The hot weather is back, promising the start to a long and glorious summer. And as more and more people take to the river to soak up what they can, Joanna Price explores 10 of the best riverside cafes in Surrey and SW London, which of course, have some spectacular views...
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Eight on the River at Molesey Boat Club
Top pick: Passion Storm from the smoothie menu
This charming café offers everything a café should: cake, coffee, sandwiches, and they even cater for breakfast and afternoon tea. As part of the boat club, Eight on the River welcomes everyone passing by – dog walkers and cyclists alike. Just make sure to arrive early to nab a table by the window.
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Tide Tables Café
Top pick: The homemade chickpea curry. It makes veganism seem easy!
This café is located directly under Richmond Bridge, giving it a cosy and characteristic feel, which is enhanced by them being dog-friendly. Specialising in vegan and gluten-free food, Tide Tables caters for everyone! And with a large terrace around the back, it really is the perfect place to visit on a sunny day.
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Canbury Secret Cafe
Canbury Gardens , Kingston, KT2 5AJTop pick: Any of the gelato (this includes gluten-free and vegan options)!
With an entirely outdoor seating area based in Canbury Gardens, this kiosk style café relies entirely on the hopes of a good British summer. But regardless of what the weather has to offer, you can always depend on the Italian owners to provide incredible coffee and fresh food.
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The Lounge, The Runnymede on Thames Hotel and Spa
Top pick: One of their freshly baked muffins
Part of The Runnymede on Thames Hotel and Spa, The Lounge offers a luxurious alternative to a typical riverside café. It's the perfect spot for either lunch, scones, or afternoon tea (or even all three). With an extensive menu, river views and a spa-like ambience, we predict you may end up staying longer than you first expected!
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Orange Pekoe
Top pick: The fresh ginger, lemon and honey loose leaf tea. (The rose petal prosecco is also a winner for those wanting something stronger!)
Orange Pekoe is a cosy tearoom just around the corner from the river. Although specialising in loose leaf tea, they have a number of other unique drinks, breakfast and lunch choices that put a twist on the normal café menu. There are a number of tables outside but these do fill up quickly so reservations are recommended, although there is the option of ordering your meal to take away and eat by the river.
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Riverside Cafe
Queens Promenade, Portsmouth Road, Kingston, KT1 2NATop pick: The bacon, brie and cranberry sandwich – made to order
Simple and sweet, the Riverside Café couldn’t get much closer to the river. Stop here for brunch, lunch, coffee, or ice cream on a hot day. Situated just on the outskirts of Kingston, the café offers the perfect place to take for a shopping break.
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The Cocktail Bar And Terrace at Great Fosters Hotel
Top pick: the G & Tea – great for any gin and afternoon tea enthusiasts
On an estuary off the main river is the stunning Great Fosters Hotel. Home to a cocktail bar with a terrace overlooking the water, Great Fosters is a great option for those wanting a quieter coffee. They serve numerous variations of afternoon tea including vegetarian and gluten-free; feel free to swap the tea out for champagne, Pimms and even gin too!
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Riverside Vegetaria
Top pick: The aubergine and spinach gratin
A vegetarian café which appeals to vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike, Riverside Vegetaria is the ideal place to visit if you are in need of more than just a coffee. With glass doors which open onto the riverside, the café has the option to welcome in the British summer, or to shut out the inevitable rain, making it a reliable staple in the best riverside cafés of the area. The food here is so good the staff offer a takeaway service, and post some of their most popular recipes online.
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Bread Centrale
Top pick: The pizza of the month
Bread Centrale is run by passionate owners who begin the day serving brunch, and then gradually replace coffee with cocktails as the evening begins. With an enormous array of pastries to choose from and the option to ‘Build Your Own Brunch’, the menu is second-to-none. Those travelling by river bus can easily access the café from Plantation Wharf Pier, as it overlooks this part of the river.
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