The Depot Waterfront Brasserie

Okay, there may be no outdoor riverbank terrace here (though there is an outside patio in the sunny cobbled courtyard out front), but Thames-view tables in the dining room more than compensate. The interior is an of-the-moment confection blending informality and modernity: stylish bar, banquette seating and pastel tones, simple bare-wood tables and parquet flooring. The service suits the unstuffy, upbeat vibe, while the kitchen's modern, simply constructed, crowd-pleasing comfort-zone repertoire comes with an occasional nod to the Med. Start with black fig and rosary goats' cheese salad with rocket, sultanas and pine nuts, moving on to halibut teamed with grilled scallops and a crayfish, tarragon and baby spinach risotto. Fixed-price menu options, plus breakfast, brunch and bar menu help keep the Barnes locals on side.