The hospitality group behind Gaucho and M restaurants, Rare Restaurants has launched a new sister brand, The Crane Tap.

Opening its doors today in Twickenham, the new venue will offer affordable, high-quality food and drink in a casual neighbourhood setting.

The menu will showcase signature dishes by ‘M’, a beef offering through a unique partnership with ‘Gaucho’, and burgers inspired by the successful lockdown delivery service, ‘Meat & Bun (by Gaucho)’. Rugby day experiences, hosted by Simon Shaw OBE will also be available to guests.

The new site has opened on the banks of the River Crane, conveniently positioned opposite Twickenham’s busy train station. Open seven days a week for lunch, dinner and drinks on tap, alongside a weekend all-day brunch and Sunday roast menu, The Crane Tap promises to offer a selection of seasonally changing dishes created using locally sourced produce.

Highlights from the a la carte menu include a Chicken Schnitzel, tomato sauce, rocket salad, Parmesan and a fried egg; Ginger Baked Cod, grilled scallions and shiitake; Sweet Potato Rendang, sourdough flatbread and pineapple salad; and a Burmese Chicken Salad, papaya, carrots, spicy peanut dressing.

The Gaucho and M specials will celebrate exceptional grass-fed Argentine beef with a Wagyu Scotch Egg, watercress salad and smoked ketchup; a Beef & Malbec Pie; and a line-up of steaks including Rump, Spiral Cut Rump marinated in Chimichurri, and Ribeye. All to be enjoyed with sides such as Parmesan Fries and truffle mayo; Loaded Iceberg Lettuce, ranch, crispy onions, sunflower seeds and Grilled Corn, whipped chimichurri butter.

Inspired by the popularity of ‘Meat & Bun’, the menu also features sandwiches that are a step above your regular BLT, including: Crane Club – chicken, maple bacon, avocado, tomato, fried egg; Tap Burger – 100% beef, fried onions, tomato ham and cheese served in a brioche bun; Karaage Chicken Burger – tomato, chilli mayo and pickles served in a brioche bun; and the Vegan Burger – ‘Beyond Meat’ patty, beetroot ketchup and avocado.

A weekend brunch offering showcases twists on breakfast classics and is available all-day, with dishes such as the Tap Breakfast – maple bacon, sausage, tomato, mushrooms, rosti, eggs and sourdough; Spiced Baked Eggs - chickpea & tomato stew, chilli and sourdough; Firecracker Scrambled Eggs, chorizo and coriander and Blueberry Hotcakes, coffee and vanilla mascarpone and bacon.

With the aim of bringing locals together and becoming a friendly neighbourhood hangout, The Crane Tap bar features an affordable, yet excellent range of sparkling, wines, spirits and local beers from Twickenham and Wimbledon breweries.

In addition, there will be a curated selection of wines, beers and cocktails served ‘by tap’ – including the ever-popular Espresso Martini and Passionfruit Martini. An extensive cocktail list will be complimented by a bar snack menu with tasty morsels such as Piquillo Pepper Hummus, parsley and sourdough flatbread; Popcorn Chicken, house pickles and chilli ketchup and Chicken Satay, peanut sauce and cucumber.

The restaurant, which has 80 covers is a bright, welcoming space with a carefully curated selection of unique, vibrant artwork and images across the walls, and colourful soft furnishings, unique trinkets and luscious greenery throughout.

The bar area has 80 covers and is made up of low-level seating, bar stools, and a large, shared table to encapsulate a familiar sense of community. There is a pool table, as well as hidden TVs allowing guests to watch major sporting games and matches. For those who prefer to sit alfresco, a covered terrace and seating area will be on offer for all to enjoy.

Martin Williams, Rare Restaurants CEO commented, “We are delighted to be opening The Crane Tap in Twickenham and trust that it will become the perfect hangout for the local community, and of course England and Quins Fans!

“The opening of The Crane Tap marks the start of an exciting growth period for all our restaurant brands and can only be attributed to the talents of the teams and the guest loyalty we enjoy at Gaucho and M.”