- Where? Richmond, 61-63 Petersham Rd, Richmond TW10 6UT
- How Much? £££
- Book Ahead? Yes
- Cuisine? Modern comfort food & Sunday lunch
- Vegetarian Options? Yes
- Vegan Options? Yes
- Gluten Free Options? Yes
- Dog Friendly? Only outside & in Drawing Room (not in the Parlour)
If you’ve ever strolled along Richmond Riverside from the White Cross towards Petersham, you’ll know the charm of its riverside restaurants, from quaint cafés to the luxurious allure of Gaucho. One spot, however, is a little more discreet, hidden behind a high wall and away from public view.
In winter, it might go unnoticed, but in the summer months, the hum of chatter, the melody of music and the clinking of rosé glasses will have you on your tiptoes trying to steal a glimpse. Behind these walls lies the garden restaurant of Bingham Riverhouse, an exclusive hotel, spa and a local hotspot.
Over the Wall
Having walked past Bingham Riverhouse many times during the summer months, I was eager to finally step inside. The hum of voices beyond the wall gives you a serious case of FOMO. It almost feels like an exclusive party you haven’t been invited to.
We visited on a March weekend, with the temperamental weather nudging us to sit indoors. Inside, we were greeted by shelves of Penguin Classics in a beautifully lit space, exuding the charm of a countryside estate. It felt warm, cosy and effortlessly elegant, as if we had been welcomed into the home of someone impossibly refined.
The service reflected its grandeur, attentive, kind and clearly committed to maintaining its excellent reputation. It feels homely yet exceptionally special, striking the perfect balance between comfort and sophistication.
The Food
Baked celeriac, crispy cauli florets, spiced coconut, butter, raisins, pine nuts
£25 | Vegan friendly
You instantly know you’re in for a treat when the vegan option is the leading dish on the main course menu. The confidence in featuring a vegetable-led dish set my expectations high, and it did not disappoint.
The baked celeriac was tender, buttery, and nutty, perfectly complemented by a rich, decadent cream. The soft, buttery flavours paired beautifully with the occasional sweet, chewy burst of raisin and the satisfying crunch of pine nuts. It felt earthy, seasonal, and simply delightful.
My only small reservations about the dish were the slightly excessive amount of butter on the plate and a touch too much cumin for my liking. Cumin can sometimes have a slightly gritty texture depending on the dish, which was noticeable here. Another consideration was the price. While the dish was delicious, £25 for a small serving of celeriac and a few bits of cauliflower felt a bit steep. A slightly larger portion would have made the experience feel more balanced.
The Verdict
Overall, Bingham Riverhouse offers delightful service, a simple and refined menu, and has a lively atmosphere. There were just a couple of small things that took the experience down a notch. For instance, we were seated at a small corner table, and shortly after, the rows next to us were cleared for a larger group booking, which made us feel a bit exposed and isolated.
The pricing was also slightly unbalanced. As a foodie, I’m more than happy to indulge in a delicious meal, but I did feel that the cost was steep considering what’s offered, especially compared to other venues of a similar quality. One small hiccup was that our waiter forgot our starters. While I completely understand that human error happens, it did leave us a little hungry at the end. Nonetheless, he was very kind and accommodating, and the meal was still enjoyable.
I’m excited to see what the garden restaurant is like in the summer or on a warmer day, as it seems like the perfect way to experience the venue in all its glory. However, it did strike me that, while its walled outdoor space offers an air of exclusivity, you do miss out on the fantastic view of the river and the opportunity to people-watch the rowers and walkers.
Ultimately, it depends on what you’re looking for. If you want to step away from the public for a moment and dine in a secluded, beautiful setting, this is the perfect spot. It’s just something to keep in mind when browsing options in Richmond.
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