Exceptional Dining, Views and Service at Bingham Riverhouse
If the sun is set to come out at the weekend, or to be honest, even if it isn’t, there’s only one place you should be booking into for lunch.
Bingham Riverhouse is situated on the riverside in Richmond. As if that isn’t pleasant enough, the building, which is actually a hotel too – is stunning. From classy interiors, to a stunning balcony and terrace set up, it’s a space that charms you from the minute you step through the door.
Once through the door, prepare to also be charmed by the lovely, impressive and knowledgeable team. I was led to my table and engaged in friendly, interested conversation throughout my whole meal which was very nice as I was dining solo.
The space has recently welcomed award-winning executive chef Vanessa Marx to head up the kitchen, so I knew I’d be in for a treat. We love a strong and powerful lady heading up a restaurant. I also discovered that this charming riverside restaurant with rooms, is one of the only black female-owned hotels in the UK which is remarkable.
Back to the food. I visited on a Sunday and was convinced I would have a roast dinner, one of my all-time favourite meals. But when I sat on the sun-drenched terrace, I had a craving for some fresh fish instead.
The starters boasted fresh-sounding summer-inspired dishes such as Organic Cure coppa ham with peaches, Kentish cobnuts and mint vinaigrette, or Grilled Wimbledon Rooftop Farm oyster mushrooms with fermented nut cream, lemon and dill. I have a mild obsession with trout, thinking it’s always been the cooler and more stylish older sister to salmon, so I went for the Beetroot-cured chalk stream trout with fennel & citrus salad. It was love at first bite. Everything was so fresh, zingy and perfect – I may have moaned!
We were off to a good start. I had a prime people watching position on the balcony, so I did get to see my fair share of Sunday roasts pass me by. The plates were ginormous and loaded with all of sensational trimmings and looked insanely delicious. Instead, I decided to go for the whole Brixham Fish Market catch with lemon beurre blanc and samphire.
The fish was divine and simply flaked off the bone. Thankfully I was served some of the roasted vegetables, crispy roast potatoes and a Yorkshire pudding, so I didn’t miss out too much from the main roast event. All elements of this dish were perfection and left me feeling so incredibly happy!
Wine sizes come in glass, carafe or bottle, which I love, as carafes lend themselves a little better to solo dining. I was full up and enjoyed a mid-meal chat with the chef who was lovely and incredibly humble. Onto dessert and I opted for the Manjari dark chocolate mousse with olive oil ice cream and Blackthorne flaked sea salt. The salt sliced through the dark chocolate adding an intense depth of flavour, whilst the olive oil added a new layer of complexity to the dish. It just worked so well.
I highly recommend the innovative cocktails also. It’s just such a stunning place to sit and watch the world go by, and I also discovered they offer takeaway Afternoon Tea Baskets which are perfect for enjoying in the serene surroundings of Richmond Park or other nearby scenic spots.
Team your lunch with a leisurely walk back to the station along the riverside and you just might find yourself having the best day out that you’ve had in ages. Maybe this year! I certainly did…
Find out more > www.binghamriverhouse.com
