Riverside Brasserie

It’s only the second time that I’ve ever been into the Riverside Brasserie and I can’t help a slight feeling of surprise. There’s something unexpected about the large light, plant-filled room. And the umbrellas at the tables which make you feel a bit like you’re outside. The white wooden roof is exposed right up to the rafters so the layer of canopy shade gives it a cosier air than it would otherwise. It’s busy when we arrive for Monday lunch time but not because of the school holidays. There are one or two school-age children with their parents but it mostly seems to attract an older demographic. There’s a sense that the place feeds into people’s routines. Somewhere you can meet people regularly. There is a woman rather intent on gaining her ‘usual’ table. I like that about it. It is familiar, homely and makes you aware of how people have embraced it with their daily lives. The menu is quite extensive. There are plenty of specials on the boards. Lots of pies - salmon and asparagus, ‘Mediterranean and a large selection of patés. I go for the quiche - mushroom and bacon which arrives with new potatoes and salad. Whilst the mushroom content seems a bit thin on the ground, the abundant presence of bacon (crispy) more than makes up for it. My companions have brie and celery soup with ‘rustic roll’ and the smooth Brussels paté with toast respectively. Both pronounced a success - some leftover paté being due to an exhausted appetite alone I’m informed. A gentle place for the lost art of leisurely lunches and conversation. ER