The City Barge
A historic 14th-century riverside pub offering modern British cuisine, charming ambiance, and stunning Thames views.
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The City Barge
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic 14th-century riverside pub offering modern British cuisine, charming ambiance, and stunning Thames views.
Dine by the Thames
Visit on warm days to enjoy the riverside terrace and its relaxing atmosphere overlooking the Thames.
Book Private Dining
Consider booking the private dining room for an elevated experience with superb river views.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
British Pub Grub
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+44 20 8994 2148
Address
27 Strand-on-the-Green, Chiswick, London, W4 3PH, United Kingdom
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Riverside Ambiance
A 14th-century pub with a charming atmosphere, featuring Victorian panelling, open fires, and stunning Thames river views.
The Iconic Sunday Roast
Consistently praised for its delicious beef, perfectly cooked and served with all the right trimmings, it's a weekend must-try.
Famous Fish & Chips
A classic British pub dish that receives high marks for its quality and satisfying taste, perfect for a casual meal.
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Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Dine by the Thames
Visit on warm days to enjoy the riverside terrace and its relaxing atmosphere overlooking the Thames.
Book Private Dining
Consider booking the private dining room for an elevated experience with superb river views.
Savor Local Brews
Try local London brews or cask ales alongside classic British pub fare.
Tips
from all over the internet
Dine by the Thames
Visit on warm days to enjoy the riverside terrace and its relaxing atmosphere overlooking the Thames.
Book Private Dining
Consider booking the private dining room for an elevated experience with superb river views.
Savor Local Brews
Try local London brews or cask ales alongside classic British pub fare.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The City Barge is a historic riverside pub praised for its charming ambiance, delicious Sunday roasts, and classic British fare, especially the fish and chips. Diners love the friendly service and beautiful river views, making it ideal for both casual meals and private occasions. However, some recent reviews mention inconsistency in food quality, particularly with the beef in the Sunday roast, and occasional issues with booking management.
"🚇 Kew Bridge
🍺 £6.30 London Pilsner
The City Barge is located on the banks of the Thames in Chiswick, and is one of four pubs that line this stretch of the river. The nearest station is Kew Bridge.
The City Barge claims origins from 1484, which would make it one of the oldest pubs in London. This pub was originally called the Navigators Arms it later became the Bohemia Head and the City Navigation Barge. The City Barge name comes from an old barge that was once moored between here and Oliver's Island, as a toll collection vessel.
The pub is famous among Beatles fans as one of the locations in the movie Help!
This is a one-bar pub that is split-level and has a country pub feel. Much of the space is given over to dining, especially the sunken room, which features a fireplace, flagstone floor, and curved stone steps. Directly in front of the servery are a number of tables for those just here for a beer. Upstairs is a private dining room with sturdy herringbone tables. There are two outside spaces: one at the back by the car park, and of course, the riverside terrace, which is the best place to be.
This Greene King pub offers a decent selection of beers, which included some local London brews and three cask ales. I decided on a Portobello London Pilsner; my pint hit the spot, and the price was around average. The food menu offers classic British pub grub; Fish & Chips costs £19, and roasts are available on Sundays.
I arrived around 2:30 pm on a warm and sunny Saturday afternoon in May. The atmosphere inside was very chilled and laid-back, as the majority of punters were enjoying the sun and the views outside overlooking the river. The service was excellent; the team here were upbeat, welcoming, and friendly.
The @citybargew4 was a thoroughly enjoyable visit. This riverside Gastro offers a fantastic traditional pub experience within a country pub setting and riverside views.
📅 11th May 2024
More London pub info on socials @londonpubmap 🍻"
London Pub Map
"Poor quality beef in the roast. Seem a few others have commented on the low quality in recent reviews. Wish I had seen them prior to ordering. Large sections were inedible and left on the plate. Also left the veg was light and there should have been more.
Before the pub reply and say something along the lines of had we been made aware at the time we could have replaced it. Your chefs should be fully aware when they're cooking and serving. Management will be aware because they're making savings on what they're buying."
James
"One of our local pubs - and it really delivered on our recent visit. We had a gorgeous Sunday roast - every course was spot on. From the starters right through to dessert, the food was consistently great.
I had the porchetta for my main, and it was absolutely delicious - easily one of the best roasts I’ve had in a long time. The meat was perfectly cooked and full of flavour. For dessert, I had the prune panna cotta - lovely flavour and a perfect wobble.
Cocktails were decent too, making it a well-rounded and satisfying meal."
Maxim Smirnoff
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Frequently Asked Questions
The City Barge is renowned for its historic riverside location, charming ambiance, classic British dishes like fish and chips, and its appearance in The Beatles' film 'Help!'.
Yes, the pub features a riverside terrace which is particularly enjoyable during warm, sunny days and offers beautiful sunset views.
Yes, the pub has a private dining room with river views, and it's considered an ideal choice for relaxed but civilised private occasions.
Popular dishes include the Sunday Roast (especially the beef), Fish & Chips, and various local London brews and cask ales.
The atmosphere is generally relaxed and inviting, akin to a country pub, so casual attire is suitable.
The menu includes vegetarian options such as the 'Cauliflower soup' and 'Pan-fried sea bass fillet' mentioned on the menu, along with a 'Smash fries' side. Check with staff for the most current options.
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Dating back to the 14th century, The City Barge was famously featured in a scene from The Beatles’ Help!. The riverside pub is named after an old barge once moored between the building and Oliver’s Island, used as a toll collection vessel. Following a 2014 refurbishment, some of the original fixtures have been preserved, including Victorian panelling and open fires, while the bar offers seven rotating hand pull ales and an extensive wine list.
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Built in 1484 and originally called the Navigators Arms it later became the Bohemia Head and the City Navigation Barge, after the Lord Mayor’s barge which used to be moored nearby during the winter. The Beatles video for 'Help' was reputed to be filmed inside the City Barge. The pub had an extensive refurbishment in early 2014 and the interior is now light and bright and clean-looking, having the feel of a renovated country pub.
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Beside a muddy but peaceful stretch of the Thames, facing a little island straight out of fiction, this higgledy-piggledy pub offers tranquillity both inside and out. The City Berge is a historic 14th-century public house with a wealth of history behind it and is situated on the Thames riverside, nestled in the picturesque area of Strand on the Green, Chiswick. They re-opened in May 2014 after extensive refurbishment.
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Enter the City Barge Riverside Public House nestled next to the Thames in Strand-on-the-Green. Made using fresh and seasonal ingredients, their lunch options include sandwiches: roast club, sirloin steak, brie & cheddar, or for a more classic brunch option: avocado & poached egg toasted sourdough. Mains include a choice of burgers, fish & chips, sea bass fillet, steaks, and a variety of Sunday roast options.
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Why: The Lord Mayor of London’s barge was moored alongside here in Victorian times, though The City Barge can trace its history back to the 16 th century. There are open fires in winter, riverside seating in summer, London craft beers on tap and a dining room upstairs where the food is more gastropub than pub grub.Where: 27 Strand-on-the-Green, W4 3PHBook now: City Barge
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A lovely riverside pub, with plenty of space for alfresco drinking. The sunsets here aren’t to be missed at The City Barge either. You’ll find The City Barge at 27 Strand-On-The-Green, Chiswick, W4 3PH. Nearest stations are Chiswick and Kew Bridge.
Where to eat & drink outside in Chiswick
The City Barge has about six pub-style benches facing the river which aren’t covered by awning. They also having seating at the front of the building, the tables at the front have individual parasols to shield them from the weather.
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The management at this well-kept Victorian inn has done a terrific job in maintaining the ethos of a neighbourhood pub, so locals still drop by for a d ..." Read our full review
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