The insanely opulent interiors of Scott’s new South of the River outpost in Richmond bamboozles the senses from moment you step into its sheer glamour and decorative exuberance. No surface is left untouched, no detail overlooked. Grand mirrored columns, magnificent Venetian chandeliers and, in the centre, a shimmering gold raw bar where guests can enjoy overflowing trays of fruits de mer perched on coral pink bar stools. If you want a feast for your eyes, before beginning your actual foodie feast, Scott’s Richmond is surely the place to start.
Restaurant of the Week: Scott's Richmond
Words by
Sophie Stoneham
Photography by
Johnny Stevens
16th November 2022
Is it possible to replicate a the restaurant icon that is Scott's Mayfair into the more neighbourhood locale of riverside Richmond? SPHERE's Sophie Stoneham investigates, and finds, much like James Bond writer Ian Fleming, who was inspired by the bar's "shaken not stirred' Martini, that an original can be turned into a successful sequel.
Guests enjoying the seafood at Scott's new outpost in Richmond
Opulence is the order of the day at Scott's Richmond
As with all Richard Caring’s premium restaurant ventures, (lest we forget this is the man who revived Annabel’s to a maximalist delight) smartly dressed doorman is the first interaction, followed by elegant waitresses to usher guests upstairs for an apéritif in the first floor bar.
From our table overlooking the romantically lit Thames walkway, we wistfully imagine how fabulous the al-fresco terrace will be in warm lingering summer evenings and consider an extremely early booking for summer 2023. As this is a Scott’s the menu has a strong focus on seafood and fish, and we opted for a velvety Salmon tartare served with smooth avocado and crispy lotus root (£14.25) - the spicy kick offers a true explosion of fresh flavours. Sautéed monkfish cheeks and snails accompanied by bacon and bone marrow Bordelaise (£13.75) is more wintery and comforting with a delectable rich sauce we mopped to the very last drop with warm, freshly baked seeded rolls and Brittany salted butter.
Diners can enjoy riverside views as they dine at Scott's Richmond
To follow, the most exquisite sole meunière (£46) with indulgent buttered spinach, expertly finished at the table by our charming Italian waiter – the highlight of an evening of highlights.
After a recommendation we thought we would test Scott’s hand at turf too. The dry-aged rib eye with béarnaise sauce and chips (£40) was, my husband attested, all you could possibly expect, and more. It felt a little naughty in a fish restaurant but it had come with high praise from the grill menu. A bottle of dry yet fruity Pouilly-Fumé, Domaine de Bel Air - 2021 (£78) was the perfectly fragrant accompaniment to this exceptional feast.
For pudding, we couldn’t resist the temptation of the rich triple chocolate fondant served with fiendishly creamy marsala mascarpone (£11) – two spoons to share made it less sinful.
Scott’s Richmond is as lavish as you would expect, a majestic and sparkly riverside gem. The residents of Richmond are all the richer for their new restaurant…
