Tag Archives: Richmond

The Victoria, Hotel and Restaurant, Richmond

Posted on by

The Victoria Hotel and pub in Richmond is as quaint and cute as the area that surrounds it. Moments away from leafy Richmond Park (though we couldn’t find it on our night time stroll) and a short walk from Sheen High Street, it is an idyllic location in the middle of the West London suburbs. Quiet and sleepy, it is the ideal place for a small romantic pub-hotel.

Our room was small and cosy with all the necessary essentials: iron, kettle with tea and coffee and a full length mirror of which I was particularly appreciative. The decor in the Victoria is simple and stylish, traditional and very homely. The functional bathroom was petite and ideal for a quick freshen up, with a powerful shower and pleasant smelling Neutrogena toiletries.

The cheerful restaurant downstairs was full and buzzing when we went down, ravenous and anticipating a feast. The British inspired menu offers rustic, simple but well executed dishes… high quality comfort food. We enjoyed hefty steaks and devilish triple fried chips (au Heston) and delicious, sophisticated salads. The light rosé they recommended suited the mood and hot summer evening perfectly and fruity fresh desserts provided us with a sweetness kick before bed.

It was unfortunate that we were staying on the hottest night of the year… when we trudged upstairs after dinner, the room was stifling even with the windows open and a bedside fan. Our bed was very comfy, though I couldn’t enjoy the full benefits of the fluffy duvet. Richmond is blissfully quiet and during the night the silence is particularly obvious to one coming from a much busier area of London.

Breakfast in the morning was simple and classic: an assortment of continental treats or cooked breakfast for those that desire it. We munched on soft, buttery croissants and freshly roasted coffee before walking out into the Richmond sunshine.

The Victoria is the perfect place to lock yourselves away: with easy connections into London you are close enough to activities in the frantic centre of town but far enough away to recollect your thoughts and refresh before returning to the fray.

More information here.

http://www.thevictoria.net/

Rock & Rose, Richmond

Posted on by

Rock & Rose is reason alone to visit Richmond. This picturesque suburb has a darling road of shops but lacks little culinary delights aside from the common chains. Rock & Rose fills the gap in the market and exceeds expectations providing great food in a lovely setting. A sister restaurant of Annie’s in Chiswick, I was sure I was going to approve.

I went to R&R for a girly dinner and catch-up and it suited the occasion perfectly. The exterior suggests a tropical, relaxed restaurant but inside it is more punky with pink themed décor loaded with attitude and character. Every time you look round you see another attractive detail – I loved the eccentric flag hanging and the gothic rose wallpaper. Despite it being a large restaurant, I felt cosy at our corner table yet still part of the atmospheric throng.

It is known for inspiring cocktails so we sampled a selection, of which the Rock & Rose Martini was the most fabulous: a mix of vanilla infused vodka, fresh passion fruit, pineapple and lemon, served with a shot of champagne on the side; the lychee martini was also delicious a sweet and refreshing drink.

We were faced with a menu of endless delicious dishes, modern European and British cuisine with an exotic Asian twist. An unusual assortment of food ranging from burgers and ribs to curries, tagines and even Boeuf Bourguignon. I usually feel frustrated with restaurants offering too many contrasting foods, but I couldn’t fault the food at Rock & Rose.

The ribs had been recommended by too many people to ignore and my friend decided to go with her instincts and try this American starter. I’m not a fan of ribs, but these glazed baby back ribs were delicious, not too sweet but sticky and meaty and moreish. I tried the warm goat’s cheese with rocket, beetroot, green beans and candied walnuts, it was a lovely fresh spring salad, light and full of flavour, I loved the crunchy walnuts paired with the soft cheese.

We both opted for curries for mains, though I was tempted by the corn-fed chicken option. My Lamb Massaman was divine, slow cooked with thai spices, peanuts and sweet potato. The meat was beautifully soft and fell from the bone… the sauce was delicious, seasoned to perfection but there was far too little of it and I found myself almost licking the plate. The Lamb is served without a carbohydrate which I was thankful for as it meant I could fit in pudding! My guest chose the Monkfish, Tiger Prawn and Coconut Curry served with Coriander Rice. She was delighted with the light creamy sauce and delicate spicy flavour.

The desserts were enormous, far too hefty to finish. My White Chocolate and Passion Fruit Cheesecake was on the heavy side, with a vague fruity flavour, though not quite enough to satisfy my taste buds. The Apple and Raspberry Crumble with vanilla custard was a better choice, homemade and homely.

Rock & Rose is full seven nights a week and it is obvious why… it is Richmond’s hottest restaurant and bar, the place to eat, drink and have a good time. My friend liked Rock & Rose so much she has decided to return for her birthday celebrations… I’m delighted to be going back!

Visit the Rock & Rose website here to book.