The City Barge, Chiswick, W4

Another historic member of Chiswick’s riverside quartet, as the Navigators Arms, this one dating all the way back to 1484, during the reign of King Richard III, now under the reign of Greene King. Another split-level pub, this less rambling than the Bulls Head and obviously subjected to some hefty modernisation, though touches such as wood panelling and leaded lights remain, probably dating from the ‘30s. There’s a herringbone parquet floor, shades of blue and white colour scheme, traditional furniture with some drum chairs. There are trendy framed prints or photos of yesteryear, lighting coming from a trademark spidery brass chandelier and filament sconces. Customers were all mixed locals, with a generally good atmosphere. A cask selection offered two unused pumps then Wadworth 6X, GK Argy Bargy house ale and Landlord at a steep £2.90 half and ok. This isn’t a bad place, but in terms of price, quality and authenticity, I’d take the Bulls Head next door in preference.

Somehow I thought my visit here yesterday was to a new pub for me. But looking back at my notes, I can see I must have visited here in a crawl of Strand on the Green pubs many years ago. Nevertheless, I returned yesterday to find a modernised pub with nice views of the river Thames, which was noticeably low. I entered from the street level into a bare boarded room, which serves as the bar. Stairs lead down to a more formal dining area and to the riverside terrace, where I sat. There is also an outdoor seating area on the street side. The pub enjoys its own car park here too. The Argy Bargy pumpclip looked intriguing, but I was determined not to be lured into having a Greene King house beer. The 2 guest beers were Landlord & Grandstand, whilst another handpull was clipped with Lilley's Mango Cider, which I eventually chose. It wasn't cheap! This pub has a location that will always be a decent selling point. But you will pay for it. Whilst I didn't look at the food, I'd imagine you'd need to be quite well off to afford a meal here.

A Greene King house based on the Thames Path,the stairway from the towpath in needed as spring tides will flood the path and the flood door may preclude any entrance or exit at very high tides,use the street level entrance.There are tables on the Path giving a pleasant spot. Inside the main tap room is large,wide and quite faceless, with the bar running along the right wall,while at a lower level in the restaurant area unvisited by me. Disappointingly although there were 7 handpumps only GK IPA,a house Argy Bargy 3.8% (probably GK crap) and an indestinct Sambrooks Wandle (NBSS 2).That's a poor selection.I didn't inspect the food menu . If traversing the Thames Path,keep on walking.

The City Barge is a decent pub that is set in an ideal location facing the river Thames. Once inside i went into the front bar which was almost empty,probably because it was in the winter. The pub was a free house when i visited it,there were two real ales on the bar,i had a drink of London Pride,which was a decent drink at £2.52 a pint,the other beer was Bombardier. I was happy enough having a drink here,but prefered the Bell and Crown (Fullers) just along the towpath. Pub visited 13/3/2004

City Barge page at a Greene King site - gkpubs.co.uk

This Greene King pub looks like it originally comprised two separate buildings in a terrace, both quite plain, but with a great riverside setting next to Thames. Two bars on different levels, with traditional furniture and decor. Some patio seating out front on the riverside path, with more wooden benches to the rear. Three handpumps on each counter, offering IPA, Old Golden Hen and Olde Trip (£3.20). Overall, a nice spot for a pint if in the area.

City Barge page at a Greene King site - gkpubs.co.uk