Oh I Do Like To Eat Beside The Seaside (Well, Riverside)
We are a seafaring nation, an island shaped by our duck-like affinity to water. So no surprise that eating by the waterside is pretty much a national past time. And never more so than in London, a city defined by its river (are you a ‘North of the river person’ or a sarf Londoner?), and with a multitude of riverside dining options. So here are some of our favourites…
The Yacht London
All aboard
Not only BY the river but literally ON the river, The Yacht London is the first place to head for waterside dining. Moored on Victoria Embankment The Yacht London is a restaurant onboard a real life yacht. Gaze at the Houses of Parliament, Millenium Eye (or whatever it’s now called) and munch away.
Where: The Yacht London, Temple Pier Victoria Embankment, London WC2R 2PN, UK
Website: www.theyachtlondon.com
The Bingham Hotel
Bada-Bingham
Located right on the Thames when its still its leafy, pre-industrial, Richmond self, The Bingham is a quintessential country hotel that’s accidentally got lost and found itself in London. The terrace offers postcard-like views of the sleepy river as it winds past the genteel capital outskirt, perfect for drinking a lazy glass of wine, as the world drifts by.
Where: 61-63 Petersham Road, Richmond Upon Thames, Surrey, TW10 6UT, United Kingdom
Website: www.thebingham.co.uk
The Lighterman
Barge On In
There’s more than The Thames in London. Located on Granary Square, The Lighterman (a term for a man who works on barges) is aptly named given it’s right on the Regent’s Canal. Dine on the modern British menu right by the water’s edge and within spitting distance of King’s Cross.
Where: 3 Granary Square, London, N1C 4BH
Website: www.thelighterman.co.uk
Sargeant’s Mess
Not Messing Around
In the shadow of the Tower of London and Tower Bridge, Sargeant’s Mess sits in a privileged position. But perhaps not so much as diners sat inside (or outside), who can gorge on classic upmarket pub food while staring at these iconic buildings. The restaurant is the inspiration of chef Mark Sargeant.
Where: Tower of London, The Wharf, St Katharine's & Wapping, London EC3N 4AB
Website: www.sargeantsmess.com
Le Pont de la Tour
Worth A Pont
Sit by the pont and admire the tour at Le Pont de la Tour. The Tower Bridge restaurant sits by the river with spectacular views and fine dining in a former Victorian warehouse. The French cuisine is classic and clever and will have you staring at your plate as much as the view.
Where: 36d Shad Thames, Butlers Wharf, London, SE1 2YE, United Kingdom
Website: www.lepontdelatour.co.uk
The Petersham
Castle On The Hill
Set on a hill right on London’s edge, The Petersham commands a majestic view of the Thames. Enjoy the Victorian grandeur as you settle for an afternoon tea or slap up dinner as the Thames glides endlessly by. Chef Jean-Didier Gouges has recently arrived and has shook up the kitchen, too, meaning the food’s nearly as splendid as the view.
Where: The Petersham Hotel, Nightingale Lane, Richmond, TW10 6UZ
Website: www.petershamhotel.co.uk
