Part of our Best Pubs in London microsite. Is your local listed?
One of a trio of riverside pubs on Strand-on-the-Green and, for our money, the best. The City Barge claims 14th century origins, which would make it one of the oldest pubs anywhere in London. Its name comes from an old barge that was once moored between here and Oliver's Island, as a toll collection vessel.
You wouldn't guess this venerable past from the interior, which is modern, sleek and painted up in those shades of blue that were contemporary a decade ago. That said, they've retained the original Victorian panelling, and the open fires add a managed touch of ye olde.
The pub is famous among Beatles fans as one of the locations in the movie Help! This is the place where Ringo orders "Two lagers and lime and two lagers and lime”.
Much of the space is given over to dining, especially the sunken room directly in front of the bar. Don't let that put you off if you're just after a casual drink. Plenty of stool-tables, standing area, front yard and, of course, the riverside terrace help put the 'bar' back into 'barge'. The beer choice is pretty good, too, with a selection of interesting ales and little reliance on mainstream brands.