However, he has been embroiled in a planning row and now faces vigorous opposition from renowned architect Quinlan Terry, as well as the Richmond Society, which campaigns to protect and preserve the area’s historic buildings and heritage.
The reasons for his “strong objection” to the proposals, included the “deformation” of the riverbank.
Known for its oysters, sols and champagne, Scots has been described as a go-to destination for celebrities “who want to be seen”.
Food writer Nigella Lawson and her ex-husband Charles Saatchi, advertising mogul, were regular diners at the institution. This is also the place where he was photographed holding her by the neck. In no time she left her house. Saatchi was later seen wooing his current partner, Trini Woodall, fashion journalist and entrepreneur, at the same restaurant.
Also on its roster of high-profile clients, the restaurant includes rock singer Rod Stewart, X Factor judge Simon Cowell, infamous businessman Sir Philip Greene, comedian James Corden, Hollywood directors Steven Spielberg and Ridley Scott, actors Michael Fassbender and Kate Beckinsale. . Comedian David Walliams.
Seafood and Caviar
The Scots is one of London’s oldest restaurants, originally opened as an oyster warehouse in 1851 before moving to its current site in 1967. It has developed into a market hotspot serving fresh fish, seafood and caviar.
Its new branch is planned for a site on Whitaker Avenue adjacent to Richmond’s old town hall.
However, the planning application details major changes to the building, including the creation of a large glass canopy that will allow one to eat comfortably at all times of the year while enjoying the view of the river and the historic Richmond Bridge. There is also a plan to put umbrellas over the windows on the ground floor.
Mr Terry argues that the plans would have a negative impact on the highly visible part of Richmond Riverside – his award-winning neo-Georgian development – opened by the Queen in 1988.
In an official complaint filed with Richmond Council, he said: “As the architect for the design and construction of Richmond Riverside, and in particular this building that I built for the Haslemere Estates in the mid-1980s, I draw on these I want to file an objection. Motion.”
The Richmond Society, a civil charitable organization of more than 1,100 members, has also submitted its objections.
Society President Barry May said: “While we welcome Scott’s in Richmond as a benefit to the city, we oppose the distortion of Quinlan Terry’s iconic development on this picturesque waterfront.
“We are delighted that Richard Caring has chosen Richmond for the first branch of Scott’s Outer Central London; we do not think that closing a balcony overlooking the Thames is essential to the restaurant’s success.”
The restaurant’s parent company, Caprice Holdings, declined to comment.
