RIVERHOUSE RESTAURANT EXECUTIVE CHEF VANESSA MARX’S INSIDER GUIDE TO RICHMOND
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
Richmond's queen of sustainable dining gives the lowdown on where to eat and drink in the picturesque town
The queen of sustainable dining, Vanessa Marx made waves after following up Bingham Riverhouse in Richmond, with the launch of its sister dining destination, Riverhouse Restaurant.
Committed to sustainable practices and 'slow foods', her neighbourhood restaurant highlights consciously sourced produce from local suppliers and foraged, seasonal ingredients.
Under her leadership, Riverhouse Restaurant was awarded Restaurant of the Year at the 2024 Marie Claire Sustainability Awards, and in September 2024, Bingham Riverhouse became a Certified B Corporation, setting a benchmark for sustainability in the hospitality industry.
The Executive Chef embraces a zero-waste ethos, featuring wild ingredients and garden-grown botanicals in her menus, as well as innovative low-waste items, like coffee-grown oyster mushrooms.
Her culinary journey began in Cape Town, where she co-founded Dear Me Food World, a renowned three-level dining destination and was a guest judge on Celebrity MasterChef South Africa.
She has taken a moment from her delicious sustainability mission to bring us the ultimate guide to Richmond’s best places to eat and drink, from morning to night.
Riverside Restaurant, 61-63 Petersham Rd, Richmond TW10 6UT
COFFEE
The Alberts Deli
My favourite coffee has to be the organic coffee from The Alberts Deli. I may be slightly biased as it’s my husband’s shop, but it genuinely is my go-to coffee in Richmond. The quality is consistently excellent, and it’s a wonderful local spot..
The Alberts Deli, 2 Worple Way, Richmond TW10 6DF
BREAKFAST
Peggy Jean
For breakfast, it’s hard to look beyond The Albert Deli’s Turkish eggs with sourdough – they’re absolutely top-notch and one of my favourite breakfasts anywhere.
If I’m meeting friends or looking for a change of scenery, I love Peggy Jean. The riverside location is beautiful and the breakfast menu feels elevated without being overcomplicated.
Farmer J have a good selection of plant-based options for breakfast - I’ll pop in there every so often if I’m feeling particularly hungry.
Peggy Jean, The Boat, Bridge Boat House, Riverside, Richmond TW9 1TH
LUNCH
Gaucho Richmond
For lunch, I enjoy Gaucho Richmond. Sitting outside overlooking the river is one of the best spots in Richmond, particularly on a sunny day.
Another favourite is Noci Richmond. Their midweek pasta special is fantastic, and they make a perfect carbonara.
Gaucho Richmond, The Towpath, Riverside, Richmond TW10 6UJ
DINNER
La Luna di Luca
I absolutely adore La Luna Di Luca. It’s a true family-run restaurant, with the owner and her son leading the front-of-house team. The food is fresh, authentic and full of heart. One of my favourite dishes is the fresh artichoke when it’s in season.
La Luna Di Luca, 19 Friars Stile Rd, Richmond TW10 6NH
DRINKS
White Cross
For drinks, I love The White Cross. It’s an iconic Richmond pub and the perfect place to stop for a Pimm’s or a pint during a walk along the river, especially with a dog in tow.
I’m also very fond of The Roebuck at the top of Richmond Hill. You can grab a takeaway drink and enjoy one of the most spectacular views in London overlooking the Thames.
But can you actually beat the Riverhouse Bar, though?
White Cross, Riverside House, Water Ln, Richmond TW9 1NR
INSIDER TIP
Flowers, Riverboats & Horsebox Drinks
If you’re visiting at the right time of year, the Isabella Plantation is absolutely unforgettable when it’s in bloom.
Another wonderful experience is taking the riverboat from Richmond Landing all the way to Westminster. Pack a picnic, settle in on deck and enjoy the journey – there’s even a bar onboard.
And for a true local secret, keep your eyes peeled during summer just beyond Petersham Meadows. Tucked beneath the trees near the slipway, you’ll often find a charming horse-box bar serving drinks by the river. It’s one of those hidden Richmond gems that locals love and visitors rarely discover.
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