Richmond, Fish & Seafood Restaurant Guide

“Authentic Breton galettes and cider, and excellent seafood” are the USP at this “cheap ’n’ cheerful” bistro near Richmond Bridge, which celebrates its 35th anniversary this year. As an independent, it stands out in an area increasingly dominated by chains.

Not content with pimping ‘The Ivy’, Richard Caring is now setting about knocking off copies of the famous Mayfair seafood veteran, starting with this two-floor opening on the Richmond riverside. Finally, after months of wrangling, the planning objections of the original architect for the site have been overcome and it debuts in Autumn 2022. Open seven days a week, we are promised ‘the finest fish and shellfish alongside a variety of meat and seasonal game, in an atmosphere exuding urbane sophistication’. The lower floor will have a crustacea and Champagne bar and the upstairs bar will host DJs every Thursday to Saturday. Hmmm... the latter doesn’t sound at all like Scott’s Mayfair – couldn’t he have called it ‘The Ivy Seafood’, rather than knackering a second great name? Top Tip – a 32-cover terrace promises splendid al fresco dining.