Harden's survey result
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…)
Summary
“Heaven on earth” – Alain Roux’s “superlative” institution is, for very many reporters, the country’s leading temple of classic Gallic gastronomy. It helps it has a “gorgeous” Thames-side setting, with the possibility of starting off a summer meal with a glass of fizz and canapés on the beautiful outside terrace (or even a quick spin down the river in the restaurant’s private launch). “The Roux chef who shuns the media produces traditional cuisine, but modernised to be lighter and healthier” [well, somewhat]. “It is a conservatively-slanted menu so there were no fireworks or innovation in terms of the dishes, but the quality of ingredients are second to none on earth” and results are “simply stunning”. Unfortunately so are the prices – it is “frighteningly expensive” (and it is worth noting that the ‘rapport prix/qualité’ was questioned a bit more often this year). Intrinsic to the experience is the “unparalleled” service from “some of the best staff in hospitality” – a team that “has no swagger, but is all class” (“an astounding feeling of style, without being overbearing or pompous”). In May 2018 as our survey was concluding, Diego Masciaga, part of the fixtures and fittings for the last 30 years and probably the most popular maitre d’ in the UK retired, leaving Frédéric Poulette the unenviable task of following in his footsteps.
For 31 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?
Restaurant details
Waterside Inn Restaurant Diner Reviews
"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"
"Oh dear!. Crowded, noisy and a shadow of former self. Inattentive service and although some aspects of cooking impressive the pricing is stratospheric. Two words spring to mind. Rip and Off. Previously I had rated this place with my own highest ratings in the country. How sad that it’s charm and wonderful expression of culinary expertise. albeit at a price, has disappeared alongside any semblance of value."
"We were in a private room so I don't think the atmosphere was ever going to be great - although the views were - but my second visit was more underwhelming than the first. The food was unquestionably good, but not amazing or wow, so I'd say a 4 was generous. The service was very prompt, great help carrying my mum's wheelchair down the steps, but once they sensed a big spender in the group they tried a little hard with the brandy and cognac trolley! A nice experience but unless you have very deep pockets then I think splashing out can be done better elsewhere."
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £45.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £12.50 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Service | 12.50% |
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 pm, 7 pm‑10 pm |
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