Harden's survey result
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!”).
Summary
“From the moment you arrive, and someone comes to take your car away, you don’t have to think” at Alain Roux’s legendary destination (est 1972), which remains one of the most commented-on restaurants in the UK (and one of the few that has regularly been graced by Her Majesty over the years). It enjoys an “idyllic”, supremely “romantic” location on the Thames, with the option of drinks on the terrace in fine weather, or a quick tootle in the restaurant’s private launch before you eat. WIth large windows facing the water, the dining room itself is very comfortable, and most reporters adore its “old-fashioned” style (although it’s undeniably a little bit of a “time warp”). The “impeccable”, slightly “formal” service is in keeping with the setting, although – while it’s still extremely highly rated – has perhaps lost a hint of its sparkle since the retirement last year of long-term maitre d’, Diego Masciaga. “Classic” Gallic gastronomy comes “with a subtle modern twist” and on practically all accounts is “exceptional from start to finish”. But it also comes at “crazy prices” naturellement, and – in the relatively few cases that reports fall short of rapture – the gripe is typically that the “eye-watering bill and very old-school approach make it hard to understand the fuss” (but then, complaints like this have been knocking about for the last 30 years…)
Summary
“From the moment you arrive, and someone comes to take your car away, you don’t have to think” at Alain Roux’s legendary destination (est 1972), which remains one of the most commented-on restaurants in the UK (and one of the few that has regularly been graced by Her Majesty over the years). It enjoys an “idyllic”, supremely “romantic” location on the Thames, with the option of drinks on the terrace in fine weather, or a quick tootle in the restaurant’s private launch before you eat. WIth large windows facing the water, the dining room itself is very comfortable, and most reporters adore its “old-fashioned” style (although it’s undeniably a little bit of a “time warp”). The “impeccable”, slightly “formal” service is in keeping with the setting, although – while it’s still extremely highly rated – has perhaps lost a hint of its sparkle since the retirement last year of long-term maitre d’, Diego Masciaga. “Classic” Gallic gastronomy comes “with a subtle modern twist” and on practically all accounts is “exceptional from start to finish”. But it also comes at “crazy prices” naturellement, and – in the relatively few cases that reports fall short of rapture – the gripe is typically that the “eye-watering bill and very old-school approach make it hard to understand the fuss” (but then, complaints like this have been knocking about for the last 30 years…)
For 32 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).
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Restaurant details
Waterside Inn Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Oh dear. I have been wanting to go to the iconic waterside inn for many years and have had good reports from friends, albeit sometime ago. I was so disappointed. Where was the imagine, the flair you expect for 3 Michelin stars and prices to match. I had scallops, perfectly nice but rather dull. I followed with the fillet steak with a shallot tart, girolle mushrooms, cabbage and a jus. New potatoes were extra on the side . I could have had better in brasserie blanc. The steak was rather tough, the pastry soggy and the cabbage - well it was just cabbage. I have better tasting new potatoes from my garden at home. My friend complained about her steak and the staff were very apologetic and took both our dishes away. We were not charged. My partner had the duck which he said was lukewarm. It was in 2 parts, the breast thinly sliced with a sauce; the confit leg appeared somewhat later after we had already started eating . I finished with cheese from the wonderful cheese trolley. My partner had an over sweetened rather floppy soufflé . I would not recommend this restaurant. Try Da Terra or Sketch if you want a top notch experience. "
"My father-in-law very generously took my husband and I to the Waterside Inn last night in celebration of our birthday and it was absolutely fantastic. I can't rate the stunning location, the incredible food, the vast array of wine and the wonderful service highly enough! We chose the Menu Exceptionnel, which is not cheap, but the quality and quantity of food was well worth the price. I wish I could come back every week but unfortunately I'd need a pretty big pay rise to afford it! I noticed when looking this up on TripAdvisor that there are a number of 1 or 2 star reviews which I really cannot understand - we had high expectations for this restaurant and it exceeded them all! My only comment is that at the start of the evening, after we were led outside to sit by the river, and offered a glass of champagne, I asked if they had any prosecco and of course the answer was no. Champagne only! So to save yourself from looking a fool, don't bother asking! :)"
"A wonderful experience but such a shame ,like so many other 1st class restaurants the fixed price lunch is off the menu"
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £45.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £4.00 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Service | 10.00% |
Ferry Rd, Bray, SL6 2AT
Opening hours
| Monday | CLOSED |
| Tuesday | CLOSED |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 7 pm‑10 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 7 pm‑10 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 7 pm‑10 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 7 pm‑10 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm |
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