With good train links to central London and Kew Gardens and Richmond Park close by, The Bingham makes for a romantic countryside getaway within the city (well, Zone 4).

Set in a Georgian townhouse overlooking the river, The Bingham is a boutique hotel with 15 contemporary and individually designed bedrooms and a modern British restaurant.

On arrival we were shown directly to our river view double, where the early evening sun glinted pleasantly off the river.

The contemporary room was bright and airy with bespoke art deco furniture and a beautiful view of the hotel garden, terrace, The Thames and leafy surroundings.

The restaurant has a lovely view of the river with French doors opening on to a terrace, where diners were already enjoying an al fresco aperitif thanks to the balmy late-May evening.

Davide Durante, the restaurant manager, was very attentive and enthusiastic when we opted for the Mystery Menu, a concept that he has been working closely with head chef, Mark Jarvis, to establish.

The duo want guests to eat food in the absence of preconceived ideas about what they are about to eat and comparisons with previous experiences; an initiative that really puts the food in the spotlight.

The blank white menu page piqued our curiosity, along with many others apparently – Davide informed us that on the Mystery Menu inauguration 16 out of the 34 covers opted to try it.

To start we enjoyed a tomato and celery gazpacho with croutons that was paired with a small shot of gin. While the gazpacho was light and refreshing neither of us could finish the gin, a strange accompaniment to the start of a meal.

Our next course was sea bream with pea purée and horseradish foam, a lovely combination of fresh flavours, paired with a well-balanced dry Alsatian Riesling.

Next up was wood pigeon and cabbage in a sugary and tangy cherry sauce; the pigeon was tender, complimented by the moreish cherry sauce.

This was followed by a goats’ cheese parfait wrapped in red pepper jelly, which was very nice, although I have to admit we were unsure as to what it was until the big reveal at the end of the dinner.

Dessert consisted of caramel mousse and milk ice cream, a generous portion to round off a memorable dinner.

I would highly recommend the Mystery Menu; it was both intriguing and exciting not knowing what we would be presented with, although we felt that each dish should be explained either when they present you with it or immediately after you finish that particular dish.

After dinner we enjoyed a couple of cocktails in the cocktail lounge bar, a glamorous affair with a high ceiling, low lighting and plush armchairs with a cocktail list that sets the classics alongside several Bingham specialities.

Breakfast is served in the main dining room with a generous selection of pastries, fruit salads, yoghurt, berries, cereal, and breads, and the cooked breakfast has all of the British classics, from a full English to kippers or porridge.

For the more active of you, borrow a Bingham Pashley bike and explore the local area – the staff will provide maps and recommended cycling routes.

The Bingham is a true British gem with attentive and friendly staff making for an intimate atmosphere, perfect for a romantic weekend break.

Be sure to ask for a river view room where you can watch on as kayaks and barges float past.

To plan your next trip to London with a stay at The Bingham, contact Bon Vivant Travel now or read our guide to the best boutique hotels in London.

Disclaimer: We stayed at The Bingham as guests of the hotel, but we only write what we really think and only feature if we think it is good enough to recommend – view our editorial policy here.

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