Dear Friends of Sam's,
This autumn, it is an amazing 21 years since the original Sam's Brasserie opened in Chiswick.
I can still remember the incredible feeling of opening the doors on the first night and the buzz of welcoming our first guests.
Where it all began
In 2005, we opened in the old Sanderson Wallpaper Factory, hidden away in Barley Mow Passage. I was 32, rather green and not sure if I would survive the next 21 hours, let alone the next 21 years!
What hasn't changed
There's no doubt the restaurant industry has changed a great deal since then. But I still believe that if you get the basics right, people keep coming back.
“Sam, if you serve warm food, cold beer and smile, you should do ok.”
I've always loved the simplicity of that message and it's stayed with me ever since. I think most of our incredible regulars would agree too.
21 years later
From Chiswick in 2005 to Sam's Waterside in Brentford today, the restaurants have changed, but the spirit behind them has stayed the same. Waterside is part of that continuing West London story, alongside our sister restaurant, Sam's Riverside in Hammersmith.
Please do let me know any of your favourite memories from visiting the restaurants over the years. Maybe it's that dish you have never forgotten and something we should look to bring back on the menu? Or perhaps it's the famous Vanilla Martinis from the Barley Mow Passage days!
I hope to see you in one of the restaurants soon, so we can raise a glass together.
Sam
You can join us at Sam's Waterside in Brentford or visit our sister restaurant, Sam's Riverside in Hammersmith.
