Christmas at Sam’s Riverside and Waterside

There’s something effortlessly charming about the festive season along the Thames, and few places capture that spirit quite like Sam’s Riverside in Hammersmith and its sister restaurant, Sam’s Waterside in Brentford. Each has its own character, Riverside with its polished riverside glamour, Waterside with its relaxed, modern edge – yet both share the same philosophy: beautiful food, genuine hospitality, and a knack for creating moments that feel celebratory without being over the top. This Christmas, they’ve both gone all out with indulgent set menus designed to make dining feel like an occasion.

At Sam’s Riverside, Head Chef Karol Mielczarek has crafted two luxurious festive menus, The Holly (£55.00pp) and The Ivy (£7.000pp), each celebrating seasonal British produce with a refined, thoughtful touch. Running from 24 November to 24 December, they’re perfect for everything from office Christmas lunches to intimate dinners with friends.

The meal begins on a cozy note with Roasted Celeriac & Apple Soup, a velvety, warming dish that perfectly balances sweetness and earthiness – a gentle start that immediately hints at the kitchen’s precision. The Truffled Beef Tartare is another standout starter, beautifully presented, rich and aromatic without overpowering the palate. It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent yet clean, exactly what you’d want in a festive menu designed for celebration rather than excess.

For the mains, the Bronze Turkey Roulade is Christmas on a plate. Juicy, tender, and accompanied by all the trimmings – think crisp roast potatoes, vibrant greens, and just the right amount of gravy – it delivers nostalgia with finesse. For those craving something from the sea, the Roast Halibut is an equally elegant alternative, cooked to absolute perfection with a delicate sauce that enhances rather than masks its natural flavour.

Desserts at Sam’s Riverside deserve their own fanfare. The Christmas Pudding Soufflé is a showstopper, rising majestically from its dish and delivering that nostalgic pudding flavour in a lighter, airier form, a clever reimagining of a holiday classic. Then there’s the Clementine & Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée, which is pure festive joy in a spoonful: silky, citrusy, and deeply comforting. Every course feels considered, balanced, and unmistakably celebratory, the kind of menu that reminds you how good a well-executed set meal can be.

If Sam’s Riverside is where you go for a polished, candlelit Christmas experience, Sam’s Waterside in Brentford offers a slightly more relaxed – but no less delicious – festive affair. Head Chef Abbie Hendren has created two thoughtfully priced menus, Mistletoe (£45.00pp) and Noël (£55.00pp), available over the same festive period. The atmosphere here is a touch more casual, but the food still shines with that signature Sam’s flair for flavour and detail.

The Dexter Beef Carpaccio is a stunning way to begin: thinly sliced, perfectly seasoned, and bursting with freshness. For those leaning toward something lighter, the Seared Fillet of Stonebass offers a lovely balance of crisp skin and tender flesh, served with accompaniments that make the dish feel both seasonal and modern. And of course, the star of the show for many will be the Roast Bronze Turkey, with all the trimmings that make a British Christmas feel complete. Everything is presented beautifully – generous without being heavy – and served with that easy, genuine warmth that’s at the heart of Sam’s restaurants.

Desserts at Sam’s Waterside also keep the festive spirit high. The Warm Figgy Pudding is rich, spiced, and satisfyingly nostalgic, while the Clementine & Pomegranate Posset brings a refreshing, citrusy finish, a perfect balance after the richness of the mains. Hendren’s menus showcase an impressive understanding of flavour and flow, creating meals that feel celebratory from start to finish without tipping into indulgence for indulgence’s sake.

Both restaurants share that signature Sam’s touch: understated sophistication, seasonal elegance, and an atmosphere that instantly feels welcoming. Whether you’re sipping wine by the window at Riverside, watching the lights dance across the water, or gathering friends for a cheerful meal at Waterside, the experience feels distinctly festive without being forced. It’s that rare combination of polish and comfort that makes both venues such enduring favourites in their respective neighbourhoods.

In a season that can so easily feel hurried or overdone, Sam’s Riverside and Sam’s Waterside have created menus that remind you what makes dining out at Christmas so special, thoughtful cooking, great company, and a little touch of sparkle. From the first spoonful of celeriac soup to the last bite of figgy pudding, every detail feels cared for. Whether you’re looking for an elegant evening or a cozy lunch with friends, both locations promise festive dining that feels both timeless and beautifully personal.

Find out more > at Sam’s Waterside & Sam’s Riverside