Woods Quay Chef’s Counter Tasting Menu and Wine Pairings

The Woods Quay Chef's Counter dining experience is something truly special, a chance to dine directly on the River Thames, with rare access to one of London's most storied waterways. Nestled between Waterloo Bridge and Westminster, Woods Quay is a beautiful contemporary pavilion that gently rises and falls with the tide, offering ever-changing views of London's most beloved riverscape. Built on the site of a historic Victorian pier and celebrated for its architectural vision, it reimagines the river as both a passage through the city and a destination in its own right.

Your evening begins on the Cormorant Deck, a private welcome space designed to set the right mood. Here, an intimate drinks bar and a generous outdoor terrace invite you to savor handcrafted cocktails and your first pours of wine while soaking in sweeping views of the Thames.

The heart of the experience unfolds at the Chef's Counter, an immersive setting wrapped in floor-to-ceiling glass and positioned right in front of the open galley. Executive Head Chef Doug Gaunt personally hosts your evening, presenting a bespoke five-course tasting menu created especially for your group. Each course is prepared and finished right before your eyes, giving you a front-row seat to the kitchen's rhythm and artistry.

The galley itself becomes part of the magic, blending innovative technology with real craftsmanship. Throughout the meal, Chef Gaunt and his team welcome you into their creative world through warm conversation, technique-led storytelling, and thoughtful insights into the ingredients and inspirations behind each dish.

A sommelier-led wine pairing weaves through the tasting menu, with each selection thoughtfully chosen to bring out the best in every dish while honoring the maritime setting that surrounds you.

As the tide shifts beneath the building, the play of light, reflections, and gentle movement quietly transforms the atmosphere, making the river feel like an active companion to your evening. The result is an intimate and dynamic culinary journey that feels both rooted in London's rich history and unmistakably contemporary.