Barnes (UK) Restaurants: A Local’s Favorite

John Geanuracs, Barnes resident, provides the following commentary on Barnes, a London suburb with a nice village feel close to central London.. His wife, Jeanne Peake, co-manages The New Grafton Gallery at Barnes described in the post above. They also have a great villa to rent in Lucca if you plan to go to Tuscany. I added a few inserts to John comments.

Sonny's is the best in town. Great modern British cooking and modern atmosphere. The cafe menu is particularly good and very affordable. Come in the autumn or winter and get a soup, salad, frites combination. Sounds like bistro food but its not. It's terrific. Good wine list. (I have been here several times with John and Janine and can also recommend it.) Located on 94 Church Road. London, SW13 0DQ Nearest Tube Stations: Barnes Bridge (BR) - 721m Tel: 020 8748 0393

Riva's -- often cited as the best Italian cooking in London. Fine Tuscan cooking with a traditional but warm atmosphere. It is located on 169 Church Rd. (Hammersmith)
Tel: 020-8748 0434.

The Sun Inn-- on Church road opposite the pond. A pub has been on this site since the Domesday book--or so they say. The Sun in itself is probably a good 400-500 years old. Recently coverted to a gastro-pub. Friendly place. Food's ok, but think of the history--Elizabeth 1 probably stopped here on her way to Richmond, or Henry VIII during hunting trips. It is located at 7 Church Rd, Barnes, London, SW13 9HE Tel: 020 8876 5256

Ask Pizza. A chain but with picture perfect views of Barnes Pond (though to be the most sought after location in London for wedding pictures). (I have been here also and agree on the food and the pasta is very good traditonal pasta) The Barnes branch is located at Station Road, Barnes, SW13 0LJ - Tel: 020 8878 9300

Annies - Cozy atmosphere, great English breakfast, nice outdoor tables. Near anitque and specialty food shops. It is located on 36, White Hart Lane, Barnes, London, SW13 0PZ
Tel: 020 8878 2020

The Depot. Best restaurant with river views. Better during the day (You can't see the river at night due to glass glare). Food is good but not great. Nice staff.

When you go to Barnes:

If you come anytime during the summer it makes it easy to enjoy the commons and village feel. If you like birds, the wetland centre is the largest urban bird sanctuary in Europe.

If you are here in the middle of December, watch out for late night shopping. It's normally held on the second Thursday of December, but you need to check. All the shops are open till 9 (Remember this is a village so that's about 3 hours later than normal). Mulled wine available at Rose House, Christmas caroling with a live orchestra on the green. Art for everyone exhibit at the New Grafton Gallery. This is as English Christmas as it gets.

If you come in mid July, go the village fete--the best in town with a parade (featuring local schools and antique cars), food and craft stalls and rides for the kids. Special children's art competition at the New Grafton. Usually the second weekend but you need to check. Our North of the River friends come here because its so much better than their own neighbourhood fairs.

If you come in early Spring, walk up to the Thames and watch the Oxford/Cambridge boat race. Great fun.