Eat & Drink
Originally published on Monday, 27th April 2009
Raising Your Game
Sometimes neighbours can be so inconsiderate. We have some particularly insensitive buggers opposite us – mincing around on their decked roof terrace, when we don't have as much as an inch of outdoor space. So, now the sun's come out to play, I'm on a mission to spend as many of my balmy evenings as possible on London's finest lookouts.
Oxo Tower Brasserie may not be the hottest place on everyone's lips but, trust me, their chef is top class and the elegant balcony has unparalleled views of the London skyline. Coq d'Argent is also a goodie and serves excellent French classics, and some very fine wines.
For a more leafy outlook, few places beat The Belvedere, the former Jacobean ballroom bang in the middle of Holland Park. But my favourite new discovery has to be The Bingham in Richmond, that combines an idyllic riverside vibe with Shay Cooper's contemporary British menu – try the slow-cooked suckling pig, as you gaze romantically out over the willows.
My only complaint is that there aren't enough cheap and cheerful elevated alfresco spots in London – excluding that tiny café on Portobello Road with its few feet of decking. So if you can only stretch to drinks, don't worry, our recommendations for breezy boozers are coming soon.
Oxo Tower Brasserie: Oxo Tower Wharf, Barge House St, SE1 9PH • 020 7803 3888
Coq d'Argent: 1 Poultry EC2R 8EJ • 020 7395 5000
The Belvedere: Holland House, Abbotsbury Road,
W8 6LU • 020 7602 1238
The Bingham: 61-63 Petersham Rd, TW10 6UT •
020 8940 0902
Take a look at our UJ London Guide for more of our eating out tips.
