Sophie Farrah takes a trip along the river to explore South West London’s top riverside restaurants and pubs...
1. Tapas Brindisa
My culinary tour begins at the iconic Battersea Power Station development, Circus Road West, London SW11 8EZ. One of my current favourites is Tapas Brindisa, which offers delicious, authentic tapas and has a terrace overlooking the Thames. Another Brindisa has recently opened in Richmond, again with a wonderful riverside location.
2. The Wright Brothers
Battersea Power Station, 26 Circus West Village, London SW8 4NN
Neighbouring seafood specialists, The Wright Brothers is where you can enjoy a magnificent seafood platter or fresh oysters for just £1 a pop, whilst taking in the river views. Head to the power station, 26 Circus West Village, London SW8 4NN.
3. Thai Square
Putney Bridge – the start point for the Boat Race – is home to Thai Square, a slick and modern Thai restaurant with panoramic views over the Thames. Enjoy afternoon tea with a Thai twist, or a superb lobster pad thai. Located at 2-4, Lower Richmond Rd, London SW15 1JN, your senses are sure to be enthralled.
4. The Duke’s Head
Next door is The Duke’s Head, Richmond Rd, SW15 1JN; a grand Victorian Grade II-listed building that does a mean Sunday roast, with more glorious river views.
5. River Café
You can't beat the renowned River Café, located on Rainville Road, Hammersmith, London W6 9HA, with its riverside garden terrace and delicious Italian food, plus an affordable winter set lunch menu available. Don't miss the chocolate nemesis...
6. The Blue Anchor
The pubs of Hammersmith are perfect pit stops for a pint – The Blue Anchor is my favourite. It's cosy, authentic and has a great atmos in the summer when there are plenty of people sitting on the benches outside. Right by the river at 13 Lower Mall, Hammersmith, London W6 9DJ, this gorgeous pub is a summer must-visit.
7. The Dove
The Dove is a fantastic, historic little pub with two small but perfectly formed terraces right on the water. On a sunny day, get there early to secure your spot. Another Hammersmith gem, be sure to head to 19 Upper Mall, Hammersmith, London W6 9TA to sample their delicious menu.
8. The Old Ship
The ever-popular Old Ship, again native to Hammersmith, 25 Upper Mall, W6 9TD, boasts plenty of outside space, and good food too.
9. Rick Stein
In Barnes/Mortlake, SW14 8SN, lies seafood star Rick Stein's first London restaurant, which he opened in 2017. Soak up panoramic river views through the vast windows whilst tucking into Dover sole à la meunière and a glass of Rick's Spanish white. Heaven.
10. The White Hart
Next door is my local, The White Hart, at The Terrace, SW13 0NR. It has an expansive terrace and picnic tables right by the water’s edge. On a warm day, it's an idyllic spot to catch a famous ‘SW13 sunset’ with a G&T in hand.
11. The City Barge
Onwards, I come to the picturesque Strand-on-the-Green. Chic, 14th-century public house The City Barge is renowned for both its views and its food, with imaginative dishes such as soy braised seaweed with pickled cucumber, iceberg, sesame dressing and spiced cashew nuts. Head to 27 Strand-On-The-Green, W4 3PH to sample.
12. The Bell & Crown
Closer to Kew Bridge is The Bell & Crown, at 11-13 Thames Rd, W4 3PL; grab a table on the pretty terrace under the festoon lights and share one of its generous seafood or charcuterie platters.
13. The White Cross
In Richmond, one is spoiled for choice. The White Cross, TW9 1TH, serves some great real ale and is so close to the water that the beer garden often floods – a true watering hole!
14. Bingham Riverhouse
If you're peckish, tuck into authentic Argentine steak on Gaucho’s riverside terrace under the towering plane tree or go veggie at the Tide Tables Café under Richmond Bridge, but my favourite is the newly refurbished and renamed Bingham Riverhouse, at 61-63 Petersham Rd, TW10 6UT, for great food, good cocktails and lovely views of its pretty landscaped garden, and the beautiful river beyond.
