tamesa@oxo

There is something rather special about eating first class food in comfort alongside a major waterway, particularly when you are on the second floor with an enhanced view, described by Fay Maschler in the Evening Standard as "one of the finest river views in London", a judgement with which few would disagree.

A circular bar provides a spacious roost at all times of the day for the passing snack, chat, drink, or cup of coffee, opening at 12 noon and closing late. But it is the brasserie which is a real pull with a totally relaxed, family atmosphere.

Starters of rabbit and chorizo terrine with piccalilli, a classic crayfish cocktail, cauliflower velouté, or spatchcock quail with foie gras and sautéed gem lettuce, lead on to main courses of fricassee of wild rabbit with sautéed girolles, English 28 day aged rib eye steak with mushroom en persillade, the new season's lamb rump with morcilla and pequilo peppers and capers, or pan roasted sea bass with
truffled pomme puree.

To finish, a classic crème caramel, chocolate and praline parfait with amoretti biscuit cream, or a selection of cheeses with homemade chutney and biscuits rounds off a meal that represents excellent value and quality.

A fixed price menu that changes weekly is tremendous value, with starters of leek and potato soup, aubergine and red pepper roulade with bocconcini, and gravadlax with potato and dill salad. Main courses of risotto with blue cheese and toasted walnuts, fillet of mullet with olive oil mash and gremolata, or pan roasted chicken breast with chorizo, sherry, basil and crème fraîche, do not spare on quantity and quality.

Desserts take the same line with chocolate brandy pot and orange tuile, pear and almond tart, or a selection of home made sorbets. With two courses for £14.50 or £17.50 for three this has to be one of the best value lunch and pre/post theatre meals in London.

And should the junior members of the family have attached themselves to the party they have their own menu which performs the magic feat of going most of the way to meet the Jamie Oliver guidelines whilst keeping the little darlings happy as well - penne and tomato sauce and a little homemade ice cream, OK Jamie?

A truly magnificent range of drinks has been put together for this ideal location for sipping and watching. A modest wine list, all by the glass, offers around twenty eclectic choices from mainly New World vineyards. Tamesa cocktails make a good accompaniment to a restful afternoon watching the maritime world go by, or a prelude to an evening with close friends who share your enthusiasm for this eyrie above the water, ranging from champagne-based like Crystal Pearls to martinis, through long to short, which includes Lift Off, honey, vodka, butterscotch and cream.

Should earlier commitments have occupied a greater part of the available space, bar snacks take a less demanding approach to matters of eating, with Gordal stuffed olives, squid with aioli, jambon de Bayonne with celeriac remoulade, houmous and flat bread, corn fritters with salsa are but a few of the dishes around which a few cocktails could fit well.

The coffee, of course, is great with a fine array of brandies, single malts, rums and liqueurs to bring a convivial evening to a close.

For updates on this spectacular and very commendable addition to the London scene click on their informative Website.