S0202 The Barge

People flock here on warm workday evenings, with cases of vast quantities of people covering any available space outside being well known. The pub however request that patrons do not go beyond the footpath seating area outside, with multiple signs up - but when that many people want a pint its probably hard to say no!

So when did I decide to visit? On a damp, windy Saturday when there were many sporting events on in the city to draw crowds away from the area of course. The full pub was open but without any outdoor drinkers; and a wide choice of seats on the many levels inside.

The first thing I noticed here was the range of JW Sweetman offerings on draught - these are not seen that widely outside of S0005 JW Sweetman's itself; but there is or was shared ownership here; as with N0146 Cat & Cage where I've previously enjoyed them. However, the one I wanted was actually out so a pint of Chieftain was obtained instead.

I chose to sit in the upstairs corner seating area, which was mostly marked as reserved - a decent choice of a place for a group, as it is a little secluded yet still close to a bar and has the view of the canal. There is a large screen here though, so don't expect it to remain quiet when there's a more important match on TV.

A previous (Northside) employer always picked Southside venues for work nights out, and one of the few I ever missed was a BBQ night here - however, it was during a heatwave and on a payday Friday evening so I'm not sure how close to the food it would have been possible to get. Its probably sensible to do a visit like this at a quieter time; but maybe a worknight of moderate heat could have got more of the normal atmosphere.