6 Reasons To Visit Richmond
Tucked away in leafy west London, Richmond is a balance of vibrant suburbia and countryside bliss. It’s the perfect place to escape to when you want to get out of the centre of London, get a bit of fresh air in your lungs, see a bit of nature but don’t want to actually go further than zone 4 – well you aren’t an explorer are you? Here are six reasons to visit Richmond:
Best Place For Breakfast: Jackson + Rye
Why: Establishing itself as an alternative to the successful Côte Bistro, Jackson + Rye restaurants have been popping up across London. None have quite as picturesque a setting as Richmond however. Surrounded by the grassy banks and cobbled tow path of the Thames the throwback décor is bettered by a sumptuous selection of inventive breakfasts. Far from sticking with the standard continental breakfast and full English routine, this expansive menu incorporates a promising array of dishes: from Prison Eggs with jalapeno and borlotti beans to maple-cured bacon with poached eggs, avocado and hollandaise.
Where: 1 Heron Square, Richmond, London, TW9 1EJ
Website: www.jacksonrye.com
Best Place For A Coffee: Richmond Hill Bakery
Why: A brief step from the scenic views of Richmond Hill’s crest and a convenient pit-stop for dog-walkers and cyclists en route Richmond Park, Richmond Hill Bakery offers a refreshing counterbalance to the hustle of the town centre. The wood-friendly environment creates a homely atmosphere, the fresh plants allude to the pastures nearby and there is a delightful array of flowers on sale. Freshly baked cakes and pastries, prepared on-site, along with treats such as cookies and custard tarts make leaving with just a latte in your stomach a true challenge.
Where: Friar Stile Road, Richmond, TW10 6NQ
Website: They don’t have a website but check them out here
Best Place For Lunch: The Glasshouse
Why: Nestled in Richmond’s little sister, Kew, is The Glasshouse. The mellow clientele are somewhat at odds with the restaurant’s reputation. Established by the team behind Wandsworth’s Chez Bruce and Chiswick’s La Trompette, The Glasshouse gained a Michelin Star in 2002, but it’s 3-course, £29.50 fixed-price lunch menu won’t have you dreading your bank statement. French cuisine is mingled with a British touch as Welsh Head Chef Berwyn Davies serves up exquisite and satiating combinations: from game to seafood there is something for everyone.
Where: 14 Station Parade, Kew, TW9 3PZ
Website: www.glasshouserestaurant.co.uk
Best Place To Chill: Richmond Park
Why: A national nature reserve sits atop Richmond Hill. Reaching into Sheen, Roehampton, Kingston and Ham, Richmond Park is arguably the most beautiful City Park on the planet and, at 3.69 square miles, is London’s largest Royal Park. Whilst the perimeter is populated by lycra-clad cyclists and runners the expansive meadows and woodlands at its heart provide a playground for flocks of deer and a convenient escape from City life.
Where: Behave!
Website: www.royalparks.org.uk
Why: The world of Indian cuisine is a typically polarising, with few restaurants spanning the vast market between Brick Lane’s belly burners and central London’s exquisitely refined offerings. Swagat, therefore, is unique. The kebab platter starter epitomises this – a collection of lamb kebab, chicken tikka, fire-grilled prawns, mini samosas and tofu cooked to perfection and served with a mint, cucumber and basil raita. Alongside the traditional mains, spectacular dishes such as the grilled Seabass with cumin and Malabar potato will have you agonising over your choice for the evening.
Where: 86 Hill Rise, Richmond, TW10 6UB
Website: www.swagatindiancuisine.co.uk
