A chilled Sam Berry welcomed friends and family to the soft launch of his new restaurant Hideaway last night (Thursday).

The restaurateur, who owns No 97 and Cento Uno in Maple Road, Surbiton, as well One One Four in Teddington, has taken over a little gem on the banks of the River Thames.

Hideaway at Thames Ditton Marina on Portsmouth Road, is a great location for a new Mediterranean eaterie in these Covid times.

There is plenty of seating outside and the restaurant itself is large, light and airy. Another plus is there is a free car park out front. And, plus, plus, plus – there’s that stunning river view!

It’s been through several recent incarnations. For years it was The River Hut, then the Bondi Beach Club in summer, and an alpine ‘ski lodge’ in winter.

While some may question whether it is the right time to open a new restaurant while many other well-established names are going to the wall, Sam is willing to take a punt.

“You’ve got to take risks in life,” he said. “It is a great location, and we wanted to make the most of the summer.

“This is a relaxed restaurant; people don’t have to dress up and we are keeping it simple: brunch/lunch, and then tapas [see picture below of chicken shish] in the evening.”

To book, visit www.opentable.co.uk and search for Hideaway.

The restaurant-bar is open for brunch on Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 2.30pm and for dinner on Tuesday to Saturday, from 5.30pm to 9.30pm.