Down by the river

Hammersmith Riviera
Just five minutes from Hammersmith Town Centre, relax in Furnivall Gardens- named after Dr FJ Furnivall, a 19th century social reformer, near Hammersmith Bridge and enjoy the fine view, or refresh yourselves at one of the many historic riverside pubs with balconies and terraces overlooking the water. 

Eating and Drinking

River Cafe- The Independant's 100 best restaurant in the UK 2007, Critic's Choice Time Out Eating & Drinking 2007
Thames Wharf, Rainville Road, London W6 9HA
Tel: 020 7386 4200 Email:  info@rivercafe.co.uk  Web: www.rivercafe.co.uk

Black Lion - raise a glass to poor old Thomas Millwood whose body was laid out in the bar in 1804. He was a local brickie who happened to be covered in white plaster dust one evening - someone mistook him for a ghost and shot him.

The Dove - started life in the 1600s as a coffee house. Famous frequenters include Graham Greene and Ernest Hemmingway. Reputedly a trysting spot for the Monarch Charles II and Nellie Gwynne in the 1660s and where Thompson wrote the words to Rule Britainnia. Great atmosphere and quirky interior with old fireplaces and the smallest bar recorded in the Guinness Book of Records at 3.12 sq metres.

Blue Anchor - where Gustav Holst wrote the Hammersmith Suite

Drop into the free William Morris society museum – Kelmscott House where Morris spent his last 18 years, free museum with original arts, textiles and printing press. Library for meeting hire.
26 Upper Mall, W6 9TA Tel:020 8741 3735 www.morrissociety.org (open limited days per week) 

....and complete the your day out with a meal and spot of culture at the Riverside Studios
 Crisp Road W6. Tel: 020 8237 1111  www.riversidestudios.co.uk 
World renowned arts and media centre in an old water pump factory turned BBC recording studios! An exciting venue featuring experimental theatre and international films, great value at £5 for a double bill. Good bar and lively restaurant with groovy lighting and comfy sofas. Outdoor terrace overlooking the river with great views of Hammersmith Bridge. 

Rural Thames- from Chelsea to Hampton Court 

London's Rural Thames stretches from Hampton Court Palace - one of the great icons of Tudor England - to fashionable Chelsea Harbour. Within this span of 22.5 miles the river rolls out a dazzling string of world-famous attractions in a rural setting of vast parklands, sumptuous gardens and secluded green spaces which delights visitors and takes most Londoners by surprise.  

You can take London's Rural Thames in bite-size chunks on a day off or when you have an afternoon to spare, or you can follow the whole length of The Thames Path from Hampton Court to Chelsea in a long weekend.