Blueprint Café

“On the button… I really rate this place!” enthuses one fan of the Blueprint Café – a bright, airy eatery floating above the Thames. A row of tables along one wall offers “fabulous” river views, although the main draw is top-notch cooking at prices that “don’t even break the bank”. The seasonal carte kicks off with crowd-pleasers such as potted duck with piccalilli or beetroot and goats’ curd salad, while mains have a sturdy patriotic feel – think chicken and leek pie, whole plaice with chips or Colne Valley lamb rump with cockles and samphire. There are “fabulously creamy” risottos too, while desserts offer yoghurt pannacotta and lemon cheesecake alongside lemon posset and Eton mess. The overall feel is sleek, efficient and a tad corporate (as you might expect from a D&D London outlet), although there’s no strain on the wallet: “go for their lunch menu!” recommends one price-conscious fan.

The Blueprint café offers stunning views, from its large floor to ceiling glass window, of the Thames and Tower Bridge. It is superbly located in Bermondsey, surrounded by the hubbub of south London. The café also serves up some amazing British fare to go with that view of the London skyline.

The interior of the restaurant is sleek and sophisticated, with minimalist table settings and décor throughout the restaurant, to really let the stunning view take centre stage, the London skyline makes for a great backdrop to any dining occasion at the Blueprint Café. The dining spot is opening every day from noon, for lunch and dinner. Start off the resplendent affair with a delicious cocktail, such as the fairytale martini featuring Tanqueray gin, cranberry, and elderflower.

The menu starts of strop with shellfish minestrone and an aged beef tartare, which whet the appetite for more delicious eats to come. The main courses may see you dining on Gloucester old spot pork chops served with caramelised onion, potato puree, and jus. Or for a vegetarian option, the mushroom pearl barley risotto is a great choice, while the roast duck is a sumptuous affair complemented by braised red endives and sharp pink grapefruit.

For afters, settle in with a wholesome carrot cake or an apple and pecan pie while the view of the skyline shifts to night-mode and the city is lit up. Order from the extensive wine list, which features a European-led mix of sparkling, white, and red wines, plus there are some sweet wines to go with dessert.

This D&D restaurant is a superb choice for a variety of dining occasions from impressive dates to dining out with friends to celebrate a birthday. You can’t go wrong with seating either, as the restaurant offers panoramic views throughout the restaurant, guaranteeing a side of London’s skyline with your meal.