Attentive staff, varied menu and wonderfully calm for a Saturday night!
If you're looking for a quiet restuarant with great views for a weekend evening, then the R S Hispaniola is definitely it. The staff were wonderfully helpful and attentive, they amended meals to suit our group (one gluton free and one who changed their mind after ordering), yet nothing seemed too much trouble. The restaurant itself is really rather pleasant – it is what it is, a calm restaurant with a tasty menu, with no sign of the pretentious feel of many central London restaurants. Decor was plain and simple – nothing spectacular but it allowed the real focus to be on the view of the Thames, as it should be.
We ordered from the set menu which had a great range of options, and something that really would suit everyone. A plain and simple haddock and chips was on option, alongside pork belly, or wood pigeon or grilled goats cheese salad to start. Sides were brought out quickly, even when not requested until the food had been delivered, and staff were always ready to fetch more drinks when needed.
The end of the evening saw the arrival of a rather jolly pianist – playing Happy Birthday to two tables before some cheesy romantic classics. It was so ideal for our girls night out, but wouldn't have worked for a seriously romantic meal.
I'd really recommend the R S Hispaniola Upper Deck for dinner. I'd like to think it'll always be this quiet, but once word gets around I'm sure it'll become as busy as everywhere else in London…