About Arthur's by the River

Closure of our cafe.

Our lease expired in June 2009 and unfortunately the LibDem Council, without any discussion with us at all, took the decision not to extend our lease but to take the cafe over themselves. 

We took on this short lease in 2005, under the Conservative administration, on the basis that when the time came for renewal there would be discussions about extending our lease until work on the permanent development on the site was to take place.

Not only has this enforced closure caused us extreme financial hardship and put our staff out of work it has also denied the public the enjoyment of Arthur's cooking and hospitality on this wonderful site.

It is generally felt that the Council would not consider even speaking to us about extending our lease because we had held the Save Our Riverside Exhibition showing the public alternative schemes for the site.  The results of the Questionnaire at the Exhibition showed that of the 525 completed forms 508 members of the public did not agree with this Council's Development Brief for the site.

Some comments from our customers about the closure : 

"It still makes my blood boil and despite the fact that you sort of knew this was going to happen, it doesn't detract from the dreadful feeling of injustice and so sorry it's come to this.
 
.......... All good wishes to you and thank you for keeping us informed and motivated.
 
Kind regards.  C"
   
"What a shame about the café. Take care. H"  

"Sorry to hear your sad news, I have enjoyed your cafe many times, with my 3-year old son playing next door. It will be a sad loss for Twickenham."

"Please put my name down to oppose this closure: S"

"I’m so sorry to hear that Adrienne.  What a terrible shame and so short-sighted of the Council.  Again. S"

"So sorry that the cafe and playground will be going. My boys have enjoyed many a happy morning and afternoon, meeting little playmates or popping in for a well earned babychino break after being dragged around Waitrose or the farmers market on a saturday morning! We will really miss you and think it's a travesty what the council are doing. A council is there to work for the community and this is definitely working against a very large part of their local community.
 
We look forward to your events on the 16th and 13th June and thanks again for your efforts in trying to save the playground and cafe... it's been fantastic and a life-saver during the early years for me and my boys, a real shame that more families won't benefit from you.
 
Best wishes
E"

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PREVIOUS EVENTS

WORLD WAR II VETERANS CELEBRATE D-DAY’S 65th ANNIVERSARY WITH LOCAL CHILDREN

 World War II veterans will be talking about their experiences during the war, to local children, at a celebration of the 65th anniversary of the D-Day landings, at Arthur’s by the River in Twickenham on Saturday 6th June. Ex-servicemen and women, some from Richmond’s Star and Garter Home, will tell their stories as part of the activities at the riverside café which will raise funds for the Royal British Legion.  Twickenham author Dan van der Vat will also be chatting about his book D-Day: The greatest invasion – A people’s history.  

“Children are still interested in what happened during the war and it is so important for them to meet those who experienced it and to hear their tales.  Their stories are even more relevant today with our troops in combat zones across the world.  We are delighted that some of our local veterans are taking the time to come and meet local children,” said Adrienne Rowe of Arthur’s. 

Louis Pengelly-Phillips joined the Royal Marines in 1943 at the age of 17 and was attached to a special security team that protected Winston Churchill when he visited Quebec to discuss plans for D-Day with Roosevelt & Stalin. Louis took part in D-Day, landing on Gold beach. He later fought the Japanese in Burma and liberated Rangoon in 1945. Stephanie Kerans joined the WRNS in 1942 and worked as a plotting officer in the main operations rooms in Plymouth and Portsmouth.  She would monitor the position of ships with radar and plot them on the plotting table.  Stephanie’s watch included the D-Day plot. After D-Day Stephanie transferred to Sri Lanka where she worked doing plots in the war against the Japanese.  The children will also be able to make and decorate their own origami boats and colour in pictures relating to D-Day.  It will also be a great event for parents who can relax with their children and listen to the veteran’s stories. The children can later let off steam in the exciting playground adjoining the café whilst their parents have a well earned coffee. 

DATE:     Saturday 6th June 2009                     TIME:  11am-1.30pm 

VENUE:  Arthur’s by the River               

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Treasure Island Fun Day

at Arthur’s by the River café and playground

Saturday 13th June 2009, 11am – 4pm 

find us where you see the Jolly Rogers a-flying  

Live music from The Pirates 

Dare you Walk the Plank blindfold? 

Paint and decorate your own Mermaid, Pirate, Sea Creatures 

Find treasure in our Lucky Chests 

Catch a Duck and Win a Prize with our Fishing Game 

Tombola Treasure Stall 

Get Knotted - Learn to tie knots like a real sailor 

Treasure Hunt – with clues and prizes along the way 

Delicious BBQ & Traditional Eel Pie, Mash & Liquor 

Rum Cocktails for the Older Crew 

Arthur’s by the River,

Jubilee Gardens, The Embankment, Twickenham, TW1 3BX      Tel:  020 8894 9091    

email: hello@arthursonthegreen.co.uk     Web: www.friendstwickriverside.org.uk

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If you're out and about in Twickenham and fancy a spot of breakfast or a bite to eat, pop into Arthur's by the River (formerly known as The Magic Carpet Café).

We make fresh baguettes and paninis every day including our famous Strawberry Hill Panini with Goats' Cheese, Pesto and Roasted Piquillo Pepper. And our delicious Pope's Villa Baguette with Crayfish, Rocket, Mayo and Lemon. Or treat yourself to a freshly made coffee and scrumptious Pain au Chocolat.

We now have wireless internet access so why not escape the hubbub of the office for the afternoon and work at Arthur's? Or maybe just relax and watch the boats and swans float by.

If you would like to come and enjoy fabulous food, wonderful wines in an enchanting location please come and see us.

Events at Arthur's by the River

Arthur's by the River is fully licensed so is a fantastic riverside venue for parties and events. To find out more information please email us, call 020 8744 1989 or download the Are you thinking of having a party? pdf.

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For our full menu download the Arthur's by the River menu pdf.

"Thank you SO much Adrienne.  We've just got home after a fabulous party.  The food and drink were marvellous and the staff delightful.y has had a wonderful day."

Sue September 08

“I just wanted to send my congratulations to all involved in the opening of Arthur's by the River (formerly the Magic Carpet Café). I'm delighted that somewhere with such a tasty sounding, exciting, and ETHICAL menu is coming to central Twickenham. I plan on giving you lots of support, there aren't enough places out there using fair trade products.”
Naomi

“We had a fantastic evening and everyone I have spoken to agreed that it was a lovely party – thank you so much to you all for making Terry's 50th so memorable. Could you also tell the paella lady that everyone is raving about it!! Thanks again, and we will definitely recommend Arthur's by the River (formerly The Magic Carpet Café) as a venue.”
Lindsay

Arthur's by the River
Jubilee Gardens (opposite Eel Pie Island)
The Embankment
Twickenham TW1 3BX

020 8744 1989

Open 7 days a week 9am – 5pm

Map

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Photo Gallery from our recent Chocolate Event in aid of local charity the Otakar Kraus Music Trust