RESTAURANT REVIEW: JACKSON + RYE

Lorraine Crighton-Smith on 21st January 2015

Jackson + Rye offers diners a slice of Americana without leaving Richmond, the New York-themed south west London restaurant has recently opened overlooking the River Thames

Through the doors of Jackson + Rye in Richmond the décor is rich with dark wood and inviting booths. Low level lighting sets the scene, while the picturesque river glistens outside.

Jackson + Rye is open for breakfast – think buttermilk pancakes and salt beef hash – lunch and supper. The atmosphere in the evening is lively, which may be related to the choice of cocktails available. As the restaurant’s name suggests, there’s an array of whiskies or, specifically, rye but my friend and I opt for a refreshing Rossini (£4.95) and a sweet white peach Bellini (£4.95) as an aperitif.

As we are seated at Jackson + Rye we notice that the tables are quite close together, but we soon get used to that. Our starters arrive after a reasonable wait; tuna tartare served with rye toast, crème fraîche, a miniscule salad and a sprinkle of paprika is good but not very generous for £8.25. I am impressed, however, with the crispy bacon, spinach and avocado salad with peacan nuts, blue cheese and mustard vinaigrette (£5.95).

Steak & chips at Jackson + Rye

From the steaks and grills section of the menu, my friend orders a 10oz rib cut steak (£18.95) that is complemented by a smoky chipotle hollandaise (an extra £1.95). My crispy buttermilk fried chicken feels sinful, the sweet potato fries, spicy slaw and cos lettuce attempting to balance out the batter, chipotle ketchup was a flavoursome addition too (£11.95). Jalapeño corn bread (£3.75) is sweet and spicy as a side and the truffled mac and cheese with a crispy kale topping (£6.25) is a little too moreish.

The dessert menu features US sweets such as peanut butter cookies and pecan pie, but it is the toasted marshmallows (£5.75) that reels us in. A bottle of the drinkable house white wine washed down our American extravaganza.