Scott’s Richmond Festive Menu
Sophie Farrah samples the festive lunch menu at Richmond riverside’s most glamourous restaurant, Scott’s. Available until December 13!
First impressions
Scott’s Richmond always looks fabulous, with its glamourous interiors, eye-popping art, towering ceilings, and twinkling chandeliers, but at this time of year, it looks more magical than ever.
This year’s striking seasonal installation is inspired by the natural beauty of nearby Richmond Park, which explains the array of glittering gold stags that catch the eye at every turn.
Stylish icicle-clad trees and vast wreaths adorn the doors, while gold and green garlands have been elegantly wrapped around the stairs. In true Scott’s style, it looks and feels elegant, glamorous, and oh-so-special.
The welcome from the front desk was warm. Coats and scarves were quickly whisked away, and I was shown to the beautiful central bar downstairs, overlooked by yet more chic Christmas trees and sparkling stags.
A charming bartender suggested a Vesper Martini, and I am pleased that he did because it was excellent and the perfect start to a celebratory lunch…
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Chris Terry
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Chris Terry
The menu
Scott’s Richmond sits in the ‘very special occasions’ bracket for many, but from now until December 13, guests can enjoy an exceptionally good value two- or three-course festive lunch menu. It costs £34 for two courses or £39 for three.
If you feel like splashing out, you can add a glass of Ruinart Brut N.V for an extra £18 (usually £23).
The experience
Lucky enough to nab a table by the window, I didn’t know which way to face – towards the beautiful flowing Thames, dotted with ducks and passing boats, or towards Scott’s truly stunning, sparkling interiors, which encapsulate the glamour of a bygone era.
A basket of warm bread and perfectly salted butter arrived first (always a nice ‘extra’ with a set menu) and a delicious glass of chilled Ruinart Brut, which immediately made it feel like it Christmas.
Swerving the foie gras, I ordered the truffled cauliflower soup. Theatrically poured from a copper pan at the table, the glorious heady scent of it hit me instantly. A perfect creamy consistency, it was brimming with rich, earthy truffle and was one of the most decadent and deeply satisfying bowls of soup I’ve ever eaten.
The thick slices of beetroot and gin-cured salmon melted in the mouth, with dots of citrus crème fraiche, pickled cucumber, and small pops of trout roe cutting through the richness and adding fresh, zingy flavour.
Mains were also delicious – surprisingly so for a set menu. The sizable, perfectly cooked fillet of trout came with perfectly crispy skin, sat on a rich, salty shellfish sauce intermingled with the pleasing crunch of charred hispi cabbage and generous flakes of sweet white crab meat. It was all beautifully cooked and packed with flavour.
So, too, was the pollock, perfectly paired with a silky roasted cauliflower puree, meaty woodland mushrooms and a light, foam-like dashi velouté that added a pleasing umami hit and a satisfying depth of flavour.
If you’re feeling festive, you can also choose a roast ballotine of chicken with cranberry and chestnut stuffing, potato rosti, whipped parsnip, and buttered greens.
The sides, which you pay extra for, are worth it. The creamy, silky mash was faultless, and the Brussels sprouts, fried to crispy perfection and smothered in a sweet and spicy kimchi dressing, were a real highlight.
The benefit of lunch / visiting Scott’s during the day is that the lovely river views are at their most visible. I was also treated to a very enthusiastic spring tide, which at one point was lapping at the bottom of the building and created the illusion of being on board an art deco-inspired liner.
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Soon, it was time for dessert. You can’t go far wrong with Stilton, but at Scott’s, it’s served with chunky, buttery, extremely moreish walnut biscuits. I could have eaten ten.
The mince piece cream coupe was simple but suitably seasonal; the ice cream skilfully smooth and filled with fresh vanilla flavour, whilst the shortbread ‘reindeer’ and scattered mincemeat gave it its mince pie credentials. It didn’t need the Chantilly cream (something I never thought I’d say), which froze after a while and became a bit gelatinous. The chocolate and clementine yule log looked divine. Next time…
Service was efficient throughout and the meal never rushed. It felt as though there was plenty of time to relax (a rarity at this time of year) and soak up the lovely ambience and of course the views, both inside and out.
What we liked...
Set menus can sometimes feel like second best to the a la carte, but not this one. The dishes on Scott’s well-priced festive lunch menu are thoughtful, decadent and delicious.
What we didn't...
The challenge with a well-priced set menu is that the final cost can shoot up once you’ve added drinks, a few sides, and service, but it still felt like good value in terms of the quality of the overall experience.
Our pictures
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Final thoughts
A stunning spot for a celebratory pre-Christmas lunch.
The bill, please
- Drinks – Vesper Martini £15.50, a glass of Ruinart Brut Champagne, £18
- Food – 3 courses for £39, plus mash £6.50 and fried Brussels sprouts £6.75
The seasonal festive lunch menu is available at Scott’s Richmond until Dec 13,12pm-5.30pm. Book in advance at scotts-richmond.com
