The River Cafe, the Michelin-starred restaurant on Hammersmith's riverside is bringing back its very popular Winter Set Lunch from Monday, January 17 through till March 31.

The restaurant which was described last year as offering "phenomenal" dishes but at "silly" prices, is giving diners the chance to enjoy two courses for £22,  two plus dessert for £28 or for three courses plus dessert for £36.

At the same time, diners will be invited to give a donation to Maggie’s Cancer Care Centre in nearby Charing Cross Road.

The centre is of special significance to River Cafe owner Ruthie Rogers, whose partner Rose Gray died last February from cancer.

Ruthie, 62, who opened the Rainville Road restaurantwith Rose in 1987, says the lunch offer is a way of welcoming in more local people from Hammersmith & Fulham.

"It’s a way of bringing people into the restaurant who may not come otherwise," she says. "We are putting something back into the community by having this special offer and are also raising money for charity."

The special menu runs Monday to Friday and is inspired by a recent visit to Tuscany and Piedmont where staff sampled new vintages of wine, the new season’s olive oil and some hearty winter dishes.

Rose died after a battle with cancer just weeks after the two chefs’ unique vision and hard work was recognised in the 2010 New Year Honours. They were both named Members of the Order of the British Empire.

The Winter Set Menu is available for up to eight people at either 12.30pm or 2.15pm, subject to availability. The early tables need to be vacated by 2.15pm, and the later tables may stay for the afternoon (until 5.30pm).

To take advantage of the offer you must book in advance, stating that you want the Set Lunch.  Call River Cafe on 020 7386 4200.

January 18, 2011