Review: Scott’s Richmond
Review: Scott’s Richmond
Scott’s has been a London institution since 1851, starting life as a humble oyster warehouse by fishmonger John Scott. A century on, ‘Scott’s Oyster Rooms’ moved to Mayfair, becoming a hotspot for writers, politicians and celebs. Its guests included Ian Fleming, creator of James Bond, and it is said that it was here that he discovered the dry martini: ‘shaken not stirred’.
A couple of years ago, the venture branched out with a second opening on Richmond’s buzzy riverside. It’s a big spot with an opulent ground floor restaurant, a second floor bar and a gorgeous balcony for al fresco dining – perfect for admiring the views of the river.
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We’d planned to take a table on the balcony and while it is covered and heated in unpredictable weather, we sat instead in the ground floor space. It’s beautiful, with glass chandeliers, plush banquette seating and views of the Thames through the vast windows.
The menu runs through fish and chips to towers of fruits de mer and everything fish and seafoody in between. There are meat and veggie options too.
We started with an imaginative dish of grilled octopus with nduja, padron peppers and confit garlic aioli. It all worked brilliantly together. We also tried the seared scallops with kimchi butter – another successful pairing.
Lobster and chips will always get my vote. And it did not disappoint here with generous fleshy morsels to be prised out of the shell with the necessary implements provided.
My guest went for the Dover sole meuniere – anyone under the illusion that fish will be the light option will have that dispelled here. It was so buttery, and there was even a little pan of extra melted butter on the side, just in case you need to top up. It was delicious, perfectly seasoned and cooked.
Desserts are not to be missed. A raspberry baked Alaska was a sweet treat of berry bursts and wispy meringue.
Given the setting and the fact that seafood is never going to be your budget option, prices are not unreasonable. It’s also worth noting that there is also an all-day set menu for £28 for two courses (Monday to Friday 12pm to 6.30pm).
