Frere Jacques

Due to its enviable riverside location - Frere Jacques has some 80 feet of west facing riverside frontage overlooking the River Thames and the moored boats by Kingston Bridge - this place really comes into its own when dining here on a warm summer's evening.

It offers fabulous views and summer sunshine from midday onwards on the terrace, while in winter the terrace front is enclosed in clear plastic and heated by large mushroom heaters. The nearest tables are a mere fifteen feet from the river edge.

Frère Jacques has had an AA Rosette since 1996 and most of their seven chefs are either French or French trained ensuring authenticity to the meals on offer. Rene Renault, the general manager, is hugely popular in Kingston and has been greeting his guests there since 1997 with his Brittany accent and "ooh la la!" manner.

This friendly bistro offers a mainly predictable menu with just a few inspired additions. Choose from dishes such as deep-fried Camembert or warm goat's cheese tartlet, followed by the likes of char-grilled steak, lamb shank, or confit of French duckling with sautéed potatoes and mushrooms. Highlights of the dessert menu include a classic crème brûlée and a delightful tarte tatin.

Queuing is quite normal for both Saturday lunch and dinner, as indeed it is for Sunday lunch - and it is advisable to reserve a table well in advance during the warm summer months.