The Riverside

Of all the companies trying to inject life into the soulless new-build wharfs appearing along the Thames, Young’s seems closest to succeeding with its pubs. The answer is simple – play to the location’s strengths by furnishing the riverside terrace with big, comfy tables & large parasols, & serve well-kept beer, decent wines (with plenty by the glass) & fairly priced food. In summer, the likes of British asparagus with herb breadcrumbs & a poached egg emerge from The Riverside’s kitchen, followed by crab linguine then a summer pudding; you can snap up all three for less than £25. During colder months, head inside where a pretty good attempt has been made to produce a traditional pub atmosphere, & food consists of a hearty line-up of pies followed by sticky toffee pudding.