The Magpie was first mentioned in a Register of Licensed Victuallers in 1729, although the present building originates from 1820. It is where, in 1889, the charitable organisation "The Grand Order of Water Rats" was conceived by a group of music hall stars.
It is one of two Sunbury pubs with river frontage, the other being the Phoenix further to the east, and it looks directly onto Mid-Thames Yacht Club across the river.
The word "magpie" was used to denote half a pint, and this is probably how the pub was named.
