River Café

The urban location is off the beaten track and somewhat rough around the edges, but the spirit of The River Café is happy, leisurely and bucolic.

Take a walk along the Thames river path in W6 when the sun's shining and spy on the staff shelling peas, snipping herbs or choosing a squash from a row of vividly coloured knobbly specimens lined-up out front.

The River Café was started in 1987 by Ruth Rogers and Rose Gray to service Ruth's husband Richard's architecture partnership.

Since then, it's enjoyed its status as the canteen of choice for politicos, luvvies and foodies. The twice-changing daily menu is simplicity itself, offering superb game in season, perfect handmade pasta, simply cooked seafood and, of course, that famous Chocolate Nemesis.

Behind the stove:
Ruth Rogers, Rose Gray and Head Chef Sian Owen-Wilson

Always on the menu:
Chargrilled Squid with Fresh Red Chilli and Rocket

Random
fact:
The annual River Café charity quiz has run every June since 1995

Wine list:
£18 - £380

Menu:
All à la carte, with dishes starting at £11.50 and maxing out at £57.50 for Taglierini with Tartufi Bianchi

Thames Wharf, Rainville Road, London W6 9HA, England
+44 (0)20 7386 4200
www.rivercafe.co.uk

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