Set along the buzzing Thames path between Hammersmith and Fulham Sam’s Riverside supplies the much-needed opportunity for sophisticated dining to the area. Offering modern British cuisine with an emphasis on local artisan produce. The restaurant boasts fantastic river views and has a stunning interior; a combination of mid-century modern and high-ceilinged Parisienne brasserie, intimate yet luxurious, with cosy tables overlooking the twinkly water.

The restaurant also offers larger dining spaces which are cordoned off with a high ceiling and glass walls, so one can feel private, yet not separated from the hub of the restaurant. The location is perfect for lone diners, parties and corporate dining, a date night dinner, and on slightly warmer days, eating al fresco.

The bar also provides an area for drinks and relaxed dining, with a thickly marbled countertop, and adorned with exquisite bottles of wine and unusual spirits. Customers can kick off their evening with an exclusive cocktail, or for wine connoisseurs the opportunity to sample some of the extremely well-sourced wines from around the globe. Sam, the owner is a consummate wine buff and hand-picks the most incredible bio-dynamic and organic wines.

We went on a Thursday evening, and the restaurant was humming with the atmosphere and the promise of a great night out. We started off at the bar with a glass of La Chita, a delicious organic red wine, accompanied by a little ‘amuse bouche’ of the house speciality – Parmesan Churros, well it would be rude not to! These are an absolute treat, and a real exclusive to Sam’s, before heading off to our table by the window overlooking the Thames.

The Wine & Dine menu is available for lunch or dinner and offers two or three courses and a bottle of wine for two, starting at just £60 it’s fantastic value. The offer includes one of two great wines, either the La Chita Organic Tempranillo, a smooth and rich red, and for fans of white, La Chita Organic Sauvignon Blanc/Macabeo.

Starters include Smoked Mackerel Pate, Cucumber and Sourdough Toast or a Roast Beef Carpaccio, dressed with Rocket and a special Tartare Dressing. We are both fans of Beef Carpaccio and were not disappointed by the delicate cuts of meat, which were light as a feather and melted in the mouth.

For the main course, we dined on Smoked Haddock and Montgomery Cheddar Souffle accompanied by Endive and Bitter Leaf Salad. The combination of flavours is divine. Also on the menu is Confit Duck Leg, Puy Lentils and Beetroot Crispy Artichoke. A deeply warming dish perfect for a cold January day. The slow-cooked duck simply glides off the fork, and into one’s mouth.

To finish off we sampled the Warm Treacle Tart with Crystallised Ginger served with a blob of Milk Ice Cream – a combination of dreamy, creamy and sweet textures. In addition to this traditional favourite is a Rhubarb and Coconut Fool with Blood Orange. Tangy, cool and decedent, the perfect ending to an indulgent meal.

Sam’s Wine & Dine offer runs Monday to Thursday for both lunch & dinner, with vegan and vegetarian options also available. Dinner for two including wine starts at just £60.00, and three courses for £70.00. A great way to blow away the January blues.

For those who are already fans of Sam’s brand, there is now Sam’s Larder over in Chiswick, as well as a gourmet food store just behind the restaurant in Fulham, with more locations due to open later this year. Perfect for those who, like me have picked up a serious Parmesan Churros obsession!

Website: www.samsriverside.co.uk

Address: Sam’s Riverside, 1 Crisp Walk, London W6 9DN

Written by Claire Bloom
Photography courtesy of Sam’s Riverside