Last Updated on October 16, 2026
Thames Riverside Dining in London
4.3 out of 5.0 stars
Gordon Ramsay has a knack for picking some of London’s best locations, and his newly opened restaurant at Sea Containers is certainly one of them. Set on the ground floor of this groovy five-star hotel, right on the Thames Path beside Blackfriars Bridge, it has a great riverside setting, with fantastic views towards the City and St Paul’s Cathedral. And just a stone’s throw from Blackfriars mainline station and within easy walking distance of Southwark, Blackfriars and Waterloo Tube stations, it’s actually really well connected.
When I arrived, my companion was already settled on the terrace, taking in the view as the sun set and listening to the bells of St Paul’s chiming across the river. The weather wasn’t quite warm enough to sit outside all evening, so we made our way indoors and took a window table, which gave us the perfect front-row seat to the river and beyond.
Sea Containers is seriously stylish, with interiors by Jacques Garcia inspired by the glamour of 1920s transatlantic cruise liners. A low Brutalist-style ceiling, smoked-mirror pillars, and a central bar combining brushed stainless steel and wenge wood are softened by deep red and soft gold velvet chairs and marble-topped tables.
At the back, the open kitchen gives you a glimpse of the action, while the lighting is atmospheric without being too dark. I also loved the acoustics; rather than that all-too-familiar feeling of having to shout across the table, there was a comfortable hum of conversation with low music in the background.
Despite being only a few weeks into opening, the restaurant was already filling up and had a great atmosphere. The staff were smartly dressed and well-informed, but also friendly and attentive.
I’m currently on a mission to find the best martini spots in London, so of course I had to try their classic vodka martini with olive. It was good, although a little heavy on the vermouth for my taste. My companion started with one of their signature cocktails, a Hot Honey & Tangerine Margarita with a touch spice, which he loved.
The restaurant is open from breakfast through to dinner, with additional weekend specials, including a Sunday roast. We ate from the à la carte, which has everything from Ramsay’s signature dishes, including the ‘Idiot Sandwich Flight’ (I’m yet to find out the story behind the name), to smash burgers and his much-praised Beef Wellington. There’s also a good selection of seafood, mains and dishes from the grill, although the vegetarian options are a little limited.
You might want to come back for Gordon Ramsay’s Beef Wellington as I did; it’s cooked to perfection and really excellent!
We started with wonderfully fresh yellowtail crudo, with little nuggets of pink grapefruit adding a lovely citrus tang and jalapeño bringing a punch of heat.
The salt cod croquettes were hot and crisp, packed with flavour and served with a smoked paprika aioli that was perfect for dipping. But I highly recommend not skipping the Seaco sourdough, served warm from the oven with a hint of miso, Cornish sea salt, and lightly whipped shrimp butter. So simple, but delicious, and very hard to stop eating!
The sommelier helped us choose our wine, and we both started with a glass of Australian Riesling, d’Arenberg Stump Jump from McLaren Vale. It was dry and refreshing, with fresh citrus and melon notes, a good match to our seafood.
My whole naked lobster rather stole the show. It was fabulous, super fresh and meaty, with tasty garlic butter and a side of fries. With a glass of chilled Chablis Domaine de Varoux from Burgundy, I was in heaven!
My companion’s 45-day-aged ribeye arrived exactly as ordered, “Chicago style” – slightly charred on the grill and beautifully pink and tender inside. It came with a spicy chimichurri, although there are several sauces to choose from. For sides, we chose the charred hispi cabbage, indulgent triple-cooked chips, and a simple gem salad. The rich steak worked well with the Chianti Riserva Cantine Leonardo da Vinci from Tuscany.
Although we had already eaten incredibly well, we found it hard to resist the sticky toffee pudding, so we shared one along with a classic lemon tart and crème fraîche. Ramsay clearly knows how to make a good sticky toffee pudding – the sponge was light but rich, and the salted caramel vanilla ice cream was the perfect addition. The lemon tart had a crisp, thin pastry and a suitably sharp, lemony filling. Add in a glass of 2023 Sauternes Les Garonelles, Lucien Lurton from Bordeaux, with caramel, peach and honey notes, and it was the perfect end to the meal.
I love being by the River Thames, and here, by Blackfriars Bridge, you get an incredible view. I’d happily come back to Gordon Ramsay’s Sea Containers for the lobster, and definitely for another sticky toffee pudding. It feels like Ramsay has got this one right.
Gordon Ramsay at Sea Containers
Sea Containers London, 20 Upper Ground,
London, SE1 9PD
020 3747 1063
Looking to try another Gordon Ramsay restaurant? How about Bread Street Kitchen & Bar at 22 Bishopsgate
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