Choice can be somewhat lacking in the leafy streets of Castelnau - not for lack of pubs, but for the lack of variety. There's the gastropub-lite aspirational Sun Inn, or the aspirational refurbished Bridge, but the variety only creeps in down by Barnes Bridge.

The Red Lion is also a refurbished, gentrified place but certainly not without its merits. An unusual and attractive building from the outside, the interior is light, clean and airy, but there is enough 1930's lead glass and dark wood to give some character, especially in the back room.

Service is friendly and efficient, whether visiting out of peak hours or during the more rushed weekend times, while the Pride (one of four ales on, as expected for a Fuller's pub) was in good nick. The garden is a real treat, too, with a large lawned area, along with a heated umbrella'd patio. Food is not heavily promoted, but expect to pay the usual £9-13 prices for British pub staples. Overall, If you're after a contemporary pub with a bit of character, this might just fit the bill.

FOOD REVIEW
A small menu of pub staples. We tried a couple of the fish and chips, which were around the £10 mark. Despite one piece being significantly bigger than the other, the portions were still generous and the fish well cooked. The chips were pretty tasty too. We'd certainly eat here again.

NEAREST STATION: Barnes station