A superb new Richmond restaurant makes the Bingham Riverhouse an essential waterside spot for summer, by Adam Bloodworth This grand old house spilling onto the banks of the Thames has always been a fabulous place to eat, but there are two fresh reasons to go. Firstly there’s a new restaurant by South African chef Vanessa Marx, who introduces genuinely inventive seasonal dishes in a beautiful setting. Oh, and secondly, it’s finally warm outside, so you can book a table on the terrace.
Quintessential British living in Richmond. Could anything feel more life-giving? I think not. SOUNDS NICE, BUT RICHMOND’S A LONG WAY TO GO.
.. It certainly is.
But couple a trip to the Bingham with a walk through Richmond Park, a ten minute stroll away, or the Terrace Gardens that are even closer. At their highest point are incredible views across the meandering Thames as it heads west. Also a few minutes’ walk away is the garden centre turned luxe restaurant Petersham Nurseries, as well as Gaucho and a branch of luxe seafood restaurant Scott’s, so you can eat the best of the capital while taking in this quaint London-but-doesn’t-feel-like-it part of town.
WHEN SHOULD I BOOK? On a sunny midweek night around 7pm for sunset. Watch day-trippers march along the river, a stone’s throw from where your plate is, and admire the agility of practising teams of row boats as they swoosh past. Inside the restaurant you’ll overhear the Richmond Set discussing how they really shouldn’t share on.