Harden's survey result
Summary
“A masterpiece of impeccable food and service” – Alain Roux is doing a fine job of steering the Thames-side flagship of the Roux culinary dynasty, founded by his late father Michel in 1972. It is one of the top-10 most commented-on destinations outside London in our annual diners’ poll and ratings were off-the-charts good this year, with it delivering “everything you would expect from a three Michelin star restaurant”. “This is formal fine-dining at its best” (jackets must be worn and sportswear is not permitted), with staff who “manage to make your experience feel individual and very special”. Of course, there’s a “price tag to match”, but even those who complain on this score (and a fair number do) generally go on to say something along the lines of: “even though I wouldn’t say it was quite worth it, it is a superb destination, even if you actually only go once, or just once a year for that (very) special occasion”. (The late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary here). There is a tasting menu as well as the à la carte, but at heart this is utterly classic French cuisine, with dishes such as: ‘Tartare et queues de langoustines d’Ecosse, caviar osciètre, macédoine de légumes au raifort et émulsion à l’estragon’. Especially in summer, it’s “a lovely setting too”, with pre-dinner fizz out on the terrace. “Superlative every time”. “A real gastronomic experience”.
Summary
“Traditional but still at the peak of its appeal” – Alain Roux’s Thames-side “stalwart of French haute cuisine” is “still the most glorious of gastronomic treats”. Founded by his late father, Michel, in 1972 – with the closure of Le Gavroche in early 2024, it now becomes the surviving flagship of the famous Roux dynasty. “Service is incredible”, with “the friendly staff offering the warmest of welcomes”; and the “magical setting” by the river “is very hard to beat” and means a summer meal here can start with a glass of fizz either on the waterside terrace, or actually on the river in their electric launch. The “sublime” cuisine is resolutely of the old school (a signature dish is ‘Lobster Medallions with Vegetable Julienne and White Port sauce); and backed up by an “exciting wine list” in a similar vein. “Obviously it’s also incredibly expensive” – to an extent a few regard as “clearly overpriced” – and some would argue “surpassed by quite a few other restaurants, despite its three stars”. But, “if you can afford it, this is THE place to go for romance and if you really want to splash out, the rooms overlooking the Thames are a perfect location for a night away (because one night is all you will be able to afford…)”
Summary
“Perfection… and in a perfect waterside location” – Alain Roux’s famous Thames-side bastion of haute cuisine (founded by his late father, Michel, in 1972) is “stunning in every sense” and above all for “a long summertime lunch”. Sit on the terrace or hop in the electric launch for your aperitif, before progressing to the comfy if old-fashioned Thames-side dining room, whose romance is enhanced by the “amazing view”. (It is one of the few in the UK to have publicly hosted her late majesty, Queen Elizabeth II). “Sophisticated, classical and luxurious French cuisine” is delivered by “incredibly attentive staff” who “make you feel like it’s their privilege to have you there (as opposed to some other places, where you’re made to feel the privilege is all yours)” – all part of an experience often described as “flawless”. “It is, of course, insanely expensive, so it very much helps if someone else is paying”. But, on practically all accounts, it’s worth the hit to your mortgage: “I just want to eat here again before I die!”
Summary
An “idyllic location with views of the Thames” (and the restaurant’s own electric launch for a pre-prandial jaunt) helps create a beautiful and romantic prelude to a meal at Alain Roux’s famous Thames-sider (established in 1972 by his father Michel, who passed away in 2020). The plush, slightly old-school “dining room overlooking the river” is one of the very few to have hosted the Queen over the years, and – with its “superlative” service (even if some fans “still miss Diego”) – “this really is a pampering experience” (and remains one of the most commented-on in our annual diners survey). Alain’s cuisine is essentially “classic, creatively updated” and matched with “a brilliant wine list with experienced sommeliers who make choosing a real pleasure”. Prices are “extortionate” of course, and even some who feel “you can’t fault the cuisine” still find the final bill egregious. There is also the odd reporter who feels “a more personal approach” might benefit the cuisine. For the most part, though, the place “never fails to wow” (“this is where I’d come for my last meal!”).
For 33 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at Waterside Inn?
Ferry Rd, Bray, SL6 2AT
Restaurant details
Waterside Inn Restaurant Diner Reviews
"We’ve earned our spurs eating at the fat duck and Ynyshir in recent years but the tasting menu at the Waterside in September was the best meal of my life. I wouldn’t go back to the first two but I would definitely go back to the Waterside. My wife bought me a voucher for Xmas so we stayed the night along with two friends. The welcome, the rooms, the service was outstanding and we enjoyed a bottle of champagne before the meal. We asked for and were given a lovely table by the window. All four of us had the tasting menu and all agreed it was outstanding. The venison was especially good. The staff were friendly and efficient throughout. It was an expensive evening but an experience I will remember for years. "
"Sublime in every way. Why have they added a tasting menu when the A La Carte gives a good choice?"
"Friends of Waterside lunch menu for 4 people was wonderful. I wouldn't say it was quite worth the £180 per person as there is cooking that is just as good elsewhere. The service and ambience however does make this a superb destination even f you only go once or once a year."
"Competes with l’enclume as our favourite restaurant.. the setting is just simply stunning on the edge of the Thames. The food was outstanding and we’ve never had a dish as good as the fois gras! It melted in your mouth ! Service impeccable… what a place !"
"The most expensive meal I have ever had but it was definetly worth it. Service perfect without being too formal. The wine by the glass list is quite exceptional as they have the sommelier parings from the tasting menu available. I’ll be back just need the bank account to recover first."
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Always | £190.00 | £240.00 |  |
|
|
| Cost | Availability | Courses | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Menu1 | 265.00 | Always available | 7 |
| Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £30.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £15.00 |
| Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Bread | £0.00 |
| Service | 12.50% |
Ferry Rd, Bray, SL6 2AT
Opening hours
| Monday | CLOSED |
| Tuesday | CLOSED |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 7 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 7 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 7 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 7 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm |
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