River restaurants with a view
Sophie Farrah takes a trip along the river to explore South West London’s top riverside restaurants and pubs...
1. Tapas Brindisa
Unit 25, Battersea Power Station, Circus Road West, London SW11 8EZ
My culinary tour begins at the iconic Battersea Power Station development. 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.
3. Thai Square
2-4, Lower Richmond Rd, London SW15 1JN
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.
4. The Duke’s Head
8 Lower Richmond Rd, London SW15 1JN
Next door is The Duke’s Head; a grand Victorian Grade II-listed building that does a mean Sunday roast, with more glorious river views.
5. River Café
Thames Wharf, Rainville Rd, Hammersmith, London W6 9HA
You can't beat the renowned River Café, 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
13 Lower Mall, Hammersmith, London W6 9DJ
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.
7. The Dove
19 Upper Mall, Hammersmith, London W6 9TA
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.
8. The Old Ship
25 Upper Mall, Hammersmith, London W6 9TD
The ever-popular Old Ship boasts plenty of outside space, and good food too.
9. Rick Stein
Tideway Yard, 125, Mortlake High St, London SW14 8SN
In Barnes/Mortlake 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
The Terrace, London SW13 0NR
Next door is my local, The White Hart. 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
27 Strand-On-The-Green, Chiswick, London W4 3PH
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.
12. The Bell & Crown
11-13 Thames Rd, Chiswick, London W4 3PL
Closer to Kew Bridge is The Bell & Crown; 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
Riverside, Richmond TW9 1TH
In Richmond, one is spoiled for choice. The White Cross 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
61-63 Petersham Rd, Richmond TW10 6UT
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 for great food, good cocktails and lovely views of its pretty landscaped garden, and the beautiful river beyond.
