Eating, drinking and dancing
We've tracked down the best cafés for people-watching, the bars with the coolest cocktails, the most accomplished restaurants and the liveliest local nightlife in Berkshire.
Restaurants
The Vyse Room
Not quite in Berkshire, but it's on the borders, and a unique taste in Buckinghamshire of what those clever folk behind Hawksmoor, Green & Red and the Marquess Tavern in London are capable of. What had us swooning were the seasonal cocktails whipped up from fruit and herbs grown on these very grounds. As for the quintessentially British food, head chef Mark Bentley, formerly at Heston Blumenthal’s Hinds Head in Bray, oversees delights such as potted shrimp and roast pork.
Great for: Special-occasion family gatherings
Stoke Place hotel, Stoke Green, Stoke Poges, Bucks SL2 4HT
01753 534 790
Riverside Brasserie
Another Heston Blumenthal establishment, this bistro handily straddles the gap between his fine-dining Duck and tuck-inn Hind, is located in an old boathouse, and is perfect in summer. Head chef Phil Boardman whips up wry versions of Modern British dishes, throwing in a whiff of France here and a touch of Spain there – let's just say the food is fabulous.
Monkey Island Lane, Bray Marina, Bray, Berkshire SL6 2EB
(+44 (0)1628 780553)
The Bell
This classic English restaurant is located in the ancient village of Waltham St Lawrence, near Reading, next to the church and the village pond; it’s a must-do for fans of hearty food and well-kept real ales.
The Street, Waltham St Lawrence, Reading, Berkshire,
(+44 (0)118 934 1788)
Cerise
This formal restaurant at the Forbury hotel in Reading takes some beating. Here you’ll find Berkshire's smart set dining in a plush, subterranean setting on dishes such as slow-cooked pork belly and roast cod with seared foie gras. Good seasonal specials are always on offer, too.
26 The Forbury, Reading, Berkshire RG1 3EJ
(+44 (0)8000 789789)
The Fat Duck
Foodies who want to take it to the next level would do well to book ahead for this gastronomic restaurant in Bray, where chef Heston Blumenthal’s Michelin-starred eating experience takes food science to a whole new level. Forget all the 'molecular gastronomy' horror stories of snail ice cream and so on, they only make up a small part of what is a varied and overwhelmingly approachable menu. If you've seen any of his TV series, you'll understand what a labour of love each and every whimsical creation really is. Book at least six weeks in advance for weekend tables.
High Street, Bray, Berkshire SL6 2AQ
(+44 (0)1628 580333)
The Waterside Inn
Headed up by legendary chef Michel Roux and his son Alain, this restaurant is situated at the end of a pretty lane on the banks of the Thames and offers fine, fine, fine French cuisine. It has also held three Michelin stars for more than two decades, so book well in advance if you want a weekend table.
Ferry Road, Bray, Berkshire SL6 2AT
(+44 (0)1628 620691)
The Compleat Angler
This popular choice in Marlow (technically in Buckinghamshire) is both a refined riverside restaurant and a conservatory-style brasserie with alfresco terrace. The restaurant's roast globe artichokes are a real treat.
Marlow, Buckinghamshire SL7 1RG
(+44 (0)870 400 8100)
The Hinds Head
If you've missed out on a booking at the Fat Duck, or don't want to spend a week's salary on dinner for two, try Heston Blumenthal's excellent Tudor-style gastropub. The menu is inspired by traditional British cuisine – in some cases going back 500 years for inspiration: try dishes such as soused herrings with beetroot and horseradish; rabbit terrine; oxtail and kidney pudding and treacle tart with milk ice-cream.
High Street, Bray, Berkshire SL6 2AB
(+44 (0)1628 626151)
Cafés
The Crooked House of Windsor
This cute and, yes, crooked, property is steeped in history, boasting a (now sadly blocked) secret passageway to Windsor Castle, which was reputedly used for illicit trysts between King Charles II and his mistress, Nell Gwynne. The menu is a best-of-British feast of teacakes, game and poultry, and cress-with-everything sandwiches
Great for: Victorian-style afternoon tea and high tea; their specialities.
51 High Street, Windsor SL4 1LR
(+44 (0)1753 857534)
The House on the Bridge
Overlooking the Thames and just next to Eton College, this is one of our favourite places for people-watching while indulging in some calorific cream-cake action. See if you can spot the pupils who’ll be the politicians of tomorrow, sitting with their parents and dribbling chocolate éclairs down their chins. One day, these mucky pups will be asking you to vote for them. Delightfully old-fashioned luncheon dishes include gondolas of melon and parma ham, medallions of beef, lasagne verdi and dessert selections from the trolley.
Windsor Bridge, Eton, Windsor, Berkshire SL4 6AA
(+44 (0)1753 860914)
Pubs
The Two Brewers
At the top entrance to Windsor Castle's Long Walk, you’ll find this busy pub. It’s the perfect place for a quiet drink, and the simple, well-cooked fare is popular enough to warrant booking ahead; probably best avoided during the Royal Ascot race meeting though.
34 Park Street, Windsor, Berkshire SL4 1LB
(+44 (0)1753 855426)