Given the restaurants and hotels of London and a yearning to get away from the centre of town on most occasions, I would have to look a long way before finding a more thoroughly desirable place to be than The Bingham, at Richmond.

Ideal for easy access to some of London's most visited attractions, and Kew Gardens, Hampton Court Palace and Twickenham Rugby come immediately to mind, this boutique restaurant and hotel really does have it all.

The Bingham's highly acclaimed executive chef, Shay Cooper, is the man who sees to it that these expectations are amply met, starting with an à la carte that explores the very best in British and regional dishes. Watercress risotto or summer vegetable salad pave the way for saddle of venison or lemon sole served with samphire, chickpea gnocchi, red pepper and shrimp ceviche. A tiramisu dessert lives well up to its promise. A tasting menu of six courses weaves deftly through the various à la carte options to give a meal of infinite skill and pleasure respectively.

A price fixe luncheon shows The Bingham is capable of combining value with quality, and on Sundays both menu and price make this a serious venue for family parties and leisurely Sabbath breakaways, possibly followed by their Afternoon Tea for the mega indulgent, a luxurious event that manages to escape the excesses of London prices whilst more than equalling the variety and sheer fun of this old English custom.

Visiting Twickers for the rugby? What better way to start than with a hearty lunch at The Bingham, well suited to supporters of both gender and concluding with a pre-match livener.

In keeping with its philosophy the wine list's light shines strongly on the 'boutique' winemakers and fine champagnes, and an inviting selection of wines are available by the glass and carafe. Wine Courses handled by that feisty and dynamic expert in such matters, Angela Reddin, are not unknown at The Bingham.

Fifteen bedrooms embody tranquillity and sensuous style, with bespoke art deco inspired furniture, sumptuous furnishings and state of the art comforts. The number of rooms ensures that the personal touch is retained and guests are known by name rather than room numbers.

As far as room facilities are concerned all the facilities that you would associate with a top quality hotel are there. The River and Superior River Design Rooms enjoy restful river views, with Whirlpool baths and two rooms have antique four-poster beds. In-room beauty treatments, same-day laundry, room service and complimentary newspapers assist in encouraging thoughts to turn with enthusiasm towards a lifestyle of convenience and freedom from everyday worries.

To ensure that these luxuries are enjoyed to the full, the Bingham offers a range of experiences such as The Bingham Lazy Sunday, the Bingham Theatre Experience, Sunday at the Polo or the Wimbledon Experience. Such activities generally require involvement on the part of a restaurant of impeccable charm and performance somewhere along the line. Bingham is listed in the prestigious Michelin Guide and awarded 3 AA Rosettes in 2010, underline its presence at The Bingham.

In an attempt to do the decent thing and give the whole balanced picture, one seeks for some area of perhaps slightly less than excellence at The Bingham. Don't waste your time, or if you do notify this correspondent and I will prepare my hat for eating, though it may be a chocolate one.

Their polished Website tells you lots, lots more, as well as keeping you up to date with this sophisticated but homely hideaway by the river in Richmond.