We are taking you on a lovely walk along the Thames to pubs, little cafes and gorgeous river views as an alternative to a London Day Out. This gentile part of London comes alive during the Oxford/Cambridge boat race and is part of our inspiring 10,000 steps a day for Spring.
Breakfast in Putney
Start by crossing Putney bridge and turning right before the rather busy (and polluted) Putney High Street. You can either walk directly by the river past the lovely rowing clubs, or perhaps pop in first to the Ground Coffee Society on the Lower Richmond Road. Very popular with the locals and rowers, they do fantastic coffee and brunch.
Coffee in Barnes
Walk down the towpath to Barnes (either going via the London Wetland Centre – (see below) or the longer version to Barnes Bridge. The former route will bring you out opposite the lovely Alma cafe, serving fabulous pastries and salads. Barnes ‘central’ has quite a few little coffee places, including the ubiquitous Gail’s.
Lunch at the pub
Many to choose from! If you want a gorgeous river view, The White Hart in Barnes is the one to choose or The Dukes Head in Putney. The Spencer Arms on Putney Common serves great food and The Red Lion (near the Wetlands) in Barnes is always popular and has a lovely garden.
Tea time
The Orange Pekoe in Barnes is the key pitstop for cake and tea. We went recently and just loved it. Blog post. Tonnes of different teas and scrumptious home-made cakes. If you’re in Putney, Artisan has amazing tea and coffee and is super-popular with the locals. Opposite Artisan on the Upper Richmond Road is the The Bakehouse, which, in addition to being a cafe, sells the best home-made sourdough I’ve ever tasted!
Culture
Olympic Studios Cinema. The Rolling Stones, Queen, Fleetwood Mac and many more all recorded here before its restoration as a cool, luxury cinema. It has 2 screens playing all the latest films plus a great restaurant. Look out for the talks and numerous events here too.
London Wetland Centre. Apart from the obvious twitching, there’s tonnes to do here for adults and kids. Birds and wildlife galore – even cows! Also a good cafe.
Its not culture (!) but there are sone great shops in Barnes – highlights being Iris boutique (opp Olympic), Gerry Summers Jewellery and B London Boutique for luxury beachwear. Also, fab greengrocer ‘Two Peas in a Pod’ and the infamous The Real Cheese Shop in the High street.
Sundowners and supper
The Half Moon in Putney is well-known for its evening music. Great live bands in a relaxed fun atmosphere.
Riva in Barnes – small lovely restaurant with delicious Italian-influenced food. Many say its their favourite restaurant in London! Expensive but worth it. Must book.
Rick Stein – eponymous fish restaurant in Barnes – expensive but fab river views.
The Olympic Cafe in Barnes. Part of the very cool Olympic cinema, great food before or after a film – open all day
For more info re Putney, click here
Verdict:
She said: Love the river views and Barnes shops.
He said: Great pubs and liking the Olympic!
Teen said: Oxford or Cambridge?
