Ransome's Dock Restaurant was opened in nineteen-ninety-two by husband and wife chefs Martin and Vanessa Lam. Martin was previously head chef of L'Escargot, Le Caprice and The English House, while Vanessa worked for many years for Justin de Blank, and had her own patisserie company.

The relaxed dock-side restaurant stands nearby the River Thames, on the site of the former Carlo Gatti ice factory. It has become an enduring feature of the London restaurant scene, winning many awards and accolades for its food as well as its wine list, and is affectionately known as the 'wine trade canteen', favoured by wine producers, merchants and drinkers alike.

At the weekends there is a comprehensive brunch menu, with lighter dishes such as scrambled eggs with organic smoked salmon and perennial favourites like shorthorn steak hamburger, organic salmon fishcakes, fruit crumbles or chocolate pecan brownies, with smaller portions always available for children.