Our Favourite Restaurants in and around Shad Thames

There are many reasons you should consider the Shad Thames area as your next move; not only is it steeped in architectural history, set on the bank of the Thames or that you’re only a short walk from the city, but it also has some of the best independent restaurants. Whether you’re moving to a new area or exploring a different part of the city so many of us call home you can rest assured that there are some fantastic eateries ready to be enjoyed in all the different pockets of Shad Thames.

So, let’s start with ‘Legare’. Not only is it right in the heart of Shad Thames, it’s also next door to the Anderson Rose office! It’s a beautiful small Italian with a regularly changing menu of antipasti and homemade pasta. Having been given the ‘Bib Gourmand’ by the Michelin Guide, they describe it as, “An unpretentious Italian Restaurant in one of the converted Shad Thames warehouses; unfussy and relaxed service suits the style of the place. The seasonally influenced menu uses Brutish produce, with the in-house pasta a particular highlight. Dishes are relatively simple, but flavours are bold and the prices appealing”. Like many restaurants during the Covid crisis ‘Legare’ had to adapt. They created five ‘at home’ artisan pasta boxes with all the ingredients needed to recreate their most loved dishes. I can say with certainty that it really is a true favourite of the Anderson Rose team.

If you’re looking for a bite to eat with a view, then ‘Le Pont de la Tour’ is the spot for you. Set on the bank of the River Thames with unmatchable views of Tower Bridge, the setting really is a showstopper. With Traditional French cuisine the interior compliments it is having been done in the design of 1930s Parisian chic. It was bought in 2006 from the original Conran restaurant by D and D London, a collection of 43 restaurants, bars, and hotels mainly across London. As a part of their ethics, all the food is sourced with a fine-tooth comb from sustainable suppliers so each of their ingredients is top notch and it’s even been awarded a Michelin Plate. There are plenty of places to have an aperitif or even a sneaky drink afterwards on Butlers Wharf as it’s one of the gastro hubs of Shad Thames.

Moving away from the traditional warehouse restaurants and on to the beautiful new development of One Tower Bridge, and ‘The Coal Shed’ is where we’ll start. Partnered with a highly successful sister restaurant in Brighton this rustic but modern design fits perfectly with the new development. Set just back from the Thames in the heart of the development it resides in a little square with a stunning water feature babbling away in front of you. With plenty of outside seating it too has changed after Lockdown; it has also brought in a new Head Chef, ex-Hawksmoor, Lewis Hannaford. ‘The Coal Shed’ specialises in the love of cooking the finest meat and fish over an open fire; so, if you fancy some of the best ‘surf and turf’ in a stunning modern setting, this is the place for you!

And lastly, a true hidden gem. In the marina of St Katherine Dock sits The Ivory House, a stunning traditional building tucked away next to Tower Bridge. The ground floor of the stunning warehouse is home to countless restaurants and one of my personal favourites is ‘Bravas Tapas’. It’s an independent restaurant serving modern Basque small plates and Spanish cocktails – don’t worry you can also grab a pint of Estrella if cocktails aren’t your thing. The small plates are to die for – the Grilled Octopus, Toasted Garlic and Olive Oil is a thing of beauty…and obviously the Brava Potatoes, Salsa Brava, and whipped-to-order Aioli! For sharing a romantic moment in the marina in the evening when everything is beautifully lit, or grabbing a quick bite to eat as you explore Tower Bridge and all the area has to offer, ‘Bravas Tapas’ is a winner in my mind.