Tom's Terrace

Bringing a touch of Riviera glamour to the banks of the Thames, Tom Aikens has set up camp on the terrace behind Somerset House, with a stylish eatery arranged below a futuristic white canopy. Turn up with your Dior shades to sip Champagne cocktails – or retreat from the tourists for an alfresco bite. The offering is pitch-perfect for summer, with a handful of fresh-tasting dishes & a brief wine list. To start, a coronation crab salad was prettily presented in a glass, with little hits of sweet mango, creamy avocado & sea-fresh crab lasting right to the bottom, while chicken liver & foie gras parfait came on a wooden platter with warm brioche toast & grape chutney. The platter theme extend to mains including an exemplary burger with big chips or a salad of hot-smoked Loch Duart salmon, watercress & soft-boiled eggs. Strawberries poached in mint & Champagne make a suitably seasonal finish.