Tide Tables Cafe

If you are looking for a good hiding place and to get away from the sometimes busy high street of Richmond, this would be a great place for you.
As I live close to Richmond, I walk over the bridge all the time or sit at a restaurant a top the river and watch the ducks swim by… That was until I realized that under the Richmond Bridge, lays a cute little café which offers a great view of the River Thames, the people rowing boats or at least failing to row the boats, the ducks swimming by or feed off bread from kids or just watch the sun set over the bridge illuminating lights through its curves. After a long week or day, this is just what is needed especially in the warm Summer sun or cool Autumn breeze.
The Café is situated literally under the bridge and has a large sitting area with tables and chairs, a bench on one corner and a large tree casting shade over one area if one wanted to escape the heat. In the Café, their are teas, coffees, cakes and other sweet things to choose from. The good thing is that the hot drinks are not served in Styrofoam cups which makes it all better enjoying the view-​it gives it the «at my garden over looking the river» feel.
Overall, it is a great place to hang out although I think most people enjoy the Café more because of the scenery but hey, that’s not a bad thing! It is very easy to miss so make sure you look down now when crossing any bridge!
The only negative I would have to say about it is the management of the toilet which isn’t as clean as it should be if «only customers» are allowed. If you do need to use the toilet however, feel free to ask a server for the code (which is usually on a stick note on the side of the cash register… Sshh! Don’t say I said so!)
I would definitely go back again and even again if the sun stays out!

Do you need a place to sit in the shade and watch ducks while eating a vegan cookie and drinking organic sparkling cranberry juice? Of course you do. And here it is!
I love the use of the arch of Richmond Bridge, and the inside seating seemed nice. But it was a lovely day and I sat outside and watched the river go by. Lovely.

Wonderful view of the Thames just by Richmond Bridge.
Cappuccinos and Americanos are excellent. Filter coffee is usually too weak, though you get free top-​ups on weekdays. Good croissants.
First thing in the morning you often get a bunch of kayakers relaxing after what they like to think of as hard exercise — ha! If the French and Australian ones put half as much effort into their paddling as they do into scoffing croissants, they’d be reasonably fit athletes.
Still, ignore them — this is a very good café.

One of the best places in Richmond to sit outside with a coffee, enjoying the beauty of the river and watching the world go by.
On a wet winters day it is the type of place you can sit inside with a coffee and a book and really chill.
The food will definitely be a hit with any vegetarian friends.

Great chillout place at the river bank

You won’t find any trolls under Richmond Bridge, just a cute little café! You might miss this little gem at first glance, as it sits in one of the arches, but no doubt you won’t miss the huge gaggle of people sitting out in it’s garden enjoying the river on sunny afternoons and weekends.
Food and drink prices are reasonable (tea for 2 for £2.20), and all the goodies like cakes and tarts are proudly on display. As the previous reviewer said, it is all vegetarian, though if you are a meat lover (as I am) you’ll still find some delicious nibbles.
Edit: To be noted, the Unilocal map points to the wrong location! It’s right under Richmond Bridge on Richmond Road.

Tide Tables sits under the arches by the River Thames in Richmond. It is a beautiful setting, to get to it, you wander down the steps at Richmond bridge, and through a small public garden. There are plenty of tables and chairs outside to enjoy the view.
Tide Tables is a vegetarian café, always has been. I’m not sure whether customers come here because they are vegetarian, or because it is just a lovely venue to have a spot of lunch or afternoon tea. I used to come here a lot, back in the day when i was a strict veggie. That was also the time that I piled on a few pounds. The reason being that if you just eat vegetarian quiches and pasta bakes all the time, you will put on weight! This is the kind of food that Tide Tables does. It is old school vegetarian fare. Cakes, pies, quiches, bakes. All vegetarian, and all quite stodgy.
Towards the back is a shelf with books and DVDs for sale, all at charity shop prices. There is also a message board with local announcements, and details about yoga classes and alternative treatments. This place also is part of Richmond’s community toilets scheme, which means that you can come in and use the facilities without having to purchase anything.

Nice vegetarian café in a perfect spot: under one of the bridge arches across the Thames and with tree-​shaded outdoor tables. Sandwiches, pastries, coffees, and sweets are available.
Great for river– and people-​watching. Watch out for hyper-​aggressive pigeons, though.