River Café

This is the 3rd time we have been here and the 2nd for NYE. Booking is easy, friendly and responsive. On the night, again, the staff everywhere were superb and fun. The music was even better than last time with a) decent music played and b) this time accompanied by a great sax player who wandered between the rooms. Great to dance to and not overcrowded. The price is reasonable for what you get, including decent wines (I'm sure we had a free glass of champagne included last time?), with 1 exception - the food. Previously, we have enjoyed great food and where there's been an issue it has been resolved with an alternative. So to begin with, 2 little amuse-gueules, but raw tuna and chicken absolutely drowned by truffle (no thanks, ugh; difficult to keep it down!), followed by foie gras (I cannot eat it and do not believe in it either). I had been promised an alternative, which finally came after some discussion - a superb dish of gravad lax with a brilliant sauce...and a huge piece, really, enough for 2-3 people!; next scallops - oh no, seafood yet again...finally veal which was good, but oh no again, mushrooms; can't eat those...and a reasonable dessert. Even my wife had difficulty with the menu and she is far more accepting than me. Its a shame - there needs to be some variety or, preferably, a choice - this can be organised in advance (The Ivy Collection, Kings Road, managed it last year). We will come again - its a great night out - but maybe we get a lining by eating first elsewhere? Odd - this time an awful lot of people left before 1am; we weren't much later, but last time it was well gone 2am when we went and it was going strong - I guess its the cost of living effect? Thank you to all involved - really enjoyed the fun