The Bear on the Barge: Bear it in mind for dinner!
This restaurant and bar, formerly known as The Horse and Barge, is located in Harefield, a little journey past Uxbridge. The moment you walk through the door, your eyes will dart from lampshade to stool and from sofa to candlestick. The decor alone is worth the trip to this restaurant.
The Bear on the Barge is part of the ‘Crazy Bear’ family, and if you’ve ever been to a Crazy Bear before, you’ll know what to expect regarding the furnishings. Stripped umbrellas showing only wires display lightbulbs and clocks seem to drip off the mantelpiece.
The first section is a pub or bar with a ridiculous amount of chairs that range from saddles to old-fashioned three-piece suites. My baby was more than happy to tug at the fur rug and shimmy along the ornate sofas.
Following through to the back is the restaurant, where the food is reasonably priced and delicious—I recommend the lamb. They have ample tables, children’s seats and a children’s menu. If your child gets bored, they can wander the area looking for hidden gems, such as a teddy bear tucked up in the corner, sitting on top of the curtain rail.
Outside is a huge beer garden—and separate bar—with plenty of seats. There is a small children’s play area and, should you get tired of drinking and eating, you can open the gate that leads directly to the canal and some rather vicious swans. On treading the rubble-canal path: turn right to head to Denham and Uxbridge or left to go to Rickmansworth—either direction will show you narrow boats, locks and nature at its best.
For menus and more info, see the website of The Bear on the Barge.
