Riverside Dining
There’s something special about a restaurant with a view, and Sam’s Riverside boasts one of the best.
Stretched out along the river next to Hammersmith Bridge, this gorgeous brasserie opened at the end of last year, but of course, it wasn’t long before lockdown came along and spoiled all the fun.
But now Sam’s is back with a bang, with a socially distanced dining experience and brand-new outdoor terrace to boot.
He has also opened a brilliant new deli shop too, Sam’s Larder, which is brimming with seasonal and high-quality ingredients from independent suppliers - think cheese from Neal’s Yard, bread and pastries from Hedone Bakery, British charcuterie from Crown & Queue, and more.
We visited the restaurant on one of this summer’s scorchers and the terrace was already heaving; one of those rare and magical I-may-be-in-London-but-I-feel-like-I-am-on-holiday scenes.
The terrace is first come, first served and the restaurant is taking part in the Eat Out to Help Out scheme so sadly we had missed our al fresco opportunity, however, our disappointment was short-lived as the restaurant’s gorgeous interiors and vast windows overlooking the river are just as good, if not better.
On the door was the ever-charming Sam, ready to welcome us and take our temperatures with a non-contact thermometer – this is the new normal, after all.
Hand sanitiser is everywhere, tables are now generously distanced and separated with discreet Perspex screens and there’s a sign-posted one-way system in place for moving around.
Despite all this, the restaurant is still completely beautiful.
I’d eaten at Sam’s several times prior to lockdown and the food had always been good – but it seems that a few months off has suited head chef Harvey Trollope as our meal tasted better than ever.
We started as every visit to Sam’s should – with the completely delectable parmesan churros. Warm, crispy and oh so cheesy, they had disappeared in a matter of minutes.
And the cocktails! Oh, the summer cocktails.
We had Ivan's Frozen Mango Margarita – made with Casamigos Blanco Tequila (George Clooney’s brand, no less), fresh lime, mango pulp and agave nectar, which on a hot summer’s evening was quite literally chilled, heaven-sent nectar in a glass.
We also tried one - ok maybe two - Watermelon and Basil Smashes, made with Ketel One vodka, Aperol, fresh watermelon juice and basil syrup. Again, beautifully refreshing and dangerously moreish.
The menu is a pescatarian’s dream, with treats ranging from fresh oysters to lobster and chips, and Trollope’s now-legendary lobster roll.
For us, it was just one delight after another – the Severn & Wye smoked salmon, with pickled fennel and sorrel, was melt in the mouth and the generous plate of crevettes, served with house mayonnaise, were plump, sweet and incredibly fresh.
Our fish fest continued with pan-fried hake, chilli, lemon, capers and parsley, which provided the perfect combination of spicy heat, crisped meaty fish and herby, lemony freshness. My perfectly roasted wild Dorset seabass was one of the best I’ve ever had, served with crunchy, salty sea vegetables and silky seaweed butter.
If you’re more land than sea, there are plenty of meaty temptations – sirloin steak salad with horseradish dressing and beef dripping croutons, Fosse Meadows chicken and Sam's cheeseburger and chips to name just a few.
Equally, the grilled summer vegetables with romesco and toasted almonds and Isle of Wight tomatoes with Graceburn soft cow’s cheese and lovage will happily satisfy veggies too.
Conversation flowed, as did the wine (a delicious and very reasonably priced bottle of Muscadet) and the people watching was plentiful thanks to the bustling towpath right outside the restaurants’ windows.
Finally, we tucked into a divine chocolate mousse and creamy, zingy lemon posset, with raspberries, meringue and lemon balm. And as if that wasn’t enough, we were then treated to a staggeringly beautiful sunset, as the day’s vast, fiery red sun sank down behind Hammersmith Bridge and lit up the twinkling Thames.
Service, as always, was efficient, friendly and incredibly COVID-aware, the views are second to none and the food, well the food was faultless. Summer at Sam’s is where it’s at.
Sam’s Riverside, 1 Crisp Rd, Hammersmith, London W6 9DN. Sam’s Larder is now open 10 am-5 pm Tuesday-Sunday – spend £50 in August and get 10% off! samsriverside.co.uk.
