The Brown Dog, Barnes, SW13

A funny place this is, a little bit pub and a lot cafe/bar. Lots of tables set for meals, white linen etc, but still ok for a pint. A bit like a Cafe Rouge, TBH. A Sunday afternoon venue for the local yuppies I reckon, papers, books and board games are there. Hepworth Sussex...lazily poured on high, and Sharps Doombar on HP. Beer just acceptable but slightly hazy.

This is more of a bistro than a pub and I felt like I had been transported to Paris when the French music CD went on. I found the governor to be friendly enough and the people eating seemed to be having a good time. Westerham's Grass Hopper and Sambrooks' Wandle were the two ales on during my visit. The Grass Hopper was excellent and the Wandle was a little fruity for my liking, but maybe that's more to do with my palate. The ale was £1.70 for a half so I'm not sure what sort of price the premium lagers were selling for. Most of the floor space is set up for dining, but there are a couple of stools at the bar and some more seating in the garden out the back. If I was a dog I would want my owner to take me in here as there are doggy treats for sale behind the bar and hopefully the pig's ears weren't for human consumption. There are also photos of all the regular dog visitors along with their names spread up the arch that separates the main dining area from the bar. I like a more traditional pub so I doubt that I'll return, but I wouldn't mind popping back to sample the food.

Drop in to this city pub with a country feel and welcoming atmosphere and enjoy an ale or glass of wine!

Has changed it's name from Rose of Denmark to The Brown Dog, and they do like dogs. The arch betwen the bar area and the dining area is covered with photographs of dogs, they also sell dog treats. Anyway back to the important things. It has two real ales, the only one I can remember is Sambrook's Wandle ale, but at £3.40 a pint it's a bit much seeing as it is only 3.8 strong. Serves lunch & dinner. Be careful as some of the chairs are a bit wobbly.

Official site of the Brown Dog, includes menu - www.thebrowndog.co.uk

Official site of the Brown Dog, includes menu - www.thebrowndog.co.uk