What’s better than alfresco dining? A beautiful sun drenched terrace, overlooking the River Thames is what! Sam’s Riverside from restaurateur Sam Harrison is a gorgeous modern restaurant on the river, right next to Hammersmith Bridge and is the perfect spot for a long lunch. If the sun is shining, it’s also a gorgeous river walk from whatever direction you’re coming from and if it’s drizzling, then the inside of Sam’s is just as enjoyable – with a delectable bar to enjoy a few pre-meal cocktails.
Scrambling away to get a seat outside before anyone else took the last one (I was ready to fight for it), we got a table right near the front and I couldn’t have been happier. I’m not sure what their plans are for this outside space as Winter settles in, but fill it with heaters & blankets and it could offer all-year round enjoyment – something I’d happily get involved with (aka official Winter cocktail sampler).
To settle us in? Cocktails of course! A perfectly crafted Perfect Manhattan (which we managed to spill all over the table) and the most delicious Sam’s Bloody Mary. The latter made up of smoked Chase vodka, fino Sherry and bloody Mary mix – plus a nice Cajun spice rim around the glass.
Aside from those boozy cocktails, we ordered a nibble to go with them. The most golden, crispiest and delicious churros you’ll ever eat. Especially as they’re smothered in as much grated parmesan that will stick to them.
As for the food, well it was just as glorious as that sunning beating down on us was. Hereford aged ribeye beef tartare with dripping toast was first to the table. Sadly this wasn’t my starter, but my dining companion did let me have a bite (the smallest bite in history) and I only wished I’d ordered it myself. The meat was melt in your mouth good, the seasoning was spot on and actually that toast was fantastic. Our other starter of crevettes with house mayonnaise was also delicious and couldn’t have been any more juicy and flavoursome if they tried.
For mains, a simple but well-prepared shrimp cocktail salad which had the dreamiest of Marie rose sauces. The prawns were big and juicy and if you’re looking to be a little healthier, you certainly won’t be disappointed. Plus, it washes down rather well with a few glasses of chilled rose wine.
My absolute favourite dish here was the pan fried hake. The flesh was pristine white, the fish was so juicy & flaky and to be quite honest – it was exactly what I wanted to be eating in the sun with those views across the river. The fish was covered in a touch of olive oil, chilli, lemon, parsley and lots of lovely capers. Plus some grilled lettuce. If you’ve got room, order a side of the tomato & onion salad for good measure.
To finish, one of my favourite desserts. Lemon posset with raspberries, meringue and lemon balm. As far as posset’s go, this was one very generously filled bowl of the stuff, which meant it was perfect for us to share as we sipped on the last of our Rock Angle (also delicious) rose wine. A fantastic way to end what was a thoroughly enjoyable lunch.
We had such a fabulous time at Sam’s Riverside and I can definitely see it becoming a regular haunt when heading a little more west over the weekends. The terrace (and restaurant) is fabulous, the food is fresh and delicious without being overly complicated and the service is some of the finest in town. Book a table, eat all the seafood, drink all the rose wine and you’ll be made to feel just as at home as we did. Would we come back? Of course!
Love being able to sit outside! The food looks wonderful