Barnes is a very pretty place to wander and get a coffee if in the area. It's is also a great area if you have a family and can afford to live on the 'right' side of town.

My boyfriend is Barnes born and bred and lives in the heart of the 'village' (I'm from the country and regardless of what the local estate agents tell you it's not a village it's SW13). However, be warned this place is full of snobs and busy bodies on an ever increasing basis. Who, if you're under 35 feel they can march up to you and lecture you on whatever it is they think your doing that's undesirable. Such behaviour can be be as simple as standing on the pavement chatting or eating the popcorn you were encouraged to purchase at the cinema 'too loudly' (I'm not a Neanderthal I understand how to eat when in public). This place is full of male wannabe country bumpkins in full Barbour and Hunter attire and women who look like they found their faces on an oligarchs bedroom floor and stapled them back on in the morning before heading to Pilates.

Ps. Be warned these are the same women who can't drive/park their flashy 4x4s (#HungoverHousewife).

Beautifully situated Barnes Village used to be a cornucopia of independent small businesses providing excellent personal service but very high property values and the influx of a many expatriates to the area who do not seem to value those characteristics and would rather shop at Westgate or online have been threatening the Village's heart, with many shops changing hands frequently or lying empty for ages. The local Community Association has been working to address the issue and there are signs of improvement at the moment. Use it or lose it ...