An Evening With Sam Harrison

For our first ‘Evening With …’ event of the year, we’re delighted to bring you the legendary local restaurateur Sam Harrison.

Sam has been one of the best-known and most innovative restaurant owners in West London for over 20 years. Many will remember the buzz caused by his first endeavour, Sam’s Brasserie, which he opened in Chiswick in 2005 with the support of his mentor, Rick Stein – and the same interest and acclaim has greeted each of his ventures ever since.

Sam’s entrepreneurial journey has not been without its ups and downs. Following issues with his physical and mental health, he sold the business in 2015, only to return in 2019 when, alongside his business partner Fanny Stocker, he opened Sam’s Riverside on the Riverside Studios site in Hammersmith.

Almost immediately, Covid struck and the new restaurant was forced to close its doors, with a devastating loss of income. Fortunately, it narrowly survived the crisis and went on to establish itself as one of the area’s premiere dining destinations.

Since then, the portfolio has gone from strength to strength, with the addition of three more restaurants: the brasserie-style Sam’s Waterside in Brentford, and two Sam’s Kitchen cafes in Hammersmith and Chiswick. Sam’s Larder – also based at Riverside Studios – is a delicatessen specialising in many of the foods, wines and spirits used in the restaurants.

Sam talks passionately about West London, restaurants and the sourcing of great food and wine from artisan suppliers – including Chiswick House Kitchen Garden and Phoenix Farm in White City. He is also a great supporter of mental health causes and has raised funds through his restaurants for the Charlie Waller Trust.

Sam will be in conversation with Jo Pratt, an award-winning food writer, cook and presenter, who has worked alongside some of the industry’s most respected chefs, including Gary Rhodes, Gordon Ramsay, Jamie Oliver and John Torode.