Bingham Riverhouse combines two grand houses with interesting histories, having been a literary and artistic gathering place in the early 20th century. Yeats,  Ruskin and Browning were amongst the guests of Edith Cooper and Katherine Bradley (AKA Michael Field) who had set up home together in 1899. Now a 15-room boutique hotel, the artistic and literary theme continues, most recently with our own travel editor, Sophie Marchant, exhibiting her work inspired by nature and travel in the Library and Restaurant. You can see what Sophie got up to during lockdown in 'Nature's Wonders' which is on until March 2022.

Bingham Riverhouse offers an extraordinarily warm welcome to guests and members. You get the clear impression that you are part of a community here, with locals mixing with guests in salon-like rooms and terraces which all have lovely views of the river and Richmond Bridge in the distance. Everyone seems to be on first name terms with the staff and the overall impression is "clubby". That's not a surprise, as there is a very chilled members' club downstairs, and it contributes to a convivial mood.

Boutique bliss by the river

The river is the biggest draw, so makes sure you book a River Room. Not only are these larger (the Cosy rooms are accurately titled), but you just wouldn't want to miss the views over the gardens and the tow path, where fitter locals seem to run morning noon and night. Our room was called Sappho, after the Greek poetese of Lesbos, and featured huge windows overlooking the garden's weeping willows and the river. It featured a copper soaking tub, a bathroom with a generous waterfall shower and a super-comfortable king bed. If you are a pillow snob, remember to specify a preference for down, as the standard are a bit polyester for our tastes. Other rooms on our list include Baudelaire and Sweet Briar.

The Riverside Terrace is the beating heart of the Bingham. A vast, hugely ceilinged room with a beautiful parquet floor is open all day for meeting, mingling and musing. The bar serves small plates and fine cocktails, including die-for lychee martinis, and the wine list impresses, too.

The Library is packed with old Penguins, reinforcing the literary theme, whilst the restaurant - once the place Shay Cooper made his name - is now led by Masterchef The Professionals winner Steven Edwards, who features local and British produce cooked with precision and flair, including a 7-course tasting menu. With more beautiful views over the river, this is gorgeous space to breakfast, lunch or dine. In summer months both river rooms flow out onto the terrace overlooking the well kept gardens.

If a pamper is part of your plan, Bingham Riverhouse guests get a 15% discount at Bhuti, an eco-wellbeing escape, where you can try yoga, fitness routines, holistic treatments and therapies. It's just a 5 minute walk away.

Out and about in Richmond

Richmond is one of London's most affluent enclaves, so you will find high-end boutiques, antique shops and plenty of restaurants, including Gaucho on the river, The Ivy, and personal favourites Al Boccon Di'vino and Petersham Nurseries. Al Boccon Di'vino needs to be booked way in advance as there are only a handful of tables and there is huge demand for the chef's unplanned menus, with dish after dish that just keep on coming for about 3 hours...

As well as walks along the tow path, there are pubs aplenty, several around Richmond Green,where you will also find the theatre. Richmond Park is simply glorious all year with more walks than you'll manage on a lifetime.

Bingham Riverhouse's perfect location is also practical if you're in town for international rugby or rock concerts at Twicknham, or to see Harlequins at The Stoop, or even to bookend a stay in London, as Heathrow airport is just a 30 minute cab ride away.