Where to eat on the Southbank when all you’re wanting is something simple for breakfast? I’d walked across from the embankment and headed for the Royal Festival Hall. Most of the restaurants on the ground level were just waking up, but I wanted food and a view so headed up to the Riverside Terrace Cafe. It’s a few years since I last visited and although the layout of food counters and tables was the same, it is now run by Company of Cooks. I’ve heard mixed reviews about their service and food, but first thing in the morning there was no queue and the woman who served me was very pleasant. I looked at the various granolas and other breakfast foods available and they all seemed quite expensive for what was on offer, but then I noticed sourdough toast was available. And even better, with butter and Marmite. Two thick slices and a cup of coffee for around £4 and I was happy. I took it outside, being a hardy Northerner, and enjoyed the views of theThames while I ate and planned my day. A few hours later when the sun had appeared, so had the crowds as when I walked past the tables were full and the queues had already formed.
