Sumptuous seafood shack The Richmond washed up on the shores of Dalston this April and it has already made huge headway as a nifty neighbourhood nook amongst native Hackney-ites and lucky Londoners alike. The lovechild of Brett Redman and Margaret Crow, this revamped restaurant retreat tucked quietly away on Queensbridge Road certainly showcases that seaside meets comfort food feel; and what’s more, it is proud to advocate itself as east London’s very first and only raw seafood saloon.
The Venue
On approach The Richmond is somewhat reminiscent of an olde-worlde lobster lair you’d imagine nestled on the rugged coast of New England, while its insides are altogether decked out in an elegant, but understated nautical meets botanical theme. Awash with ship-style wood throughout complemented by a hefty splash of navy blue and neutral tones, this enclave exudes a charming sense of being at sea. Yet equally capturing a contemporary edge, come expecting oversized overhanging lamps and artwork contrasted by an old-school-inspired bar draped in vibrant, floral foliage. Spacious but intimate, The Richmond really makes for an airy and atmospheric eatery to try your tastebuds at some of the freshest in fruits de mer and classic cocktails.
Drink and dine with dates or mates within an oh so charming, candle-lit ambience.
Food & Drink
In this way, epitomising the essence of fresh, our waitress Vanita delivered to our table four locally sourced wild oysters harvested straight from the shores of Essex and Cornwall. Plump and buttery, these salty-sweet somethings were carefully sprinkled over a frozen-ice platter complete with a tasty assortment of zesty, peppery and vinegar-y sauces for seasoning. Oysters all dressed, it was a belly-happy “bottoms up!” before sampling through the starters.
Kindly offered a generous handful of these, we were fortunate enough to be served up a lip-smacker starter selection, from the Seabass Tartare and Scallop Carpaccio to the English Crab Muffin and Wood-roasted Beetroot and Goat’s Curd Salad. Fresh, fragrant and flavoursome, this fine feast was quickly gobbled up accompanied by a couple of colourful cocktails, delicately embellished with fruit slices and flower petals.
To partner our mains, we explored this hip, lil’ hangout’s handpicked natural wine list, where we guzzled down a glass or two of aged, aromatic orange wine produced in the Piedmont region in Northern Italy. Supping merrily and knife and fork at the ready, there was no hesitation on electing The Richmond's signature dish – the ‘Nduja Spiced Seafood Stew. A mighty medley of mussels, crab, shrimp, octopus and garlic sided with creamed spinach in Indian spices, this wholesome stew certainly made for a mouth-watering festival of flavours. Should you be not-so-seafood-ie, it might be worth noting that The Richmond also cooks up a storm when it comes to Sunday roasts, as well as an eclectic meat-infused mix throughout the week.
Dig into this sumptuous staple dish 'Nduja Spiced Seafood Stew and we guarantee you'll be back here in a hurry.
Atmosphere & Clientele
As far as service goes, the bunch behind this trendy tavern promise a comfortable and relaxed ambience to ease into. Far from pretentious but by no means unstylish, The Richmond welcomes in a friendly crowd of in-the-know Londoners and locals, who have uncovered this secret gem in its rather more seldom-trodden location. So take a pew inside or alfresco and unwind as you discover a true taste of seafood splendour or simply booze your way through the beer and wine menus on a sun-soaked afternoon.
Understated yet refined, Dalston dines in a friendly atmosphere at this seafood haunt.
Summary
If you consider yourself a bit of a foodie, a wine lover or just fancy a fun-fuelled evening carousing cocktails, The Richmond restaurant and bar totes top-quality chow and tipple to give you and your cronies a munch-satisfied, memorable experience. Specialising in seafood fare and stonker Sunday roasts, the team source all their produce locally in order to have a healthy and hearty banquet of belly-fillers ready just for you. As far as the drinks go, you will most likely be more than impressed by the exquisite, organic wine list, together with the diligently selected classic cocktails shaken up to have you lot well and truly lip-locked.
