One of the biggest strings to the bow of southwest London is the opportunity to enjoy a village lifestyle while remaining in the city. The collection of wonderful Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian houses that line the quiet streets of Barnes in the borough of Richmond upon Thames is the perfect representation of how this can be achieved.
In 2025, the standard of living and opportunities in Barnes, with culture, nature and a thriving pub scene, make for a unique and exciting community feel. One of the most important elements of this is the time-honoured tradition of the English pub that Barnes does exceptionally well.
Our collection of the very best pubs acts as a guide to explore them when you are in the neighbourhood.
The White Hart
It certainly says a lot about an area of London when the postcode has a particular view named after it. The SW13 Sunset is a term that has been coined for those few establishments that allow one to watch the sun dip below the river and behind many of London’s most famous landmarks. And The White Hart on The Terrace is probably the most iconic of all of these places, rising four storeys tall with verandas and terraces that make the most of this impeccable sight. In summer and longer and lighter evenings, rows of tables from The White Hart extend onto the river towpath to match the demand in what can feel like a Mediterranean moment for the capital.
Since the mid-1600s, this tavern has been serving travellers, traders and bargemen who all based their lives around the flow of old Father Thames. In 2013, a significant but sympathetic restoration modernised The White Hart to bring the latest standards for functionality while preserving the history and heritage of its tradition. The striking central bar island is perhaps the most recognisable change amongst the open fireplaces and carefully maintained polished floors. For the full experience, a pint of Young’s London Original or London Special on the terrace is a wonderful slice of southwest London.
The Bull’s Head
Records show that a public house has existed on this site since at least the 17th century, and looking out upon the River Thames from this vantage point, explains it all too well. This version of what locals refer to simply as The Bull was built in 1846 and much of that period charm remains in its character through the wood panels and open fire aesthetics that make it so compelling and inviting.
With two entrances that straddle Lonsdale Road and the riverside Terrace, there is a lovely flow to the pub that connects it to the surrounding landscape with ease. Perhaps there is something inherent in this freedom of space that made the place a key part of the jazz explosion of the late 1950s and cemented The Bull’s Head as a jazz and blues destination for all London residents. The Jazz Room here is now an incredible venue that repurposes stable arches in its design, complete with an acoustic, elevating interior design to make it an intimate and entrancing space for live music. A classic English food menu of hearty roasts and fish and chips is always available, along with cask ales and craft beers that help really lean into the quintessential country pub theme. With past patrons such as Mick Jagger and Jeff Beck, The Bull’s Head hits all the right notes as one of the finest pubs Barnes has to offer.
The Red Lion
The London Wetland Centre is one of the most popular attractions in Barnes, with over 100 acres of wildlife reserve. As you would expect, this is a huge draw for photographers, birdwatchers and families, and The Red Lion is perfectly placed to serve them all after a day out in the incredible sanctuary.
The pub stands on Castlenau, a long and distinctively elegant boulevard that connects Hammersmith Bridge to the heart of the town and was originally a tavern called The Strugglers that was destroyed by fire in 1835. What we now know as The Red Lion was eventually rebuilt in its place using a proud and striking Victorian architectural design that has become a local landmark ever since. Its stained glass windows, domed ceiling and intimate nooks are all wonderfully restored for the 21st century and the traditional horseshoe bar creates a warm and lively ambience throughout the whole space. You can also expect the ales here to be some of the best in the whole capital. The current landlord of the Red Lion was once recognised as ‘Master Cellarman of The Year’, so the quality of every pint is definitely guaranteed. Four-legged friends are always welcome, so those long evening dog walks along the river are a great opportunity to enjoy a refreshing reward for both of you.
The Crossing
When the hospitality investor Christian Arden bought The Tree House pub on White Hart Lane back in 2021, he had a clear vision in mind. It was swiftly rebranded as The Crossing to create what he saw as a ‘Premium neighbourhood pub with food’. A big element of this philosophy was effective modern sustainability that emphasised using local suppliers with the freshest products.
Through the application of thoughtful design and high quality finishes, The Crossing is now a big player on the Barnes pub scene with a strong community energy that makes it a particular favourite for families.
So much of the personality that an English pub has built is the result of the people who frequent it. These examples of the very best in Barnes represent an invitation to make an impression and impact on the community in a convivial manner. Trying them all to see which has the greatest fit is all part of the process and can be extremely fun too.
