The Petersham Restaurant

This elegant country-house hotel would be worth a visit for the view alone, and its cleverly mirrored dining room affords everyone a look at the verdant water meadow on the last bend of the Thames before it hits London (complete with cows in the summer).

The food is as pretty as the outlook, and all tastes are accommodated. Local regulars and hotel guests mingle with ladies and gents out with the family, while the menu mixes true classics (fully garnished plates of hand-carved smoked salmon, Dover sole with beurre noisette and capers etc) with more modern riffs – perhaps tuna tartare with yuzu dressing and pickled pear sorbet, duck magret with pickled cauliflower and burnt onion or smoked chocolate délice with ‘edible soil’.

The kitchen is now run by chef Jean-Didier Gouges, who makes the most of the hotel’s out-of-London appeal – relying heavily on flowers and herbs for presentation, which is never less than gorgeous. As a bonus, the wine list is worthy of a country hotel but, happily, is priced more like a wine bar.

The Petersham Restaurant, part of the heritage-rich Petersham Hotel, is elegantly perched atop Richmond Hill. This prime location grants every table sweeping views over the River Thames and the verdant Petersham Meadows.

The hotel itself, built in 1865, features 61 classically styled bedrooms and offers the restaurant for private hire, accommodating up to 90 seated guests or 120 for receptions. The dining room is sophisticated yet relaxed, adorned with white linen, chandeliers and mirrors, and seating arranged to maximise both views and privacy. Service is discreet and attentive, enhancing the fine-dining experience without formality. A children’s menu and Sunday roast offerings make it family-friendly. On-site parking and disabled access add to the convenience.

The Petersham serves modern European cuisine with a strong British emphasis, led by head chef Jean-Didier Gouges (formerly of St Pancras and Albert Hall) following the tenure of Ade Adeshina. The menus, updated seasonally, feature refined dishes such as smoked haddock and black truffle toast, seared cod with chorizo risotto, loin of venison with chestnut rissole and bitter chocolate sauce, and hand-rolled goat’s cheese and asparagus lasagne. Fish dishes are particularly celebrated, reflecting chef Gouges’s expression of modern British fare. Dining options include breakfast, a ‘club menu’ for casual all-day dining, fixed-price and a-la-carte lunches, Sunday lunch roasts, afternoon tea and elegant dinners on weekends. The food menus are supported by a well-priced yet impressive wine list featuring half-bottles and French selections.

In summary, The Petersham offers a polished modern-European dining experience with impeccable river views and seasonal, thoughtfully prepared cuisine. It provides versatile appeal, from relaxed lunches and elegant dinners to family gatherings and private events, making it a standout culinary destination in Richmond’s scenic riverside setting.