The Richmond

Mix-​up on the service but the food was excellent. The lovage cake was a surprise hit – I was dubious but it was amazing.

I’m giving it five hard stars because this spot was amazing.
What’s even more amazing is that it doesn’t look like it will be amazing. On the outside, and the inside, it looks like your normal pub eatery. Maybe a little classier than most, but overall, you think you know what you’re going to get.
And then they put down a fresh oyster menu and you know your world is about to be rocked.
That it was. The food here. The drinks here. The service here — all amazing. All worth coming for. We came when it was happy hour on oysters, which meant a pound an oyster and they had a ton of varieties, small and large from all over the world. This alone was fantastic.
But the rest of the meal. Woah. We did a lobster burger which was so tasty and well prepared and roast lamb shoulder that we shared so good. And then there were the cocktails, which were inventive and fun (with named like The Damn Son! Heh.)
It is a little expensive, but it is worth it.
My lovely lady actually took me here on a date and I really enjoyed this spot. I’m shocked I haven’t been back but I need to go back.

I’ve been back! On a weeknight (and it was packed) and the food is really, really good. As is the service although our cocktails took some time.
I still think that the prices are a bit steep for the area but you won’t find anywhere else in Hackney offering this sort of food and will probably have struggle to find seafood and fish this good for any less.
I couldn’t believe how busy it was on a Tuesday evening. The oysters happy hour explains why people might come here earlier but there were people waiting for a table at 9:45pm! They must love them oysters.
The tuna tartare was delicious, as was my monkfish. I’d say desserts are there weakest point with neither of ours blowing my mind especially.

We had a really nice evening, the service was good and friendly, the drinks (cocktails and wine) all excellent and the quality of food was top notch. The oysters, as you’d hope, were outstanding.
However…overall I think it’s just costs too much for what’s offered. The portions are small and in some cases (e.g. Red Prawns) absolutely tiny and the there was nothing about the cooked dishes that made them stand-​out.
It’s the closest restaurant to my home so I’m sure I’ll be back — but we ended-​up spending a ‘big night out’ amount of money for a three course meal with wine and a couple of cocktails in a local restaurant. There’s a market for a meal of that cost — but not for this food.
For a local restaurant I need something more affordable. The happy hour looks great value — pity it doesn’t fit very well with my lifestyle but a few cheap oysters and a nice wine or cocktail after work here would be great.

Cocktails: The Richmond Fizz, Nefertiti
Starters: Oysters, Crab + Muffin
Main: Beef rump with Creamed Kale and Potatoes
The muffin was buttery and the beef was perfectly cooked. The potatoes were crispy on the outside and soft inside.
I have high hopes for this new restaurant, and I’ll be back for the seabass tartare and more raw food.
Staff was nice!