Arden takes over Barnes pub

Restaurant, bar and hospitality operator Christian Arden has taken on The Tree House in Barnes, a Star Pubs & Bars venue. 

Arden, who has overseen the success of Chicago Rib Shack, as well as running Cavendish Bars, will reopen the pub as The Crossing in August following a joint £450,000 refurbishment with Star. 

The venue is Arden’s second south London pub, his other beingThe Rectory in Clapham, with a third pub in Kennington in the pipeline.

The kitchen will be overseen by chef Antony Demetre from Arbutus and Vermuteria in Coal Drops Yard, King's Cross, with the main feature being an outdoor kitchen.

"I have wanted to open a pub in Barnes for some time and so was delighted when the Tree House became available," says Arden. "The pandemic delayed plans, but on the flipside it gave me the opportunity to finesse them and collaborate with Anthony Demetre.

“My ambition is for The Crossing to offer the best food and drink in south west London. My wife is a founder of the award-winning A plastic planet, so as you can I imagine I am also passionate about creating sustainable pubs. Pubs generally are sustainable businesses using glasses, bottles and cans, and like us employ local people and use local suppliers. Reducing waste and energy consumption will be a focus of operations.”

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