The Temperance is an address worth remembering: its location very close to the riverside makes this quiet gastropub an ideal destination for a romantic date.

The Venue
Pleasantly located beside the riverside park of Putney Bridge, The Temperance is a really nice gastropub split across several levels and eclectically decorated with vague references to the floral patterns of Art Nouveau.

Stained glass windows, mosaic tiles on the floors, carpets and a mix of dark and light wooden furniture give the place a relaxed yet refined feeling where old marries happily with new. Indoor trees and many large windows deliver the allure of park cafes. The large main bar is at the back of the ground floor, and its smaller counterpart is located on a raised floor furnished with wooden benches, beside the open plan kitchen. There are plenty of corners and areas well suited for intimate evenings and the dim lights help to keep things nicely private.

The Atmosphere
Acting as a sign that The Temperance is still a well kept secret, the pub can be surprisingly quiet on weekend nights. The regulars are locals and those in the know: these professionals in their late twenties pop in for a beer or two, aware that the strategic location allows for romantic walks by the riverside.

The music – an irregular rotation spanning all decades and genres without a set agenda – can be loud but conversation is still possible. Not in sight of the river, The Temperance is still ideal for a drink after the yearly boat race and it is by far a better option than many pubs in Putney.

The Food
The menu is unpretentious but nonetheless ingredients are carefully sourced, in particular their meat, all grass fed. Therefore, their steaks and burgers, like the handmade West Country Casterbridge beef burger, are particularly mouth watering. If meat is not your thing, no panic: within the mains (£6.50-£10.50) the aubergine parmigiana and garlic bread is very tasty and the starters (£3.80-£5.50) offer a posh crayfish and avocado cocktail on buttered brown bread.

The Drink
Wines are listed by country, seven of them for the whites and eight for the reds, all classic but including Argentina and USA. The descriptions are not very long but they remain helpful and the prices are all right: bottles range from £11-£35 whilst small glasses are £2.80-£3.85. Particularly good is the selection of dessert wines, Champagne and sparklers.

Beer is another house stronghold, with almost too many good options: Sierra Nevada, Bellevue, Paulaner, Liefmans Frambozen, Franziskaner Weissbier, Maredsous Blonde and lots of different Weston Ciders. The only drawback is that prices are not particularly low: beers are all above £3 with specialty pints priced dangerously close to £4.

The Last Word
An excellent destination on the occasion of the Boat Race, The Temperance is a spring and summer favourite but it is worthy of a visit all year round, especially thanks to its pretty location.

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