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Please note, The Richmond has now closed. Time Out Food editors, December 2017.
Weak bladder? Naturally modest? Then be glad you didn’t join us at The Richmond restaurant and bar. We inadvertently visited in the opening week, and they hadn’t had time to finish the lavs. There were no locks on doors or doors on the cubicles, which protected punters’ privacy with just a piece of fabric.
This is an extreme example of why we try to avoid the prevailing trend for premature visits and – worse still – judgments. But it underlined that the place was still very much a work in progress, and we liked the work we saw.
The Richmond occupies a large, attractive corner site in Dalston, and its menu emphasises fish and shellfish raw and cooked. There’s a separate oyster menu and oyster happy hours Monday to Saturday.
We ate a bunch of fishy dishes, including some fabulous oysters, seabass tartare with oyster mayo (£8), and a small but beautiful crab sandwich served on an English muffin (£7). There are also meaty things, including a Sunday roast for four of whole shoulder of lamb (£60). Don’t even think of leaving without ordering the dark and mellow banana tart.
Early-days syndrome was evident in various problems. There was underpowered seasoning of several dishes; mistimed delivery of small plates; a batter on lukewarm ‘crispy prawns’ (£6) that was more squish than crunch; a way-too-oily side of creamed spinach.
These little things can be solved easily, and we suspect in time will be, as chef and co-owner Brett Redman (also of Elliot’s Café in Borough Market) knows his stuff. Wine is on the pricey side – there’s little under £30 apart from 500ml carafes, and while 11 are sold by the glass, they’re 125ml measures, ie the smallest of wine glass sizes. There is also a very interesting list of craft beers in bottles, and cocktails at a reasonable £7 to £8.
And the unfinished toilets? I’m relieved to say they’re now a thing of the past. Your modesty is safe at the Richmond.