Emma Brophy visits one of Chiswick's favourite restaurants

Chiswick Mall, once the haunt of Thackeray’s Miss Pinkerton and her academy for young ladies, today boasts the smart Corney Reach development and, set at the heart of this riverside community, is Pissarro’s, one of Chiswick’s most popular and established local restaurants. 

Its stunning Thames-side location away from the bustle of the high road affords unexpectedly rural views across to Barnes from the all weather dining conservatory, whilst its close proximity to Chiswick Pier makes Pissarro’s one of the few London eateries accessible by river or road.  

With a wonderful relaxed ambiance, Pissarro's has gained a justified reputation for warm, friendly service and great food.   Menus, which are changed daily, are prepared by head chef, Guy Simpson, and his team. 

Simpson’s impressive CV includes working with Richard Shepherd at Langan's, Sonya Kidney at The Marsh Goose and Rowley Leigh at the Fish Shop and at Kensington Place.  All his dishes make extensive use of British seasonal produce with meat provided by the excellent Macken Brothers and fish from Kensington Place. 

The menu offers such divine delicacies as rare roast beef roulade with aubergine, caramelized onions and pecorino or tian of crab, mango and avocado salsa with lime vinaigrette.  Main courses included pan fried bream, roast pork belly and lamb bubble & squeak and vegetarians are by no means overlooked with dishes such as trompette, girolle, spinach and taleggio risotto.  Desserts range from vanilla and cardamom crème brulee to sticky toffee pudding.  There is also an excellent cheese board to compliment the decent choice of dessert wines and liqueurs. 

Their extensive wine list features the best from France, Spain, Italy and the New World at realistic prices.  Head bar man Jonno is as conversant as he is charming and acts as an obliging guide for less confident wine buffs.  For those who like to make their own choices, the wine list includes a handy list of seasonal recommendations to compliment their menus.

Pissarro’s clientele is diverse and discriminating and ranges from loyal locals to modish media types to Brit poppers and even a few old rockers!   Weekends are very popular with families and the chef provides a special lunch menu for children.

Founded eight years ago, the restaurant remains the ownership of a team of local entrepreneurs who place a high value on their local community and who are incredibly proud of their restaurant’s well earned reputation.   Staunch supporters of local charities and local sporting events, they once again sponsored this year’s 1000 metre Great River Swim in aid of Chiswick Pier Trust and the RNLI.  Pissarro’s also generously sponsor their local primary school, Cavendish, and are passionate benefactors of Richmond Rugby Club.

Pissarro’s is open all day with lunch served from 12:00pm to 3:30pm (4:00pm on Sundays) and supper from 7:00pm to 10.30 (9:30pm on Sundays).  Booking advisable on 020 8994 3111.

Emma Brophy

October 8, 2004