As a south east Londoner these days, I rarely venture west. But when an invitation arrived in my inbox for lunch at Sam's Riverside I admt it looked too good to turn down. And so one lazy Saturday I hopped on the train for the hour and a quarter journey from home to Hammersmith and reader, it was worth it.
Sat proudly on the riverside (the clue is in the name...) right next to Hammersmith Bridge, this sun-dappled restaurant opened in late 2019 and serves a menu of modern British fare. It's a spacious, high ceilinged spot with floor to ceiling windows and beautiful river views, not to mention some envy-inducing interiors; think lots of marble, foliage, velvet banquettes and art deco floor tiles. A glamorous bar welcomes you for an apéritif, while the seasonal menu includes a welath of delicious dishes. There's also a pre-theatre express menu along with a 'Wine and Dine' menu, offering two courses and a bottle of wine for two for £70; fantastic value considering how great the food is.
Our sunny Saturday lunchtime visit was a joy. The restaurant was full of vibes and chatter from tables of family lunches, catch ups with friends, birthdays, hen parties and dates; it really is the perfect location for all of them. Start with half a dozen of their delicious Carlingford Lough oysters with mignonette and lemon, always a treat. The roast Cornish scallops with celeriac purée, apple and hazelnuts is a taste sensation, full of delicately subtle layers of flavour and texture; I could have had three of them. The crab and gruyere soufflé was an indulgently warming treat for a cold day; oozing steaming cheese and served with a crisp house salad and plenty of crusty bread to mop up. Make sure you leave space for dessert though. With a burnt Basque cheesecake, blood orange posset, rhubarb soufflé and sticky ginger pudding on the menu, you'll want to order more than one. The food really was superb, and with such a welcoming buzz to the place it's no wonder it's always full. It's the perfect spot for lunch if you're intending to watch the Boat Race live - just make sure to book early as it will no doubt be packed.
If you can get in Monday to Friday between 5pm and 6.30pm, make the most of their Oyster Happy Hour; oysters fro £1.50 each and a dozen Jersey rock oysters with two glasses of Gusborn Brut Reserve for just £39.50. Perfection.
Sam's Riverside, 1 Crisp Walk, London W6 9DN
www.samsriverside.co.uk
