Tudorprincess: Vertigo is a champagne bar at the top of Tower 42, not a restaurant, but it WOULD be a great place to go for pre-dinner drinks on your husband's birthday ? fabulous views over the entire city. But you have to book in advance as they limit spaces and are very security conscious (no booking = no entry. You'll have to take photo ID with you to prove you're not a terrorist.

However you may be thinking of a new restaurant called 24 in the same building - again, good views but only half way up the building. It's run by a British celebrity chef called Gary Rhodes. I haven't been, but Gary Rhodes generally has an excellent reputation for the quality of his food.

If you decide not to go to the OXO Tower because (a) the restaurant is WAY overpriced compared to the quality of the food and (b) the Brasserie is like a canteen, you could at least go for a cocktail. However, the cocktail bar faces away from the river.

There is a wonderful restaurant in Bray, on the river that is owned by Michel Roux, a Michelin star chef. The name of it is The Waterside Inn. It is expensive, but worth the trip.

travels, is the Roux restaurant in London called Seguret still open?
They served a fabulous fruit de mer, and had an outside bar.

We had an excellent meal at The House on the Bridge in Windsor. We had a beautiful table next to open French doors overlooking the river and the castle.
We stayed at the Christopher Wren House, but local people that we talked to suggested the House on the Bridge for dinner instead and we were glad that they did. It cost 29 pounds each for a 3 course prix fixe French menu.

Have a look at Petersham Hotel in Richmond - tube or BRail - so easy to get to. Views are beautiful - overlooking the Water Meadows next to the river. Restaurant itself is good and very plush - but alot cheaper than SAvoy etc. See restaurant on hotel's web site www.petershamhotel.com or co.uk.

The Petersham is wonderful! The tube goes out there or do I have to get a train? There's never enough time to spend in England! Thanks.

The District line goes all the way to Richmond. You can walk along the river (but don't miss the Petersham as we did we were so distracted by the beauty of the river), or you can walk up along the terraces. We walked back that way, the doorman at the Petersham told us which house was Mick Jagger's.

Patrick, Now you're talking. I worship The Rolliing Stones. I wish you hadn't told me this, I may be arrested for a stalker.