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If you visit the banks of the River Thames, you will find 1665 Brasserie at The Mitre, Hampton Court, a place that combines history, elegance, and fantastic food. Set within The Mitre Hotel, a boutique riverside property dating back to 1665, this brasserie sits directly opposite Hampton Court Palace in East Molesey. With its warm ambience, attentive service, and a menu that celebrates seasonal British flavours, it is a setting that makes any meal feel considered and special.
A Beautiful Riverside Setting
From the moment you walk in, the brasserie feels inviting yet refined. The interiors mix modern elegance with classic charm, with plush seating, soft lighting, and large windows framing uninterrupted views of the Thames.
The riverside terrace is a defining feature. Positioned directly along the water, it offers a relaxed setting for alfresco dining, particularly in warmer months when the river provides a gentle backdrop to long, unhurried meals.
Delicious Dishes with a British Twist
The menu centres on modern British cuisine, guided by seasonal produce and a confident balance of comfort and refinement.
To begin, there is a well-considered mix of lighter and more indulgent options. Dishes such as Loch Duart smoked salmon served with rye bread and pickled shallots, or seared Scottish scallops with cauliflower cream and crisp pancetta, set a strong tone. The crispy confit duck with burnt orange and toasted sesame offers something richer, while garlic and white onion soup with rosemary focaccia provides a more understated start.
For mains, the offering is varied without feeling overstretched. Chicken Milanese, finished with fried egg, creamed spinach, Parmesan and truffle aioli, remains a standout. A free-range pork chop with charred leeks and mustard jus, or slow-cooked shoulder of lamb with pot roast vegetables and rosemary sauce, bring a more classic, hearty direction.
Steak is a clear focus, with Himalayan salt-aged cuts served simply with chips and watercress, while the Wagyu burger with bacon jam and smoked cheddar offers a more relaxed alternative.
Seafood continues to be a strong suit, from pan-fried halibut with root vegetable cassoulet to a fragrant Goan fish curry with coconut milk and lime. Vegetarian dishes are equally considered, with options such as muscat pumpkin gnocchi finished with sage and aged Parmesan, or a watercress risotto with horseradish ricotta and pickled onions.
Sides remain classic and well executed, including truffle and Parmesan fries, garlic buttered new potatoes, and a simple rocket and aged Parmesan salad.
Desserts follow a familiar but satisfying path, with options such as sticky toffee pudding, chocolate fondant, and Madagascan vanilla cheesecake, alongside a curated selection of pudding wines, ports, and digestifs to round things off.
A Proper Sunday Roast
On Sundays, the brasserie shifts into a more traditional rhythm, with a dedicated roast offering that feels both generous and well judged.
Choices include rare breed roast pork belly with crackling and apple sauce, or rare roasted grass-fed beef with creamed horseradish, each served with Yorkshire pudding, thyme and garlic roast potatoes, root vegetables, red cabbage, and proper gravy.
The wider menu remains available, but the roast is very much the centrepiece, bringing a more classic British focus to the dining experience.
Afternoon Tea on the Riverside
Afternoon tea is treated with the same attention to detail, offered daily in a format that leans refined rather than overly formal.
The Botanical Afternoon Tea presents a seasonal selection of sweet and savoury elements. Expect pâtisserie such as citrus blossom and dark chocolate torte, raspberry and almond muffins finished with rosewater cream, and delicate lavender meringues with wild blueberries.
Savoury bites include beetroot-cured salmon with horseradish crème fraîche, free-range chicken with lemon mayonnaise on brioche, and a classic English pea and cheddar tart. Freshly baked poppy seed scones are served with Cornish clotted cream and preserves, completing the experience.
There is also a more traditional Regency Afternoon Tea available, offering a similar balance of savoury bites, warm scones, and sweet treats, designed for a slower, more indulgent afternoon by the river.
A Thoughtful Drinks Offering
The cocktail list blends classics with seasonal crowd pleasers. Expect options such as a Passionfruit Martini, Negroni, Margarita, or Peach Bellini, alongside refreshing aperitifs like an Aperol Spritz or Provence Rosé Spritz.
The wine list is equally well considered, spanning both Old and New World labels, with enough depth to suit everything from a relaxed lunch to a more celebratory dinner.
Service That Feels Personal
Service here is polished without feeling formal. Staff members are knowledgeable about both food and wine, offering recommendations with ease while maintaining a relaxed, unforced approach throughout the meal.
A Cosy Winter Escape on the Riverside Terrace
In the colder months, the riverside terrace takes on a different character. Reimagined as a winter-ready space, it offers a cosy setting for seasonal drinks and quieter moments by the water.
Warm lighting, comfortable seating, and the contrast of crisp air against the glow of the terrace create an atmosphere that feels intimate without being enclosed, a natural extension of the brasserie rather than a separate experience.
1665 Brasserie at The Mitre brings together a strong sense of place, a well-executed menu, and consistently considered service. Whether for a relaxed lunch by the river or an evening meal with a view of Hampton Court Palace just across the water, it is a setting that rewards a return visit.
