The Credentials
Richmond Upon Thames is a picturesque town on an expansive meander of the River Thames. The area is home to sought-after property and the largest of London’s eight Royal Parks – Richmond Park – which covers an area of 2500 acres. The park is home to ancient trees and supports remarkable amounts of wildlife, as well as deer, which graze and roam freely. The park pulls me back to Richmond at least twice a year. A walk around it in autumn and winter is completely different to one in summer, especially due to this year’s blazing heat which changed the usual lush green landscape into what looked like an African Savannah, with the deer shielding under the canopy of trees. Despite the change in scenery, it is consistent in offering a serenity that is hard to match.
I have stayed in most of the hotels nearby Richmond Park but was yet to stay at Bingham Riverhouse. Upon my last visit to Richmond, in winter last year, I had walked past the striking Georgian building on the edge of the Thames towpath. Its timeless grandeur captivated me and I marvelled at how exclusive yet cosy it appeared from the outside looking in.
Bingham Riverhouse is a three-star boutique hotel and members’ club which offers ultimate getaway experiences. Its positioning on the edge of the River Thames was what drew its mother and daughter owners, Ruth and Samantha Trinder, to it. The townhouse was originally brought by the pair as a family home and B&B before it was crafted into the luxurious hotel, restaurant and members’ club it is today.
Inside the Grade II listed townhouse, you will discover country-inspired interiors all fitted with comfort in mind. Culinary delights can be savoured at 2013 MasterChef winner Steven Edwards’ restaurant, where diners can take a seat and relish views across the Thames. The ever-evolving menu has been designed to allow diners to indulge in the finest seasonal produce. The restaurant currently holds three AA rosettes, meaning it has achieved standards that demand recognition beyond the area it is situated in.
The hotel is a 10-minute picturesque stroll from Richmond station and its high street, which features some fantastic stores such as Anthropology and chic eateries including the Ivy Cafe and Kiss the Hippo Coffee. Hidden away lanes and alleys allow for exploration of the historic architecture, with one leading to Richmond Green, at the heart of the town.
Sleep
The hotel’s fifteen bedrooms offer a home-from-home feel, with classic and calming interiors that combine modern craftsmanship with the history of the building. Each room has been named after a work of Michael Field, a pseudonym for Edith Cooper and Katherine Bradley who lived at Bingham Riverhouse from 1899 -1910. River rooms boast views of the Thames, and each space features sustainable fitted furniture, with some rooms offering hand-forged copper bathtubs and sizeable walk-in showers.
I had the pleasure of staying in a river room named Borgia. Behind a heavy wooden door, I was delighted to find a glistening freestanding copper bathtub. This was only made better by the separate rainfall shower, kingsize bed raised on a solid wood platform (I expect due to the old uneven floors), a decorative fireplace and floor-to-ceiling doors overlooking that view – the glistening River Thames – which was bustling with activity as people went past on canoes and paddle boards.
During my stay, I made sure to enjoy several soaks in the bath, with bubbles provided by an organic beauty brand called LA-EVA. The scent of blue chamomile, lavender and vetiver made certain I was relaxed. Blackout curtains and the climate-controlled room also added to my blissful experience and shortly after laying my head on my pillow, I was fast asleep. I have rarely slept better than I did that night. In the morning, I got to open the weighty curtains to the spectacular view of the Thames and make the most of the Nespresso machine (and another sumptuous bath), but it was time to leave what I can only describe as paradise. I have stayed at many 5-star hotels, and on many levels, my stay here topped them.
Bingham Riverhouse prides itself on offering a space for serenity and wellness, with its rooms providing everything you could dream of in needing to unwind.
Members’ Club
Launched in response to the pandemic, the Riverside Members’ Club was thought up by co-owner and yoga teacher, Samantha Trinder. It aims to provide a tranquil escape where the world can be left behind. Being a member unlocks the wonderful members’ space available at Bingham Riverhouse.
There are three types of membership options on offer: the Riverhouse Membership, the Bhuti Membership and Flow Membership.
The first is a single house membership which includes workspace, priority reservations and exclusive use of the member’s drawing room and members-only events, while the Bhuti Membership is tied in with the Riverhouse’s sister health and wellness centre, Bhuti, which opened in 2016.
Last, but by no means least, the Flow Membership allows the freedom to flow in and out of both bhuti and the Riverhouse, with the added bonus of a luxury birthday treat.
Eat
At Bingham Riverhouse Masterchef winner Steven Edwards’ restaurant ensures guests are satisfied. The innovative restaurant serves up a tasting menu showcasing local and British produce, with diners being able to book from Monday through to Saturday for lunch and dinner service, with only lunch service on Sundays. The restaurant allows guests to choose their own tasting menu which can be paired with an extensive wine list.
In the riverside garden, transparent domes fitted out with cosy interiors provide additional space for people to enjoy their lunch, afternoon tea or dinner, with the two domes seating up to 10 people.
Breakfast is served from Monday to Friday from 7am until 10am and over the weekends from 8am to 10am. It can be enjoyed in your room or in the dining areas, with everything on offer from creamy porridge with dates and honey to eggs Benedict and a full English breakfast.
Out and About
Richmond, in my opinion, offers everything you could ever want from a relaxing break. Its plethora of tranquil spots, such as Kew Gardens and Richmond Park, plus its positioning next to the River Thames lends itself to a blissful time away. The area offers a host of restaurants, bars, and pubs within its postcode, with some steeped in history such as The Cricketers pub which is thought to date from 1770 and overlooks the iconic green, making it an ideal location to sit back and enjoy Richmond.
Should you want to do a spot of shopping you won’t be short of shops to look around and there are plenty of cafes and restaurants to try out too. If you tire of exploring the expanse of the park Kew Gardens is around a 20-minute walk away, and if you’re willing to travel a little further, you can explore Hampton Court palace via a riverboat cruise.
The Riverhouse will allow guests to borrow Pashley bikes to cycle alongside the river to Kew, and outside of its garden gates river boats can be hired, while its sister wellbeing club, bhuti, offers an array of treatments and fitness activities.
There is heaps to do in the area, but the property’s garden terrace is almost too enticing to leave, meaning a day could easily be well-spent people watching from the terrace.
The Crowd
The Riverhouse prides itself on being inclusive, so everyone is welcome. During my stay, I spotted a few couples and people in who looked to be in their mid-thirties and above. The hotel truly feels like a home away from home and this is reflected in the friendliness of the staff, guests and members.
The Best Thing
If you’re looking for a spectacular view of the River Thames, this is the place for you. In addition, the rooms are air-conditioned and feature luxury organic products, superbly comfortable beds, and (dependent on the room you choose) copper bathtubs.
The staff were attentive, friendly and very accommodating. A stay here offers a personalised experience, but it’s best to book direct as you receive a welcome drink, complimentary parking and a possible upgrade on arrival.
The Worst Thing
The minibar pricing is a bit steep, with a half bottle of wine costing £30! You’d be better off ordering service to the room or heading to the bar for a drink. Parking needs to be booked in advance and is subject to availability. Parking costs £18 a day, per car or £10 for dining guests, but it’s complimentary for guests staying at the hotel.
The Details
Rates fluctuate depending on the season, and in August, you can expect to pay around £207 for a standard double room (not with a river view). This price can be higher at weekends and drops to around £175 on weekdays in October.
61-63 Petersham Road, Richmond Upon Thames, TW10 6UT
