Steven Edwards at Bingham Riverhouse
Steven Edwards at Bingham Riverhouse
Fine dining at this elegant riverside spot in Richmond
Top image: The terrace at Bingham Riverhouse
With a prime riverside location and a gorgeous balcony overlooking one of the most beautiful parts of the Thames, Bingham Riverhouse is one of the best spots in the locale to be on a summer’s evening. If you don’t bag a coveted table on the terrace, inside is pretty lovely, too, and the large windows afford similar views.
I’ve been to the Bingham several times and love the sense of history in this grand Georgian building – well, two buildings to be precise, built in 1740. It was once a literary hub frequented by Yeats, Ruskin and Browning and was the home of Edith Cooper and Katherine Bradley from 1899. The aunt and niece were lovers and spent their time writing poetry under the pseudonym Michael Field.
I’ve dined here at Christmas-time when tasteful garlands hung over the front door, rather like entering a magical Narnia, and it has been my go-to option for several special occasions (it’s that kind of place) but I had yet to try the restaurant under the helm of Steven Edwards. Steven won the 2013 series of MasterChef: The Professionals, becoming one of the youngest ever winners at the age of 26.
He has gone on to impressive heights, winning accolade after accolade at his Brighton outpost, etch. And he has now brought his five and seven course tasting menu to Bingham Riverhouse – already notching up a Michelin Plate award this year and last.
Left: Multi course tasting menu. Right: library dining room
The tasting menu started impressively with domes of bread beautifully presented on a bed of grains. Next was a broccoli soup with asparagus and blue cheese, perfectly seasoned, and on to a sea bream with courgette. Before we can blink, duck with raspberry and duck liver was presented. All so far have been perfectly judged and looked stunning. Next was a signature dish of slow cooked duck egg yolk with Jersey Royal puree – it’s very rich and while I loved the idea, my guest found it just too much. A delicious pork belly was served with refreshing fennel puree and charred cucumber, a fitting end to the savoury courses. At this point you can opt for an extra course of cheese (Stinking Bishop) but groaning already we just went for the two desserts! A Valrhona dark chocolate with croissant ice cream and a gooseberry and elderflower parfait.
The menus change monthly to reflect what’s in season, and it was all very impressive. The atmosphere is serene and with the sun setting over the river, this is top spot to head to for a refined dinner.
5 Courses £55, 7 Courses £75
Lunch Friday – Sunday
Dinner Thursday – Saturday
