Last Updated on November 1, 2024
Elegant Waterfront Dining at Sam’s Riverside
Sam Harrison is West London restaurant royalty, known for running the much-loved Sam’s Brasserie in Chiswick for 10 years. Now, he’s raised the bar with the hugely successful Sam’s Riverside which opened in 2019 – an elegant, contemporary brasserie that perfectly balances buzzy energy with a warm welcome. Perfect if you are looking for a London restaurant with a view.
Set by the River Thames near the twinkling lights of Hammersmith Bridge and steps away from Riverside Studios, it’s ideal for a relaxed Sunday lunch, romantic dinner, or a family meal paired with a riverside walk or theatre outing.
As we entered the light-filled dining room, we were greeted by friendly staff and a stylish bar flanked by toffee-coloured leather bar stools. The space is beautifully designed with large windows, black framed panelled glass dividers and grey and white marble tables and floors. Art Deco-inspired circular light fixtures spill with lush greenery, while sumptuous sea-blue velvet banquettes and leather-seated chairs invite you to settle in comfortably. The open kitchen allows you to watch the chefs work their magic. Plus, there’s a much sought-after riverside terrace – the place to be in the summer months with great views across the Thames!
Midweek, the atmosphere was bustling, and lively, with a mix of young and old, families and couples. It’s impossible not to feel at home at Sam’s – we were served by the lovely Rebecca, who ensured everything ran smoothly throughout our meal. I kicked off the evening with Sam’s Martini, with freezer-cold gin, La Quintinye Vermouth Royal, Lillet Blanc, and plump Gordal olives – smooth, well-balanced, with a satisfying kick, and my companion who was at the wheel opted for a less alcoholic concoction – an Elderflower Spritzer -slightly sweet with a refreshing minty fizz.
The menu truly has something for everyone, ensuring that everyone from your mother-in-law to the kids will leave happy. The kitchen focuses on modern British cuisine, showcasing the finest seasonal produce from across the UK, sourced from small artisan suppliers. Even the wine list is carefully curated, with each bottle handpicked by Sam himself.
I implore you to try Sam’s famed savoury churros from the small plates – deliciously light and doughy, topped with a sprinkle of Parmesan for a perfect bite. The pea and courgette arancini, served with crisp basil mayo, are another must-try – gooey and rich, with the basil mayo adding a fresh, herbaceous lift.
Next, an easy choice for me as a beetroot lover – a wonderfully colourful plate with a fantastic mix of textures. The fresh, firm beetroot and sweet baby courgettes were complemented by the creamy richness of cashew cream, making for a vibrant and satisfying dish. The crispy cod cheeks came hot from the fryer, with saffron aioli and pickled vegetables. These little nuggets are gorgeously golden, with the buttery saffron mayo adding a rich depth, and a hint of smokiness from the smoked paprika.
We paired the food with a carafe of crisp Picpoul de Pinet, Rocks Blancs from Les Costières de Pomerol in Languedoc, offering notes of fresh apples and a dry, mineral finish.
For the main course, I chose the free-range Cornish red chicken breast with gnocchi, girolles, and beans. I loved that they adapted the dish to cater to my intolerances without a hint of fuss. The juicy chicken breast was topped with sweet, rich caramelized jus and accompanied by doughy bites of gnocchi, meaty girolles, and crisp green beans.
And finally, the pièce de résistance was a spectacular gooseberry soufflé, served with almond crumble and rich clotted cream ice cream. Incredibly light and fluffy, it struck an ideal balance between sweet and tart, while the almond crunch added a fun texture. Paired with a Riesling dessert wine that featured luscious notes of soft melon, it was so perfect that it could easily make my last supper list!
I love Sam’s Riverside! It’s elegant, cool, and relaxed all rolled into one. As a West Londoner, I know I’ll be back for more!
Samsriverside.co.uk
Sam’s Riverside
1 Crisp Walk,
Hammersmith
London W6 9DN
