Bingham
London, United Kingdom [view map]
Local restaurants
A mere stumble along the towpath, with an imposing alfresco terrace, modern Argentine restaurant and bar Gaucho (+44 (0)20 8948 4030) is a carnivore’s dream come true: the big draw is steak, in all its seared, grilled and well-hung glory. Vegetarians can choose from excellent salads, ceviches and seafood. And don’t worry about how much you indulge – it’s only a couple of minutes back to the Bingham. Definitely book a table in advance for dinner at weekends. Down the river in Kew, The Glasshouse on Station Parade (+44 (0)20 8940 6777) is an acclaimed eatery for a special-occasion lunch or romantic dinner. Anthony Boyd oversees the fancy French-influenced flavours in this elegant cream-coloured restaurant. Ask for a table by the window. Lovers of French food will also enjoy lunch or a casual supper at Chez Lindsay (+44 (0)20 8948 7473), an unassuming bistro on Richmond’s Hill Rise where Lindsay Wotton’s authentic Breton cuisine takes centre stage: try griddled galettes, fresh fruits de mer and cider-soaked oysters. The acclaimed Petersham Nurseries Café is a 10‑minute stroll across Petersham Meadows. Book well in advance to sample Skye Gyngell’s garden‑fresh seasonal menus (+44 (0)20 8605 3627). There's a little deli café too, with home-made soups and fresh bread rolls. If you’re in the mood for seafood, head to the Old Market off the main drag, and peruse the fresh pickings on ice at the counter of FishWorks at 13–19 The Square (+44 (0)20 8948 5965). A lunch of clams cooked with sherry and spaghetti with langoustines had us tempted to sign up for the cookery school (see activities in 'Worth getting out of bed for', below). A short train or cab ride away, family-run restaurant Enoteca Turi on Putney High Street (+44 (0)20 8785 4449) has an awe-inspiring 350-bin wine list, with superb regional Italian dishes to match. Don't forget to leave room for the outstanding desserts.
Local cafes
Green Café, which is right on the green (+44 (0)20 8332 0345) is a delightful lunchtime spot where the organic offerings are especially considerate of vegetarians; open 9am–6pm.
Worth getting out of bed for
Stroll out of Bingham's back gate and hop on a river ferry at St Helena Pier, just by Richmond Bridge, and float gently down the Thames all the way to historic Hampton Court Palace (www.hrp.org.uk); ring Turks Launches on +44 (0)20 8546 2434 to check departure times. You can also hire rowing boats from nearby, from as little as £4 an hour.
If you’re in the mood for a movie of the moment, Richmond Odeon Cinema is on Hill Street (+44 (0)871 224 4007). Closer still on Water Lane, Richmond Filmhouse (+44 (0)870 850 6928), favours highbrow flicks.
If you’re keen to brush up on your kitchen skills, and you’re a fan of piscine dishes, book a day at FishWorks Cookery School (+44 (0)20 8948 5965; www.fishworks.co.uk) and go home armed with top tips and recipes. Thursday's course is Cooking for the Family; Friday evenings mean Entertaining with Seafood and Fine Wines classes, and Saturdays you'll be tutored in how to recreate the FishWorks classic menu.
Stroll through the exotic grounds of the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew (+44 (0)20 8332 5655; www.rbgkew.org.uk) where you can poke your nose into fantastic greenhouses and pause in private corners of pretty parkland. It's open every day except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day; times vary according to season, but generally around 9.30am–5.30pm. Adult ticket, £11.75.
The Bingham Hotel and Restaurant is 15 minutes walk from Richmond station; the Tube connection is in Zone 4 on the District Line, and it is also on the overland; get to Waterloo in 20 minutes, or access Silverlink trains.
For our full insider's guide to London, including where to eat and drink, as well as tips on what to get up to while you're away, click here.