canine friend along if you have a one, they will be more than welcome. The Brown Dog is also a great choice for food too.
5. The Sun Inn
The Sun Inn – Barnes
This is a bit of maze from The Brown Dog down the alleyways of Barnes (look it up on Google Maps first!), or alternatively you could head back the way you came. Either way you’ll be rewarded. Overlooking the famous Barnes pond, The Sun Inn is a must for a drink in Barnes. Inside it’s all oldy worldy traditional and is a great pub in the winter to while away the hours. Alternatively head out to the front and watch the yummy mummies and Range Rovers go by and really feel like you are in a village rather than a London suburb. Top tip – complete their feedback survey online and get 25% off your food bill! See here for more info.
6. The Coach and Horses
Coach and Horses – Barnes
This one does have some very mixed reviews online but I still think it’s worth adding to the list for the garden. Head straight here on a sunny day and enjoy the surprisingly large beer garden hidden behind an ordinary looking pub facade.
7. Bull’s Head
Bull’s Head – Barnes
A few doors down on the opposite side of Barnes High Street, the Bull’s Head is famous for Jazz, head here to end your night and listen to the music in the pub’s Jazz room. There’s also some rather nice interiors to accompany your drinks and music, as well as a small (but lovely) outside terrace area. See their event list here.
Then walk (as best you can) back along the river to Barnes Bridge for the train home!
Got the taste for South West pubs? Visit again (or extend this trip!) with a few tipples in nearby Mortlake, Richmond or the lovely pubs along the river close to Hammersmith. Alternatively limit the guilt and walk off the beers in the very beautiful Richmond Park which is close by (see our guide here).
Guestbook’s message: “For a change of scene and some great pubs catch the train to the village like setting of Barnes and explore on foot the pubs (as well as excellent food) on offer.”
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