The River Terrace Cafe at Somerset House in City of London, Westminster

Quiet location. Hidden away. Very slow service which was irritating. Food was tasty and the sharing platters are good value.

My friends took me here - what a hidden gem. The terrace is elevated and if it wasn't for the trees in bloom, you could see the Thames. It's peaceful during the day time. They do serve food but we were here for drinks and we were lucky they found us a nice table in the shade. Comfortable lounger chairs are available - probably best to make a booking for these. A full bar is available. A lovely spot!

9 of us met here for birthday drinks soaked up with platters of scrummy flatbread. The service was great and we enjoyed our cocktails , beers etc. Very reasonable prices for central London too. Great ambiance with the music at just the right volume . All in all a fabulous place.

Visited this place with a couple of friends. Beautiful location and stunning step up. A perfect spot to enjoy English sunny day with a glass of wine. Unfortunately, service was very slow. And we had to wait long for everything we ordered. There was only one waiter and a supervisor on the door, who was doing both service and reception. Both were super lovely and apologetic, but clearly running this place with only two people was not going great. Aside of that, the man who works in a kitchen was recklessly whistling every 5 minutes, which was ruining peaceful atmosphere. Member of staff mentioned that he is doing it for a joke. We ended up going elsewhere for the rest of the evening, as waiting and whistles were starting to ruin our evening and getting on nerves. Would definitely give it another chance due to a beautiful set up. Hope it was just a bad day and you will get a bigger team for the summer.

Appalling. The 2 severs at our end both rolled their eyes at us when we requested to order. After ordering and a further 15 minute wait for a couple of glasses of wi e and a coke I asked where our drinks were and got a shrug and they did nothing. Another 5 mins and asked again. Finally left and the girl just laughed. Don’t bother!!!The staff are surly and lazy! !

Avoid this place ordered meat sharing board three times from staff didn't arrive. Brought cold patas bravas with drinks but nothing else. Reminded waitress but still brought other guests food out before us. Manager didn't seem interested and said well you have had drinks. Poor service and ruined a lovely stop in the sun near the Thames. Shame

We walked in today looking for a light lunch ahead of visiting the Courtauld Gallery. The space is very pleasant, with tables under the marquee with heaters and out in the open. It’s perfect for an English summer and beyond and would appear to be the perfect place to enjoy London evenings in the coming months. Service was prompt and professional. We ordered a tomato mozzarella flatbread, prawns in garlic and mini chorizos, washed down with single glasses of rose. All food dishes were fresh and very tasty, the prawns plump and well-cooked. For a quick, light alfresco lunch in lovely surroundings with efficient and pleasant service, we could not have asked for more.

Great outdoor space, some areas covered some in the sunshine. They halos have heaters dotted around if needed. Located by the river through Somerset House. Toilets are located on the ground floor within Somerset House and are unisex cubicles with hand drying facilities . Decent wine and cocktail list. Limited Tapas menu but great with drinks. We had some cocktails and they are very well prepared and tasty. Efficient staff and a relaxed ambiance with good music. No time limit on your visit.

Pretty poor overall. Server very nice and friendly but the food was less than average without taste. Even though they were pre-warned that a vegetarian was in the group they felt it appropriate to serve the sandwiches mixed with meat which was insulting and showed a total lack of customer service.

Good service and a lovely setting by the river and just inside Somerset house. We had some beer and some Gin and Tonics, nice music playing and a relaxed chilled atmosphere.

I went with one of my clients to have an informal meeting and we sat on the terrace. The ambience was perfect, sunny and with the Thames in front of us. We took some tea and snacks and they were tasty.

They took 20 minutes to approach us, letting us know that we missed the 3pm cut off for food - this was now 3:01pm and we had arrived in time to order a pizza. We then ordered 4 drinks which we never received after waiting 30 minutes, so we left. Won’t be returning.

써머셋 하우스는 시즌별로 분위기가 다 른데 특히나 여름철에 가면 분위기가 너무 좋습니다 아 그리고 여성분들은 핌스 추천해요

We really enjoyed our evening here, meeting up with old friends. The Italian white wine in particular was good and I thought the drinks prices were reasonable considering the location. We didn't try the food (and thought it would have been expensive to reserve an area due to min spend) but would definitely go back. It's very smart yet not over the top and feels like a hidden away spot.

Treated Mrs Mad Dog to a pre dinner drink here on our anniversary (32nd can you believe?). We sort of fell into this place a bit by accident as it was about 100 yards from the Yacht London where we were booked in for food (see that review as well). So she starts on the cocktail menu with a vengeance. Mrs M takes a liking to Tonic Champagne cocktails because it has Champagne and rhubarb in them which is two of her five a day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. I have a pint of Peroni which as you know is liquid bread so its become a healthy afternoon!!!!!!!!! Very nice pint I must add. Didn,t have any food here but what we saw going past looked good and it looked like it was being enjoyed so............. Good staff (who explained how to make said Tonic Champagne) friendly and smiley. Nice surroundings and a well laid out venue. It would seem that the bar is booked out on a daily basis for private functions which doesn,t seem to be a problem. Only thing that we could see is that there isn,t much of a river view near the bar due to some silly sausage planting loads of trees along the Embankment. You would have thought that a Hundred years ago that they could have forseen that there would be a seasonal bar here. DUH !!!. Not really!!! Mad Dog says Letsa hava nice a Biere!

Estoy un poco sorprendido por algunos de los comentarios negativos sobre este bar. Nos tomamos unas copas en la terraza (fuera de la carpa para empezar, luego cambiaron dentro más tarde), no era caro en £6 una pinta, rápido y amable servicio de detrás de la barra y las pizzas eran absolutamente fantásticos. Sin duda volvería.

Nos sentamos por una cabeza de mal humor de la casa que inicialmente quería asiento nosotros junto a un gran grupo de cumpleaños celebrando un 30 de junio.La camarera era dulce y atento, pero la comida era horrible. La pizza no tenía sabor y la ensalada de pollo desagradable y la mejor descripción que podía usar era 'Mushy 'Este fue decepcionante el almuerzo.

We arrived for drinks and dinner later with guests having called to try and reserve and were told we couldn’t book- fine. But when we arrived we were told we couldn’t drink unless we took it outside the space but they wouldn’t give us a table to eat unless we were drinking inside the ropes area. No queuing system at all. A departing group helpfully said they were leaving and suggested we took their table but the pop-up bar lady told us someone else had just grabbed the table so it still wasn’t available. It was the most unprofessional and unhelpful welcome I have ever seen- and highly embarrassing for our guests. I don’t recommend!

I believe they have improved their services since I last visited them. Me and my friend were totally pampered, great service, beautiful food and beer. Highly recommended on a hot summer day.

Had a fab pizza, my first sampling of peroni ambra and the ambra cocktail. Loved it Service excellent, lots of staff, maybe as if wasn't massively busy. But we were well looked after and has great recommendations from our waitress. Would deffinatly go again

The weather was really good. The drinks were fine. The toilets nearby were very good and clean as were the seats where we sat. But although there were 3 staff milling about the service was really slow. What a shame.

Quería un memorable lugar de almuerzo para un familiar de visita desde Estados Unidos. Yo trabajo a la vuelta de la esquina de Somerset House, y había pasado la cafetería terraza muchas veces sin intentarlo. Para este verano, el café ha sido 'tomado' por Peroni Ambra, como un lugar de Liguria. Por suerte, la realidad no es tan ordinario como suena. Básicamente es un café en la terraza con un menú reducido italiano. Llegamos temprano, tenía una gran variedad de mesas, y rápidamente se sirve con aceitunas bebidas y sabrosos. Optamos por ensaladas, hinojo y anchoa, y pollo y aguacate. Ambos fueron servidos con rapidez, y eran muy sabroso - justo para un día de sol bañadas de Londres. Parte de hermoso semblante, con aceite de oliva, rociado foccacia en el lateral. Aunque la verdad es que no hay una vista del río cercano, el entorno es precioso. No precios almuerzo todos los días, pero no una situación cotidiana. Volveré durante el verano.

Disappointing from beginning to end. Cold Americano coffee followed by Finicchio salad which consisted of a huge mound of rocket (not on menu), 5 shavings of fennel (hard to find as so thin), a few shavings of blood orange and 4 anchovy fillets, the burrata was fine thankfully. The focaccia arrived after we had finished our salads. Cost £11.75!

On one of the hottest days of the year, what could be more pleasant than sitting in the shade having a glass of chilled rose on the terrace of Somerset House.

Los precios un poco exagerado como era de esperar para ir al bar y conseguir nuestras propias bebidas. Un poco como ir a un pub, pero dos veces el precio.

Maravilloso lugar para sentarse en un día de verano. Aunque el servicio es muy informal, hubiera tenido más bebidas, pero el personal parecía que sólo aparecen para intentar llevar comida aún estábamos comiendo. La comida era muy básica era muy lento para llegar y luego uno de nosotros conseguimos nuestra comida casi 30 minutos antes de la otra. La ensalada estaba compuesto principalmente de cara muy rocket salado, un trozo de anchoa y no mucho más.

The best view - or maybe the Shard it - for a drink any time of day in London. Pop in for a coffee or something stronger and watch the beauty of London from the riverside.

El River Terrace está limpio, bien organizado, con personal amable y atento. El menú no es extenso. No es mi elección normal decidieron una ensalada de pollo y aguacate. Wow estaba delicioso, muy sabroso, con una buena vinagreta. No me di cuenta de una ensalada de sabor tan bueno. Este regados con Peroni. . . Muy bien. La factura ligeramente superior de lo que me esperaba, pero es el centro de Londres. Lo recomendaría si pedimos.

Conocí a mi esposo y algunos de sus compañeros de trabajo allí para beber.

Las ventajas de este lugar están siendo afuera, la vista del sur de la Thames además el hecho de que es amplia y un poco lejos del bullicio y ajetreo. Eso es todo.

Un fabuloso bar con un ambiente relajado. Cerca del río, pero lejos del bullicio de la ciudad. Genial,Aperol spritz.

Lugar encantador para tomar cócteles en una tarde soleada. Nos sentimos como si estuviéramos en Italia. El servicio era amable y razonablemente rápida. Los cócteles eran geniales!

El bar de la terraza ha sido tomada por Peroni y está lanzando Peroni Ambra, que era un delicado servido en un vaso cerveza sobre hielo con un toque de naranja y fue un cambio refrescante. No estoy seguro si me gustaría beber muchos de...

Me encanta este lugar, refrigerados, gran ambiente, personal amable, DJ jugando casa helada. Sin duda alguna volveremos.

Por desgracia, cuando llegamos a la terraza del restaurante en 1. 30:00, no había mesas disponibles. La moral es reservar de antemano. Tal vez la próxima vez será capaz de revisar la comida y el servicio. Hace una semana, nos pareció que la comida en...

nice setting and decor and food all looked good in toms kitchen and home made but not lot of choice...

A un tiro de piedra del bullicio y ajetreo de la Strand - gran lugar de temática árabe podría, pero a millas de distancia!

I have been here a lot over summer and I love it. Service can be slow at times but it's forgivable because it's a lovely setting and has good wine and food. I will continue to visit regularly as it is my work local.

We went for an early evening meal at Tom's Kitchen Somerset House. Slow service and food not great. Mussels on the Menu in September? The food was mediocre and warm but edible. The English sparkling wine wasn't great, on the other hand the Chardonnay from Chablis was great.The staff were not aware most of the time but when they finally noticed you had all or nothing.I will try this venue again to see if its any better.

After visiting some of the current exhibitions at Somerset House, a friend and myself just wanted a light refreshing drink on the terrace. The waitress took our orders from the table and asked if we wanted to open a tab or pay as we go, we chose not to opt for a tab as it'd only be a couple of drinks. All good so far.....then as our drinks came as did the waiter with the card machine and we were asked to pay before even taking a sip of our drinks. This would be fine if you pay at the bar but not at a table service bar, we found it so rude and as if we were likely to run off without paying. Then when our other friend arrived she tried to order at the bar but was told that's not how it works (fair enough) but then they also interrupted us again for her payment as soon as her drink had arrived. The staff seemed to be more interested in the money and turnover than letting people enjoy themselves. Such a shame as Tom's Kitchen usually get it right but this was a horrible experience where we were made to feel like not opening a tab turned us into likely suspects to drink and run. Or that we were the wrong clientele for them. Very rude and bad hospitality from staff.

A good spot for an outdoor drink in the Strand area. Remember that after 6 pm you can't go through Somerset House so you need to approach from Waterloo Bridge either from Waterloo or the Strand. Wine by the glass is £5.50 - 8.50. Service is a bit erratic. There are limited bar snacks - our triple cooked chips £3.50 weren't even cooked once properly and our sharing board at £21.50 was a couple of bits of toast, four small cream cheese peppers, some watercress and gherkins, and a smear of hummus and something else we couldn't identify. I know Tom's is near the river and it's tourist season but come on!? A pot of hummus is £2.00. Very poor value. We also laughed that this vegetarian platter was called "Land" (as opposed to 'Sea' ) but when we asked for it by name none of the staff knew what we were talking about, "Oh you mean vegetable." The loos are inside Somerset House and are under-whelming - a touch of the port-a-loo! Tom's is not high on my list for a second visit.

Went for a walk along the embankment and just stopped here for a drink It was a nice sunny evening so just spent half an hour on the comfortable settee before heading for something to eat which we had already bookedVery pleasant surroundings with a nice welcome

I was here last night for a friend's birthday. The terrace is a perfect spot for catching up with friends, outdoors, with a great vibe.I will certainly be back.

This was a much anticipated return visit, but the first this year, and may be the last this season.The menu alterations are disappointing, much better to have stayed with last year's offerings which were, in the main, fantastic.The staff are willing but seem untrained in comparison to those in the main building. I do not want a waiter staring while I attempt to put in my pin number, please look away!! It was rather difficult to cover the machine with one hand and then input.A horribly, extremely raucous and overwhelming party came in and spoiled the second half of what should have been a relaxing lunchtime. I did mention to a waitress that it was very unpleasant and she seemed to agree, looked unhappy when serving them, but in the end there did not seem to be a polite request for them to tone it down. Surely in such a venue, customer management of a diplomatic sort is desirable?As to the food, it was ok, and reasonably priced for the venue.The "canvas roofing" could definitely do with a good clean! So, I think, could the plastic armchairs.Come on, Tom! Get in there and see what's cooking....

Run by amateurs. Grossly overpriced even by London standards. Burgers GBP16, fish & chips GBP15, macaroni cheese GBP1. GBP5 for a small bottle of beer. Burger had dirty unwashed lettuce in it. Beers served without a glass - bottles just left on the tables. Very average burger and nothing to write home about at all. Will definitely not be coming back. An experience not to be recommended!

Now known as Tom's Terrace, the outside cocktail bar/restaurant at Somerset House seemed an ideal place for my wife and I to stop for a pre-theatre drink in October. We didn't realise until afterward that we actually chose their last day of opening before they closed for the winter. We were shown quickly to a table, but as only two tables were actually occupied, that was hardly surprising. We selected our drinks and then waited. And waited. And waited. After 15 minutes I went to the bar to put my order in and the reason for the delay became apparent. There were six members of staff chatting amongst themselves and obviously having a jolly good time. Our drinks arrived and I asked for the bill immediately as we were a little short on time. The bill arrived and I proffered a note without checking the bill. When the change came back I realised that a service charge had been added without any comment and I was actually short-changed as well as receiving a lot of £1 coins instead of a note. This irked me, so I returned to the bar and found a manageress who listened to my complaint. Strangely enough the bunch of young staff hanging around the bar all disappeared when I said I wanted to complain.I got the correct change, the service charge was refunded and I received an apology, albeit very insincerely. We left.When I returned home I wrote a letter of complaint simply stating how disappointed we were with the service from such a well-respected brand name. There is no head office address on the Tom's Kitchen website, so I addressed the letter to the manager at the principal restaurant. I was not seeking compensation or any other benefit, simply an acknowledgement that the complaint was recognised and something would be done. I have received nothing, even after waiting 2 months. This is not the way to treat unhappy customers and my circle of family and friends will be keeping well clear of Tom's Kitchen at all it's venues in the future.Poor complaint handling.

This is a nice place to sit and while away the afternoon. There isn't really a river view because of the trees etc but it's still a nice area to sit looking back at Somerset House.We only had cocktails so can't comment on food. Cocktails were good!! Priced as you would expect in a location like that and the table service was good

Average place with well above average prices. The view of the Thames is blocked by trees. Somerset House is lovely but you can't see much of it on the terrace.

A great spot away from the hustle and bustle. Huge terrace which was glorious on the very sunny day I was there. Good destination in its own right regardless of whether you also visit the exhibitions and galleries

Brilliant little find, Ibiza style seating with a DJ. Gorgeous cocktails and fab table service! Couldn't fault!

It's a lively and lovely venue rio meet friends and soak in the start of the summer. A real good place for summer night and long afternoons, I am coming back this week - a real sweet place

This is a fairly expensive venue, limited menu, but we enjoyed it all. The waiting staff were friendly and efficient, the food was just about worth the expense, but all in all we had a very special time there.Lots of chunky toasted bread drizzled with olive oil accompanied both main courses, and we had ordered extra on the side, but it all disappeared. It was simply delicious. The charcuterie board was nicely arranged and delicious, though costly. The salmon was superb, and accompanied by very flavourful little herbs and samphire, also delicate ribbons of pickled cucumber.We would call in there again, a nice experience and very comfortable chairs!

Started off with coffee and cake outside watching the fountains play. Then lunch on the terrace overlooking the Thames. After a short walk round Covent Garden, back for tea and sticky buns! We just wanted to be able to sit and chat all day, a good place to catch up. Nobody hurrying you along. Great ambience, good food and service, ok prices are a bit steep, but you must remember where you are. Sit back and enjoy the architecture, the well designed menu and the views.....a good stop off point and a definite place to return to. Thank you efficient, friendly staff, and Tom.

A very popular venue and rightly so, sat outside on the terrace watching the world go by on the Thames is a great view - for which you pay. Very nice help-yourself salad box, fresh rolls, cakes etc. but no tray - consequently you pick up only what you can carry in the paper bag they give you. Bearing in mind the price this is probably a good thing - and saves on staff clearing the tables!

Очень приятное, довольно дорогое кафе. Великолепный вид на Темзу. А зимой модно прийти и посмотреть на каток, который заливают во дворе Сомерсет хауз

Really enjoyed the outside terrace and view. Meal was first class. Excellent wines. Had heard about this place and am now very happy that I stopped by.

What a perfect location for a summer lunch, sitting out side on a Terrace by the River. Good attentive service we had both a salad and a hot main course, both very good. The service was attentive and quick, and food delicious.

Where to start with yet another overpriced London bar. The girl staff presumably chosen for their looks rather than competence, wearing fetish braces, what's that all about?. The armchairs that appear to be made from cardboard. The terrible loud music that makes conversation near impossible. Makes no use of its riverside position. Terrible, avoid.

From what I can gather it's the outside canopied area of Tom's Kitchen.This place is a great little find and the prices are not too steep for central London. Very good service, great tasting food and a good location with views across the river. Has a real funky chilled vibe and is a great place to spend a sunny afternoon with friends.

Such a chill out place could have stayed there all day just takingin the ambience. Think I shall take my new book next time and use it as a place to write !

Part of Tom's Kitchen the pop up cocktail bar was a perfect pit stop on a hot Sunday with plenty of shaded areas to cool off and enjoy an ice cold drink. Quite a funky feel, music blaring, comfortable seating, young energetic staff. An alcoholic cocktail, non- alcoholic cocktail, large bottled cider and small bottled beer came to just over £32 including service charge. The alcoholic cocktails will set you back about £11.50. There is a bar menu too and of course once you're finished there are the wonderful views to enjoy further along the terrace.

Somerset Houseのギャラリーを見学したあとに立ち寄りました。テムズ川沿いのテラス席で、ロンドン・アイや、エリザベス・タワーなどを眺めながら、軽く一杯するのに最適です。つまみのような食べ物の注文は、時間帯が限られているようです。

On a visit to London we were looking for somewhere to stop for a tea break. The River Terrace at somerset House fit the bill perfectly. Good views of the Thames, quite quiet considering the close proximity of the road but all in all a pleasant hour spent. The cafe was well appointed and the food and drink (a little expensive but it is London) was very nice.

Weather permitting - what a peaceful place with peaceful peace - although next to a bridge with traffic the din seems to disappear. Pleasant food and quiet people.

We lunched here on Saturday just after the restaurant opened for the summer. Lovely location, very glamorous. And a nice short menu - hurrah I thought, the food will be first rate. Woeful service (had to ask twice for wine and twice for water, and for the pudding menu and for the bill) although it was not busy. The food was average and hugely expensive, £17.50 for a steak sandwich I would pay if it was outstanding. Sadly this was not. £100 for a two course lunch with poor service - I can live without the location (might be a nice place for evening drinks though). Give the star status of the chef - disappointing.

The Courtauld Institute galleries are great. The architecture of the yard at the heart of Somerset House is charming with or without the dancing modern fountains. We had tea on the terrace with a fantastic view across and up and down the Thames but the food and drinks were indifferent the service woeful and the furniture on a piece of pavement tottering and inadequate. pity.

On a sunny day, what better than to see some great artworks in the Courtauld Galleries and then sit in the sun with a fresh salad and a glass of wine watching the light glint off the Thames? Two out of three parts of that worked: the Galleries and the Thames. The River Terrace cafe was abysmal and hugely overpriced given the competition the other side of the bridge. Under-ripe tomatoes and figs, limp rocket, rubbery and over-chilled mozzarella, an order-taking waiter who spoke so little English that he confused 'glass' and 'bottle' so the waitress not unreasonably brought two glasses and then looked confused and a bit cross when she had to take the rest of the bottle back. Do go to the Courtauld/Somerset House. Do find food (and the view) elsewhere.