City Barge, Chiswick

Built in 1484 and originally called the Navigators Arms it later became the Bohemia Head and the City Navigation Barge, after the Lord Mayor’s barge which used to be moored nearby during the winter. The Beatles video for 'Help' was reputed to be filmed inside the City Barge. The pub had an extensive refurbishment in early 2014 and the interior is now light and bright and clean-looking, having the feel of a renovated country pub. The downstairs has now become a restaurant with locally-sourced seafood a speciality. The upstairs at street level is the bar, with a good selection of six rotating real ales and a cider; the ales include an own-label Argy Bargy and it is intended to change beers on a regular basis and also support craft breweries. Beers are served in old style pint pots which adds to the enjoyment! The Ale Manager is knowledgable and helpful, and can suggest good pairings of ales and food. Service and staff friendliness have received good reviews. Function room and WCs are on the uppermost level and there is a nice garden at the back of the pub, with outside tables on the river side. NB the towpath by the pub is subject to occasional but rapid tidal flooding so if trapped you may need to make your escape via the road entrance. NB. This is now a CARD ONLY payment pub.