No.1 Duke Street

I once went into the previous incarnation of this restaurant – The Lot was deep, dark and full of student types. So it was a pleasant surprise to visit the new restaurant here.

There are numerous tables outside – giving it a real bistro feel – even in December. There’s a good-sized relaxed bar area as you enter – tasteful distressed white walls and comfortable seating. We passed through a broad corridor area – with further tables and chairs – that also contains a large, modern open fire before entering a vast restaurant area at the back which has a large Continental-style central bar.

It’s reminiscent of a butcher’s shop or food hall – maybe that’s the black and white checked floor tiles or the minimalist white walls. There are plants dotted about. Some of the tables are low with similarly low seats. And it was busy, busy, busy – well, it was Friday evening and nearly Christmas. And the tables were pretty close together.

The music was rather loud and so the chatter level was high. There were mixed groups and single-sex groups – but we weren’t the only couple. Everyone seemed quite young – mostly in their 20s and 30s although there were a fair few more mature folk dotted around. And some folk seemed happy to stand at the bar for a drink rather than take a table.

Our waiter was friendly and quickly provided drinks and food menus. We ordered a bottle of Chilean Sauvignon Blanc which was excellent value at £19. He put it in a chill bucket for us. There was a good selection of other wines and also cocktails – which the women at the next table seemed to enjoy.

To start, my companion had the smoked haddock and spinach fishcakes (£7.95). There were five sizeable balls presented with a side dish of tartare sauce. They were filling and she enjoyed them. My smoked salmon, dill and lemon pate (£7.50) had both rye crisps and some crusty bread. I thought at first it was a little tasteless until I realised there was a gelatin top layer. The pate was smooth and light.

There were lots of other choices for small and sharing including ginger chicken cakes (£7.50), crispy peppered squid (£7.95), mini honey sausages (£7.95), baba ghanoush and labneh (£6.50) as well as various crostini (£4.95 a portion) and sharing boards from £12.95.

My companion chose chicken and chorizo schnitzel with fries (£14.95). She said it had a good flavour. I tried the burger (£10.95) with blue cheese and some fries (£3.50) which arrived in a small metal basket. It was moist and tasty and melted the bun.

There’s a surprisingly good choice of vegetarian options including aubergine and pumpkin parmigiana (£9.95), mussels mariniere (£12.95 with sourdough or £15.95 with fries), roast cod (£17.50) and wild mushroom gnocchi (£11.95).

We’d eaten too much to manage a desert but they looked good (prices from £6.50).

There’s a menu for small people featuring macaroni cheese, burger or fish cakes in a two course offer for just £7,50. They also do Sunday roasts.

It’s certainly a welcome addition to the Richmond scene – particularly for the younger folk and families who appreciate a loud and vibrant atmosphere. The food was adequate rather than outstanding from my perspective, but I’ve heard others say that they really liked it.

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