Mon—Sat 9am—midnight; Sun 11am—11pm
The style
The Sun Inn has been a popular favourite at the centre of Barnes with the west London suburbanites for many years now. The Grade II listed building dates back to the 1700s, which is reflected in the interior by maintaining the exposed beams and hidden cubbyholes with large leather armchairs perfect for intimate conversation and a glass of red. The recently revamped décor pulls us into a more modern time with a mix of flashy chandeliers and reclaimed wooded floors.
Situated in a truly beautiful location, the Sun Inn sadly doesn’t offer a view of the river. However, their ample outdoor seating space provides a view of the next best thing, Barnes Common and its famous duck pond that makes you feel a million miles from the overwhelming flurry of central London.
The crowd
As the go-to place for many Barnes residents, there was a mixed crowd. Older retired couples enjoying dinner out in the local, while tables of young professionals gathered for a few post-work drinks. On a Friday night there weren’t any children, which contributed to a calm and relaxed atmosphere.
It seems word of the pub is spreading further than SW13 and punters are venturing from far and wide to Barnes village, making it one not just for the locals anymore!
The food
Although far more than a village pub, the Sun Inn have saved themselves from being yet another gastro with their order-at-the-bar system, giving a more social and informal dining experience. Cursed with the gluten-free diet of a coeliac, I was extremely impressed by the bar staff’s advice about what food was available for me, and the vast choice I had.
Sadly the salmon had been finished (clearly a popular choice on a Friday!) so we went for the two meatiest dishes. Slow-cooked British short ribs (£15.50) and the rump steak (£15). We were warned that since the menu change the ribs were now a smaller portion, but the organic meat was of a higher quality and so far had been well received. As the plates approached the ribs were definitely not what you’d usually expect—just one bone of meat. The flicker of disappointment vanished immediately after the first succulent bite, cooked to perfection; as well as impressing us with its quality it was actually an ideal portion size.
I opted for peppercorn sauce with my steak and fries and was left with a smile on my face and a full belly. For these meaty dishes I would recommend a side of greens or salad to share.
We couldn’t resist the sweet call of the pudding menu and after much deliberation indulged in the chocolate brownie and blackcurrant curd Eton mess. Both generous portions and plates were left almost licked clean.
The drinks
A great pub for a varied selection of beer. If you’re stuck in your ways and like a pint of something well known like London Pride then it’s always flowing. To keep things interesting the seasonal tap range rotates a selection of brews from some much smaller, local cask brewers.
Whether you’re looking for a three course meal or just somewhere to kick back with an end of week bevvy, I feel pretty confident to say The Sun Inn won’t disappoint.
