Review by Milly Edgerley
The R.S. Hispaniola may be the most romantic place I’ve ever had dinner. And that’s not a small claim in a city that boasts fairy lit bistro’s and rooftop restaurants aplenty. However this really won the prize; boasting views of the London Eye, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament all in one fell swoop.
Oh, and it’s a boat by the way. I think I forgot to mention that.
My date (my best friend Jill) and I boarded the R.S. Hispaniola with excitement. It’s perfectly placed on the embankment and is as special from the outside, with its illuminated gangway and twinkling deck as it is from the inside.
We were seated at a table by the window and had a little time to take in the modern interiors. From inside the R.S. Hispaniola could give any top restaurant a run for its money, with plush carpets and tasteful features complimenting the amazing views.
Our very attentive waiter brought us both a glass of delicious red wine as we agonised over which delicious sounding dishes to go for. It was pretty hard to choose as the menu contained all of my favourites; british classics with a modern twist.
I opted for a starter of Gin and tonic cured salmon with pickled cucumber and dill that was incredibly fresh and delicious. However I had major food envy when Jill’s Haddock kedgeree arrived. Luckily she was in a sharing mood and I can confirm that it was the perfect balance of creamy and salty whilst the haddock was flaky and succulent.
For main course Jill tried her hand at the Braised Gloucester Old Spot Pork Belly with black pudding, creamed potatoes and port sauce – a true British classic for my American dining companion! I opted for the Roasted Gurnard fillet with capers tomatoes and cured broccoli which I can safely say may have been the best fish I have ever eaten. The skin was crispy and salty whilst the fish was impossibly delicate and surrounded by a delicious London Pride sauce.
Whilst we were both tempted by pudding, we simply couldn’t fit it in and instead watched the table next to us enjoying their sticky toffee pudding with envy! We both agreed that a return trip was in order just to try that alone!
The R.S. Hispaniola is so special and definitely a perfect place for those new to London or long time residents who simply want to remember how beautiful this city really is.
