The story
Sam's Riverside opened in November 2019 on Crisp Walk, with a prime position overlooking the Thames near Hammersmith Bridge. The restaurant makes the most of its setting, with an outdoor terrace, bar counter seating, and a private dining room for up to eighteen guests. The view is calm and spacious, with the river as a constant backdrop.
The kitchen works with small artisan suppliers across the UK, sourcing meat, fish, seafood, fruit and vegetables at their peak. The Modern British menu changes with the seasons, reflecting what is best from land and sea. Wines are handpicked by Sam, many from producers he has visited personally. The same care extends to the brunch offering, which is built around seasonal ingredients.
The restaurant holds a Michelin Recommended award, a nod to its consistent quality and thoughtful cooking. A popular offering is the Oyster Happy Hour, featuring Jersey Rock and Carlingford Lough oysters at £2 each, perfectly paired with a glass of Gusbourne Brut Reserve.
Inside, the space is welcoming and unfussy. Counter dining offers a closer look at the kitchen, while the terrace is ideal for warmer months. The restaurant is wheelchair accessible and air-conditioned, making it comfortable year-round. Private dining is available for special occasions, and the bar counter seats are a good choice for a more casual meal.
Recognition
Ambience
Details
History
Sam Harrison’s ‘wow factor’ brasserie has quickly become a local institution, where friends are cherished and first timers are welcomed with arms open wide. It's joyous, buzzy, unpretentious and a godsend for the neighbourhood – especially as the man himself and his wonderfully accommodating staff help to create that special frisson of ‘show and anticipation’. The glorious setting by the river ‘feels a million miles from central London’, while the airy, clean-lined dining room (lots of light and glass) emanates an invitingly civilised glow. There’s also a much-in-demand outdoor terrace and a ‘spectacular’ bar – don’t miss the ‘oyster happy hour’. As for the cooking, seasonality rules and the kitchen is big on provenance, supporting local suppliers and the community (‘they even use ingredients from a farm on a nearby inner-city school,’ observed one fan). The result is a rolling roster of refreshingly straightforward but creative dishes noted for their bold, up-front flavours. Seafood platters go down a storm, but also expect anything from mussels with ‘nduja, spring onion and samphire to lamb rump accompanied by potato terrine, purple sprouting broccoli and wild garlic. Devotees of cheeseburgers, spatchcock poussin and lobster rolls won’t be disappointed, while those who are sweet of tooth can delight in desserts such as buttermilk panna cotta or rhubarb pavlova with lemon curd. Sam’s set menu is one of the capital’s bargains and locals descend in their droves for the terrific Sunday lunch blowout. There are also ‘special wines to discover’ from a well-chosen list offering affordable access and a decent selection by the glass.
2 Rosette Award for Culinary Excellence
Location
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