Sophie Farrah catches up with restaurateur Sam Harrison to find out about his latest venture, Sam’s Riverside in Hammersmith...
Having run the popular Sam’s Brasserie in Chiswick and Harrison’s in Balham for 10 years, Sam Harrison needed a break: in 2015, he sold both sites, much to the despair of food-loving locals, and disappeared to the Cotswolds for a much-needed break. But it wasn’t long before the big smoke began to beckon once more.
“The agent who was working on the Riverside Studios development asked them what kind of restaurant they’d like in the space, and apparently one of the chief execs said, ‘well I always used to like Sam’s in Chiswick’, so I got the call!” Sam explains.
At the end of last year, Sam’s Riverside opened its shiny new doors. Adjoining the newly reopened Riverside Studios, Hammersmith’s iconic arts centre which had been closed since 2014 for redevelopment, the 70-seater restaurant is right on the river, boasting sweeping views of the Thames and Hammersmith Bridge.
“I looked at sites all over London, but I wanted a local restaurant – I prefer that relationship with customers. Plus, I am born and bred in West London, it has always been my home. When I saw this place, it was love at first sight.
“With the bridge closed this whole area is so tranquil and peaceful, although I know it’s probably making some people’s lives hell…”
Within Sam’s new space is a beautiful bar area, a smart 18-seater private dining room and a glamorous dining room, filled with marble tables, teal velvet banquettes and art deco-style lighting.
“I want coming here to feel like a treat without having to go into town; somewhere you can put a nice shirt on and have a cocktail at the bar without it being crazy expensive.”
Renowned chef and restaurateur Rowley Leigh is Sam’s culinary director and head chef is Harvey Trollope, who has previously worked at The Ritz and Wheelers of St James. The menu is modern European, with a focus on Anglo-French dishes and plenty of quality seafood.
“It’s accessible, upmarket comfort food. Food that challenges but isn’t too challenging. Food that I like eating!”
“People are raving about the raw mullet and clams, and I think that the steak and kidneys on dripping toast will become a bit of a signature dish.”
Whatever you do, don’t miss the parmesan churros at the bar!
Sam’s Riverside is open now at 1 Crisp Rd, Hammersmith, W6 9DN; samsriverside.co.uk
