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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.
Summary
A leading light in the UK’s gastronomic constellation since it first opened in 1972 – this famous Thames-sider (a favourite of the Royal Family) is run nowadays by Alain Roux (with father, Michel, still sometimes popping up in the dining room). “Swans are usually in view” in its “glorious” and “peaceful” riverside location, and in particular the location is “unsurpassable on a warm evening in summer”, when a meal typically starts off with a glass of champagne on the terrace, or even a jaunt in the restaurant’s private launch. The meal itself at any time of year takes place in a plush conservatory overlooking the river. Stylewise, you could be in rural France, and to some tastes this classic temple of Gallic gastronomy “feels a bit of a time warp” with perennial calls in some quarters for “a bit more risk and creativity” in the cuisine. For the vast majority of reporters however, the overriding impression is that “attention to detail is a way of life here”, with the kitchen’s “classical French perfection” judged “absolutely outstanding in every way”, and service likewise – overseen by long-term general manager Diego Masciaga is “unmatched”.
For 30 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!. 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."
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dinner | £52.00 | £63.50 |  |
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| SundayLunch | £79.50 | |
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Traditional European menu
| Starter | Main | Pudding |
|---|---|---|
| £33.50 | £61.00 | £33.50 |
| Drinks |
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|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £59.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £6.50 |
| Extras |
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|---|---|
| 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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