Terrazza on the Thames launches in Docklands

Despite the frigid bite of a spring cold snap hanging over London, Bolla Wines and the team from Columbia Restaurant threw a lavish launch party to celebrate the opening of new Venetian inspired pop-up Terrazza on the Thames.

Based out of a waterfront terrace in Rotherhithe, Terrazza on the Thames finds itself sandwiched between the Victorian warehouses of Columbia Wharf on one side and the shining towers of Canary Wharf across the water. These sights combined make impressive backdrops to this new endeavour, which serves as Bolla’s foothold as they launch their range of prosecco in the UK.

Clearly, then, it’s important for this new riverside retreat to impress, and impress it does. Throughout the evening, Bolla’s superbly crisp prosecco valdobbiadene flows freely, served by dancers whose masquerade masks and leotards contrast wildly with the unseasonably cold weather. Seemingly unperturbed, they glide through a crowd comprised equally of expensive business suits and upscale highstreet gear, topping up glasses and posing for selfies with guests. Prosecco is the name of the game tonight and, only slightly warmer in their shirts, the bar team at Columbia use extra dry prosecco DOC to give a kick to bellinis or add a refreshing twist to classic mojitos for those looking to mix things up a little.

No self-respecting London pop-up would be complete without a competent offering of edibles. In this regard, and if their launch night is anything to go by, Terrazza on the Thames have something of a mercurial offering. On the one hand, their antipasti are excellent: rich and deeply flavoursome coppa, ripe gorgonzola and brilliantly smooth ocelli barolo are standouts amongst a consistently excellent selection. Alongside this, naturally flavoured ice creams by Oppo provide a sweet and moreish counterpart to the meats and cheeses. On the other hand, however, there are a couple of small but noticeable culinary missteps: arancini are served with a tomato sauce that has a hint of burnt onion about it, and the braised wild mushroom bruschettas seem tired and stringy. On the whole, though, there is such a broad selection available that these minor shortcomings are easily overlooked, overshadowed by far tastier options.

Coming the end of the evening, groups of people are lounging on the bay sofas that line the terrace, framed by the impressive scene of Canary Wharf at night as they sip on prosecco and nibble at canapés that are still being delivered by now freezing staff. Terrazza by the Thames is in a great spot and, if Bolla and Columbia iron out their culinary kinks, it has the opportunity to become a stylish and relaxed venue this summer.

Terrazza by the Thames opens in May and, weather permitting, is shaping up to be a worthy addition to East London’s burgeoning pop-up scene.

Thomas Davidson

To book a table at Terrazza on the Thames 265 Rotherhithe Street London SE16 5HW, call 020 7064 4464 or visit here