The Dysart Petersham

British·
££££
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SquareMeal Review of The Dysart Petersham

If ever a place had too many decent restaurants for the neighbourhood, it’s Petersham: the Nurseries at one end, Petersham Hotel and The Bingham at the other. The local (ex) pub in the middle – a “terrific newcomer” – has now followed suit, with 2010 Roux Scholar Kenneth Culhane running the kitchen. The room, with its big bar and wooden furniture, retains a gastropub look, but the cooking outstrips its surroundings and the slightly overenthusiastic service. Culhane uses top-class ingredients, many sourced as locally as the kitchen garden or nearby woods, to prepare classically based French cooking with an occasional Japanese twist. Richly flavoured charred mackerel is balanced by kombu braised daikon, ginger and Champagne; venison comes with Chinese broccoli and tangy lime jus; and semolina gnocchi with mousserons and fresh almonds graces the vegetarian menu. Alluring puddings (pineapple and brown-butter financier) and a well-picked, ungreedy wine list score highly too.

Good to know

Average Price
££££ - Over £80
Cuisines
British
Ambience
Fine dining, Romantic
Awards
One Michelin star, SquareMeal London Top 100
Alfresco And Views
Great views
Special Features
Vegetarian options
Food Hygiene Rating

About

The Dysart Petersham is a family-run, Michelin-starred modern British restaurant in Richmond, run by Barny Taylor and head chef Kenneth Culhane.

Any foodie worth their salt can appreciate the importance of provenance for any meaningful dining experience. The Dysart Petersham’s efforts towards sustainable sourcing, low-waste cooking, and supporting British producers continue to bear fruit. The Dysart’s nature-conscious ethos runs through every classically executed dish, ensuring that quality seasonal produce takes pride of place. 

Located inside a 1904 example of Tudor revival architecture with views over Richmond Park, the restaurant has a distinctively English bucolic character. Inside, the dining room has retained its original flagstone flooring and lead-lined windows but has now gained an antique grand piano, which takes center stage for Sunday recitals and classical music. The natural oak tables and accompanying wicker chairs are uncharacteristically well-spaced for London restaurants too.

Under the charge of Barny Taylor and head chef Kenneth Culhane, the Michelin star menu draws inspiration from the slow food movement – a grassroots not-for-profit organization that champions local supply chains producing food to be consumed with appreciation. Culhane’s upbringing on a farm in Kerry instilled an enthusiasm for traditional animal husbandry and sustainable practices. Culhane also won the prestigious Roux Scholarship in 2010, so you can expect his cooking at The Dysart to exhibit some peerless French technique. A signature dish, for example, is a chaud froid hen's egg - the egg cooked and set in jelly - with Pedro Ximenez sherry and maple syrup.

As well as an a la carte, Culhane offers a 9-course tasting menu that delivers satisfying dishes often with little twists of Japanese influence. Also on offer is a 3-course menu and a garden menu that highlights the best of local produce, wild herbs, and responsibly foraged plants, and a dedicated vegetarian tasting menu.   

The wine list pays close attention to the approaches and standards of winemakers, listing vintages from well-known names alongside a variety of British wines and those that have been unjustly overlooked. Several biodynamic, organic, and natural wines make an appearance on the list providing the opportunity to form pairings in both classic and unusual ways. 


FAQs

Does the restaurant have a Michelin star?

The restaurant has one Michelin star.

Helpful? 0

Do I need to book in advance?

Yes, it is highly recommended.

Helpful? 0

Location

135 Petersham Road, Petersham, Richmond, London, TW10 7AA

020 8940 8005 020 8940 8005

Website

Opening Times

Lunch
Mon Closed
Tue Closed
Wed Closed
Thu 12:00-14:00
Fri 12:00-14:00
Sat 12:00-14:00
Sun Closed
Dinner
Mon Closed
Tue Closed
Wed 18:00-20:30
Thu 18:00-20:30
Fri 18:00-20:30
Sat 18:00-20:30
Sun 18:00-20:30

Reviews

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1 Review 
Food/Drink
Service
Atmosphere
Value

Frank C

24 September 2019  
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Perfect at Any Time. More than Perfect on a Beautiful Day

We have only gone to The Dysart in perfect weather, those days of an English spring or autumn when the sun is warm but there is a pleasant nip in the air.  On such days, it is difficult to imagine anywhere better near London than the Dysart.   Its garden, although near a road, is sufficiently enclosed by vegetation to create a totally rural but sophisticated setting.  This is not in any way to belittle the cuisine as that is faultless.  Flavours are expertly combined with imagination and great flair.  The presentation and the colours are those of a restaurant of the highest standards.  The ambiance and the hospitality are closer to that which one would enjoy as the guest of a gracious and generous host.  Although there has been an inn on this site since the 18th Century, the Dysart is pure Arts and Crafts and charmingly so.  The interior retains the feel but without the sometimes excessive and oppressive patterns of that movement.  There is good taste throughout....and in every possible connotation of the term.  

The Dysart is not inexpensive and your costs for two with service will be about a hundred pounds for lunch.  We have not been for dinner.  Nevertheless, I still give this restaurant five stars for value for money.  The Dysart is not lunch but an culinary experience and more besides.  It will leave you glad to be alive and with a spring in your step.  Few restaurants achieve that and fewer still with such effortless elegance and charm.  Superb.

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020 8940 8005 020 8940 8005

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