Following an extensive refurbishment, this historic 14th century public house is due to re-open in late May 2014. The City Barge aims to be the ultimate Thames-side pub, featuring a welcoming bar, stunning dining room, large open kitchen and considerable outside space, all right on the river.
The interior will retain much of the architectural detail and period fixtures and fittings, including original Victorian panelling and three open fires. A striking reclaimed Victorian bar will provide a natural focal point for the bar space, and some quirky touches including rare bird taxidermy and a metre-long Thames Barge will complete the look, creating a relaxed atmosphere. The bar will offer seven hand-pulled local ales and ciders which will change regularly, plus a careful selection of lagers, stouts and ciders on draught and by the bottle, including Camden, Fordham & Dominion and Hogs Back Breweries. The wine list will feature plenty of choice by the glass and carafe, including Prosecco on tap, five specially chosen Rieslings from across the globe, and for the summer, a chilled Gamay selection.
Head chef, Pat Lynch, will oversee a menu based on seasonal British ingredients, with fresh British seafood, brought in daily from Billingsgate Market, playing a starring role. Dishes will include a signature Oxtail cottage pie and summer greens, together with appealing seafood burger options such as a whole soft shell ‘Crabacado’ Burger with den miso mayonnaise’. The restaurant overlooks the river and includes a Chef’s Table, which seats eight people right by the open kitchen. The bar will take pub food right back to basics, serving up excellent home-made pasties and beautiful plates of house-cured hams, artisan breads and cheeses. On weekends, breakfast will be served from 10am and include classic and contemporary English breakfast and brunch dishes.