A unique bar and kitchen concept, The Crane Tap, has opened in Twickenham promising 'affordable, high quality food and drink in a casual setting'.

The investment by Rare Restaurants, which owns Gaucho and M restaurants, is a vote of confidence in Twickenham.

It will showcase signature dishes by 'M', and a beef and premium burgers offering through a partnership with 'Gaucho'.

It sits opposite Twickenham Station, on the banks of the River Crane. It will operate seven days a week for lunch and dinner, alongside a weekend all-day brunch and Sunday roast menu.

The company describes The Crane Tap as a neighbourhood bar and kitchen. It will also operate as a sports bar with a hope of attracting England and Quins rugby fans.

On match days at Twickenham, it will run special events hosted by England legend Simon Shaw.

Highlights from the a la carte menu include a Chicken Schnitzel, tomato sauce, rocket salad, Parmesan and a fried egg at £12.50, and Ginger Baked Cod, grilled scallions and shiitake at £16.50.

The Gaucho and M specials will celebrate exceptional grass-fed Argentine beef with, for example, a 12oz ribeye steak at £26. There is a beef and Malbec pie at £14 and a Wagyu beef Scotch egg with watercress salad and smoked ketchup at £7.

The sides include parmesan fries and truffle mayo; loaded Iceberg Lettuce, ranch, crispy onions, sunflower seeds; and grilled corn, whipped chimichurri butter.

The menu also features sandwiches, including the Crane Club – chicken, maple bacon, avocado, tomato, fried egg;

the 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.

It promises as range of sparkling, wines, spirits and local beers from Twickenham and Wimbledon breweries; and an extensive cocktail menu.

The restaurant has 80 covers and the bar, which has another 80, also offers a pool table as well as hidden TVs allowing guests to watch major sporting games and matches.

Martin Williams, the Rare Restaurants chief executive, said: "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!"