Located in leafy Barnes, south west London, this is an upmarket venue with prices to match, but if you are looking for a gastro pub that manages to effortlessly succeed where so many others fail, then this is the place for you.

The Venue
This independently-owned pub is a hidden treasure that’s located on a quiet residential back street in Barnes. As it’s only a 5-minute-walk from Barnes Bridge train station, it is easily accessible for those who use the overground train network in the west and south west of the capital.

Walking into The Brown Dog, you immediately feel as though you’ve been transported into a quaint country pub, full of character and warmth. As is fairly common in this part of town, and as befitting the name of the pub, man’s best friend are more than welcome here. Continuing the dog-friendly theme, even the alcove that separates the dining area and the bar is lined with Polaroids of dogs.

In the summer months you can catch some fresh air on one of the picnic tables in their rear garden, and for those winter months you can cosy up inside among the cast iron fireplaces.

The Atmosphere
This pub has a great buzz and a charm that wins you over, with various artworks dotted around the cream panelled walls, including Guinness adverts, seafront landscapes, abstract spirals and a picture of Marilyn Monroe. There’s an intimate feel to the place with its dark red ceiling, empty bottles making do as candleholders on the wooden dining tables, and subtle lighting from bowl-shaped copper lamps and vintage chandeliers.

This pub is popular with affluent locals, families and young professionals, all of whom flock here, and staff are friendly, attentive and welcoming. The overall atmosphere is relaxed, with everyone looking for a place to unwind.

The Food
The menu is seasonal and offers quality food made from fresh ingredients. Their rustic brown paper menus are headed with the day’s date, and it’s apparent that plenty of care goes into their food, altering their menus to keep inline with seasonal produce.

To whet the appetite they bring a delicious basket of warm crusty bread to the table, along with a jug of iced water, both nice touches to start off your meal. Starters range from £5.50 for their celeriac, apple and rosemary soup, to £10 for half-dozen Maldon rock oysters with shallot vinegar.

If you don’t fancy a 3-course dinner, head straight for the mains and order their Scottish cote de boeuf with roasted tomato, mixed leaves and hand cut chips for £17.75. Beautifully presented, the beef is served resting on the chips, giving them time to soak up some of the dripping juices, making every mouthful a joy. Their homemade steak, Wandle ale and mushroom pie with mash and curly kale (£12.50) is another definite hit with diners. They also serve Sunday lunches, which also have a good reputation.

Desserts include indulgent classics like their sticky toffee pudding (£5.50) covered in warm toffee sauce and topped with honeycomb ice cream, or the baked raspberry cheesecake served with vanilla ice cream (£4.75)

The Drink
The Brown Dog source their cask ales, including Twickenham Original, from local brewers and pints start from £3.50. You will also find the likes of Amstel (£3.70), Kronenbourg and Heineken served here. They have carefully selected their wine list to complement their menu and recommended is their bottle of 2010 Tuatara Bay sauvignon blanc for £20, with a 175ml glass costing £5. Their easy-drinking house wine, Cuvee Le Bosq, comes in red and white and costs £16.50 a bottle.

The Last Word
The Brown Dog is a charming pub that will definitely leave a lasting impression on you. If you are looking for good quality food and owners that really care about their customers, then be sure to pay them a visit. Booking is advised as tables are snapped up quickly.

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