If you like a bit of good food with your tipple, you might want to check out High Timber, the brainchild of Gary and Kathy Jordan of Jordan wine estate and successful London restaurateur Neleen Strauss. Situated on the opposite bank to Shakespeare’s Globe and the Tate Modern, High Timber is the only restaurant with seats on the banks of the Thames.

The main dining area is a mixture of earthy green and browns, a contrast to the vibrant red of the private dining area downstairs. The intention of the decor, says Neleen Strauss, is to create a laid back and relaxed South African style. It definitely works and makes a nice change from the rigid formality of some of the other London restaurants.

Jordan wine estate is one of South Africa’s foremost wine producers, and has been producing world-class wines since 1993. “This is a natural progression for us - we make wines that should be enjoyed with great food and what better place is there to do this than in our own London restaurant, where Jordan wines will be showcased alongside the very best in the world,” said Gary Jordan.

And there is certainly plenty to choose from. High Timber offers a mind-boggling 40,000 global wines, stored in two temperature and humidity controlled cellars complete with special lighting. There is a collection from the Cape Winemakers’ Guild which should keep the most ardent connoisseur happy.

Head chef Justin Saunders, formerly of the Duke’s hotel, Mayfair, will be serving modern European cuisine with a focus on locally sourced red meat along with ‘Potjke’, pronounced Poy-kee, a traditional African stew served in a cast-iron cauldron. The idea of something bubbling away in a cauldron appealed to me so I tried the taster dish of ox-cheek braised in Sauvignon; it was tender and meaty.

If this isn’t enough, a cheese room will feature seasonal cheeses alongside a selection of original chutneys, honeys and jams.

As the sun set I wandered outside with my glass of Jordan’s Merlot and watched people rushing across the Millenium bridge, looking like Lowry’s stick figures against the fading sky. High Timber certainly offers some fine views and potentially a very fine wine dining experience as well.

High Timber
8 High Timber Street
London
EC4V 3PA
020 7248 1777
www.hightimber.com