The Waterside

Riverside Gem with Sublime Food Delights

When you trample the dreary streets of London, glistening wet from the persistent drizzle, nothing beats stumbling upon a beacon like The Waterside at Imperial Wharf. This is not just another riverside pub; it's a celestial gem that truly embodies the heart and soul of London dining. Perched picturesquely against the Thames, this alluring venue delivers views as delectable as its offerings. We snagged a table upstairs—mind you, you really need to if you want those postcard-perfect views—and it was nothing short of delightful. The space feels less like a London haunt and more like an escape, an impression amplified by the observant staff who tend to guests with care bordering on finesse.

The menu, though not sprawling, is adequate for appeasing picky palates, but let's not skirt the obvious: order the Ox Cheek Hot Pot. This recommendation isn't accompanied by the slightest air of trepidation—ten cooks out of ten will point your knife in this direction. To top it all, I couldn't resist the chocolate brownie, which conspired with sights of meandering waters to paint an evening most decadent. True, there's a niggle or two about the service lagging behind at times, but the mere grace of the location sways you into forgiving sin, should sin be grappling too loudly here. The place exudes that rare architectural feat of modern cosy, wherein one might just recline slightly and watch days end over sparkling river waves while sipping something spirited. A word from the wise: someone please bring tighter disciplining over Sunday lunches—those lounging beefs must know no bounds! — Milo Tastemaker