The Waterman’s Arm’s is back to its Barnes riverside location with delicious food, wines, cask and keg beers, writes Caroline Clarke
Managed by the award-winning team behind The Express Tavern over Kew Bridge and The Sussex Arms in Twickenham, Tom, the manager of The Waterman’s Arms and his staff have breathed new life, fun and great food into this cool riverside location. With the busy pub downstairs, a social, warm atmosphere greeted us in the upstairs dining room, the sun streaming in from balcony tables overlooking The Thames. Previous tenants in this spot have been Strada and the nice, but short-lived Hatchetts.
My friend Jo joined me, hungry after a long schlep back from Norfolk and ready for a glass of wine. We went for a Kiwi Sauvignon Blanc and Spanish Rioja Blanco – both excellent – and tucked into generous starters. My Cajun spiced calamari (£5.50), in a crisp coating was chunky and fabulous, dipped in homemade light and tangy citrus aioli. Jo chose vine tomato and goat’s curd with capers, basil and citrus dressing on sourdough (£6.50) – a gorgeous contrast of tomato freshness with the curd being not too strong. A very tasty and a different take on bruschetta.
Meats and fish are smoked on-site, so I tried hickory baby back ribs, coleslaw, corn on the cob, BBQ sauce and chips at a reasonably price £15. The meat was tender, with a spicy kick which was great with the homemade coleslaw – always the best. In true pub tradition, Jo went for a classic beer battered haddock, mushy peas and tartare sauce, which came with chunky chips (£13). The batter was perfect, being light and crispy, as were the chips.
Ready for something sweet, Jo’s Eton Mess (£6) was elegantly served in a large balloon glass, but would have been better with more strawberries, rather than puree. But it still hit the spot. My Oreo doughnuts did indeed have a whole Oreo inside – yes! Alongside toffee sauce and ice cream (£6), they were delicious but very filling, so I left with three in a doggy bag for the kids.
The menu also boasts burgers and 2-for1 pizzas on Monday, plus steak Tuesday and rib Wednesday deals alongside traditional Sunday roasts, plus delights such as fresh oysters.
The bar downstairs is well stocked with cask and keg beers, ciders, guest gins and is dog friendly – good news for dog walkers along the Thames. A good pit stop for sharing plates with live sport showing – perfect for the Rugby World Cup.
375 Lonsdale Road, Barnes SW13 9PY / Bookings: 020 8878 8800
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