Guidebook for Bray
Food Scene
It is run by celebrity chef proprietor Heston Blumenthal. Housed in a 16th-century building that had previously been the site of The Bell pub, the Fat Duck opened in 1995. Although it originally served food similar to that of a French bistro, it soon acquired a reputation for precision and invention, and has been at the forefront of many modern culinary developments, such as food pairing, flavour encapsulation and multi-sensory cooking.
57 lokale inwoners raden aan
The Fat Duck
High StreetIt is run by celebrity chef proprietor Heston Blumenthal. Housed in a 16th-century building that had previously been the site of The Bell pub, the Fat Duck opened in 1995. Although it originally served food similar to that of a French bistro, it soon acquired a reputation for precision and invention, and has been at the forefront of many modern culinary developments, such as food pairing, flavour encapsulation and multi-sensory cooking.
Michael Roux's famous restaurant. Nestling on the banks of the Thames, in the charming 16th century village of Bray, this delightful 'restaurant with rooms' has been serving inspirational French cuisine since 1972. Its welcoming, informal ambience belies its formidable reputation: owned by the celebrated Roux père et fils, and nowadays run by Alain Roux, the Waterside is renowned across the globe as a leading light in the world of gastronomy.
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The Waterside Inn
Ferry RoadMichael Roux's famous restaurant. Nestling on the banks of the Thames, in the charming 16th century village of Bray, this delightful 'restaurant with rooms' has been serving inspirational French cuisine since 1972. Its welcoming, informal ambience belies its formidable reputation: owned by the celebrated Roux père et fils, and nowadays run by Alain Roux, the Waterside is renowned across the globe as a leading light in the world of gastronomy.
Inspired by Giancarlo’s rural upbringing in Tuscany, Katie and Giancarlo opened Caldesi in Campagna, meaning Caldesi in the Country, in 2007. The Caldesi’s are passionate about seasonal and sustainable ingredients and use local produce such as game, meat and eggs where possible. They are proud of their authentic Italian cooking and herb garden where diners can eat al fresco.
The authenticity of their cooking, warmth of their welcome and efficiency of their operation are reflected by the number of loyal ‘regulars’ who wouldn’t put up with a week that didn’t include a Caldesi meal.
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Caldesi in Campagna
Old Mill LaneInspired by Giancarlo’s rural upbringing in Tuscany, Katie and Giancarlo opened Caldesi in Campagna, meaning Caldesi in the Country, in 2007. The Caldesi’s are passionate about seasonal and sustainable ingredients and use local produce such as game, meat and eggs where possible. They are proud of their authentic Italian cooking and herb garden where diners can eat al fresco.
The authenticity of their cooking, warmth of their welcome and efficiency of their operation are reflected by the number of loyal ‘regulars’ who wouldn’t put up with a week that didn’t include a Caldesi meal.
The Emperor Of India opened in 2002, and has been building a reputation locally as a one of the places to go for a good Indian meal without the usual "after pub" crowd. The restaurant has consistently been in the British Curry Award's top 30 UK restaurants.
House specialities include murgh babe sabah (a medium chicken curry with coriander, ginger, green chillies yogurt and butter) and a lightly spiced chargrilled sea bass. There's plenty of choice for vegetarians too.
Emperor Of India
5 Windsor RdThe Emperor Of India opened in 2002, and has been building a reputation locally as a one of the places to go for a good Indian meal without the usual "after pub" crowd. The restaurant has consistently been in the British Curry Award's top 30 UK restaurants.
House specialities include murgh babe sabah (a medium chicken curry with coriander, ginger, green chillies yogurt and butter) and a lightly spiced chargrilled sea bass. There's plenty of choice for vegetarians too.
Located in the Bray Marina, the Riverside Brasserie offers first rate British food paired with outstanding service and unrivalled views of the Thames.
The Riverside Brasserie menu features traditional and timeless British dishes with a modern twist and the best seasonal and locally-sourced British produce. If you are looking for something a bit lighter, they also provide a wide selection of snacks and starters for you to enjoy alongside the scenery. On Sundays, we also offer a wonderful lunch menu that includes a fine selection of classic 3-course options.
The Riverside Brasserie
Monkey Island LaneLocated in the Bray Marina, the Riverside Brasserie offers first rate British food paired with outstanding service and unrivalled views of the Thames.
The Riverside Brasserie menu features traditional and timeless British dishes with a modern twist and the best seasonal and locally-sourced British produce. If you are looking for something a bit lighter, they also provide a wide selection of snacks and starters for you to enjoy alongside the scenery. On Sundays, we also offer a wonderful lunch menu that includes a fine selection of classic 3-course options.
Home of the roast - and much more
Enjoy a proper English roast dinner and carvery in Maidenhead.
Every day chefs lay on a feast of tender, hand-carved meats with all the trimmings – including towering Yorkshire puds, golden roasties with all those lovely little crunchy bits, and plenty of freshly prepared veg, all crowned with proper gravy. They serve four types of meat; roast chicken, succulent roast beef, soft turkey and juicy pork all cut and served from there carvery bar straight onto your plate.
Drop by and you'll find lots more on offer, including their tasty cooked breakfasts and sensational sundaes.
Toby Carvery Stafferton Lodge
Braywick RoadHome of the roast - and much more
Enjoy a proper English roast dinner and carvery in Maidenhead.
Every day chefs lay on a feast of tender, hand-carved meats with all the trimmings – including towering Yorkshire puds, golden roasties with all those lovely little crunchy bits, and plenty of freshly prepared veg, all crowned with proper gravy. They serve four types of meat; roast chicken, succulent roast beef, soft turkey and juicy pork all cut and served from there carvery bar straight onto your plate.
Drop by and you'll find lots more on offer, including their tasty cooked breakfasts and sensational sundaes.
Drinks & Nightlife
The Hinds Head is a gastropub in Bray, Berkshire. The pub dates from the 15th century, and was converted into a restaurant in the 1920s. It was awarded a single Michelin star in the 2013 edition of the Michelin Guide. It has been owned by chef Heston Blumenthal since 2004.
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The Hind's Head
High StreetThe Hinds Head is a gastropub in Bray, Berkshire. The pub dates from the 15th century, and was converted into a restaurant in the 1920s. It was awarded a single Michelin star in the 2013 edition of the Michelin Guide. It has been owned by chef Heston Blumenthal since 2004.
Heston Blumenthal’s Crown at Bray, which he took over in 2010, has been sensitively refurbished inside and out, to ensure the maximum comfort for guests drinking and dining.
The majority of the Crown’s life has been spent as a pub, apart from when it was a bicycle shop for a brief time.
The gastropub started life as two cottages in the 16th Century as a hostelry, which supplied beer to cottages in the area.
It has also been rumoured that, back in the day, Charles II would often call in for a drink when visiting his mistress Nell Gwynn.
Won 'Best Pub in Berkshire' in 2016!!
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The Crown at Bray
High StreetHeston Blumenthal’s Crown at Bray, which he took over in 2010, has been sensitively refurbished inside and out, to ensure the maximum comfort for guests drinking and dining.
The majority of the Crown’s life has been spent as a pub, apart from when it was a bicycle shop for a brief time.
The gastropub started life as two cottages in the 16th Century as a hostelry, which supplied beer to cottages in the area.
It has also been rumoured that, back in the day, Charles II would often call in for a drink when visiting his mistress Nell Gwynn.
Won 'Best Pub in Berkshire' in 2016!!
The Guardsman Inn is a family run pub / restaurant situated just outside Maidenhead town centre, on Oldfield Road. Conveniently located within walking distance of the town itself, a 5 minute walk in the opposite direction brings you to the scenic River Thames with its beautiful walks along the Thames Path. A short drive will take you to the historic town of Windsor, with its many attractions and quality shops; there is also Windsor Castle to visit.
The Guardsmens Inn
22 Oldfield RoadThe Guardsman Inn is a family run pub / restaurant situated just outside Maidenhead town centre, on Oldfield Road. Conveniently located within walking distance of the town itself, a 5 minute walk in the opposite direction brings you to the scenic River Thames with its beautiful walks along the Thames Path. A short drive will take you to the historic town of Windsor, with its many attractions and quality shops; there is also Windsor Castle to visit.
Parks & Nature
Braywick Park is the largest public open space in Maidenhead, covering 40 hectares to the south of the town centre. The Park has a fascinating history, with evidence of a roman road through the site, of ownership by Charles I, 18th and 19th century mansion houses on the site and more recently extensive mineral extraction, followed by landfill operations.
The Park is the main location for outdoor sports activities in the Maidenhead area, is a valuable nature conservation resource and houses Braywick Nature Centre, the focus for environmental education with the Borough.
With its 22 hectares of sports grounds and a range of quality sporting facilities, the Park provides a base for a number of clubs including rugby, football, archery, target shooting and athletics. The Park also houses SportsAble (formerly known as WAMDSAD) the Sports Assocation for the Disabled, and a Golf Centre.
A 15 hectare Local Nature Reserve provides a range of habitats for local wildlife and opportunities for casual recreation. The Nature Reserve is also a valuable educational resource used by the Rangers at Braywick Nature Centre, for a wide range of events and activities they run for the public, schools and youth groups along with other visitors.
The access track adjacent to Stafferton Lodge was refurbished in spring 2010 to provide better access to vehicles and pedestrians. Further work took place in September 2011 to improve the accessibility to Braywick Park.
Braywick Nature Centre
Hibbert RoadBraywick Park is the largest public open space in Maidenhead, covering 40 hectares to the south of the town centre. The Park has a fascinating history, with evidence of a roman road through the site, of ownership by Charles I, 18th and 19th century mansion houses on the site and more recently extensive mineral extraction, followed by landfill operations.
The Park is the main location for outdoor sports activities in the Maidenhead area, is a valuable nature conservation resource and houses Braywick Nature Centre, the focus for environmental education with the Borough.
With its 22 hectares of sports grounds and a range of quality sporting facilities, the Park provides a base for a number of clubs including rugby, football, archery, target shooting and athletics. The Park also houses SportsAble (formerly known as WAMDSAD) the Sports Assocation for the Disabled, and a Golf Centre.
A 15 hectare Local Nature Reserve provides a range of habitats for local wildlife and opportunities for casual recreation. The Nature Reserve is also a valuable educational resource used by the Rangers at Braywick Nature Centre, for a wide range of events and activities they run for the public, schools and youth groups along with other visitors.
The access track adjacent to Stafferton Lodge was refurbished in spring 2010 to provide better access to vehicles and pedestrians. Further work took place in September 2011 to improve the accessibility to Braywick Park.
Take part in a variety of water sports at Bray Lake! Enjoy Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Windsurfing, Kayaking, Dinghy Sailing and Open Water Swimming. The Centre is open 7 days a week and offers equipment hire, holiday courses and private tuition. The centre welcomes individuals and families, in addition to corporate and school groups.
The centre also hosts many birthday parties and stag/hen parties for groups of four or more.
Bray Lake also offers nationally-recognised qualifications for children and adults, from complete beginner to instructor level.
Bray Lake
Take part in a variety of water sports at Bray Lake! Enjoy Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Windsurfing, Kayaking, Dinghy Sailing and Open Water Swimming. The Centre is open 7 days a week and offers equipment hire, holiday courses and private tuition. The centre welcomes individuals and families, in addition to corporate and school groups.
The centre also hosts many birthday parties and stag/hen parties for groups of four or more.
Bray Lake also offers nationally-recognised qualifications for children and adults, from complete beginner to instructor level.
Sightseeing
2012 Olympic Venue.
Dorney Lake (also known as Eton College Rowing Centre, and as Eton Dorney as a 2012 Summer Olympics venue) is a purpose-built rowing lake in England. It is near the village of Dorney, Buckinghamshire, and is around 3 km (2 miles) west of Windsor and Eton, close to the River Thames.
The lake is privately owned and financed by Eton College, which spent £17 million developing it. Additional grants, totalling £500,000, were obtained from Sport England, UK Sport, the DCMS and SEEDA in order to build the lake's finish tower. The project was completed in 2006, after 10 years of construction.[1] Although it is primarily for use by the school, the facilities are hired out for rowing, as well as for canoeing, dragon boating, open water swimming and triathlon.
The lake was used as the 2012 Summer Olympic venue for rowing and canoe sprint, and as the 2012 Summer Paralympic venue for rowing.[2] For the duration of the Olympics, the lake was officially referred to as Eton Dorney. To provide for Olympic spectators, the existing facilities were enhanced to include 20,000 additional seats; most of these seats were temporary. Construction began in October 2009, following investigations by Oxford Archaeology, of enhancements to Dorney Lake, including a new cut-through between the competition lake and the return lane, a new bridge and an upgraded access road, funded by the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA).[3] During the Olympic events, Dorney Lake was staffed by around 3,500 personnel including volunteers; it could accommodate up to 30,000 spectators per day.[4] A temporary bridge linked the Dorney Lake site to Windsor Racecourse, where a pick-up and drop-off point for Olympic spectators was established.[5][6] Other access options existed for walkers and cyclists.[7]
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Dorney Lake
2012 Olympic Venue.
Dorney Lake (also known as Eton College Rowing Centre, and as Eton Dorney as a 2012 Summer Olympics venue) is a purpose-built rowing lake in England. It is near the village of Dorney, Buckinghamshire, and is around 3 km (2 miles) west of Windsor and Eton, close to the River Thames.
The lake is privately owned and financed by Eton College, which spent £17 million developing it. Additional grants, totalling £500,000, were obtained from Sport England, UK Sport, the DCMS and SEEDA in order to build the lake's finish tower. The project was completed in 2006, after 10 years of construction.[1] Although it is primarily for use by the school, the facilities are hired out for rowing, as well as for canoeing, dragon boating, open water swimming and triathlon.
The lake was used as the 2012 Summer Olympic venue for rowing and canoe sprint, and as the 2012 Summer Paralympic venue for rowing.[2] For the duration of the Olympics, the lake was officially referred to as Eton Dorney. To provide for Olympic spectators, the existing facilities were enhanced to include 20,000 additional seats; most of these seats were temporary. Construction began in October 2009, following investigations by Oxford Archaeology, of enhancements to Dorney Lake, including a new cut-through between the competition lake and the return lane, a new bridge and an upgraded access road, funded by the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA).[3] During the Olympic events, Dorney Lake was staffed by around 3,500 personnel including volunteers; it could accommodate up to 30,000 spectators per day.[4] A temporary bridge linked the Dorney Lake site to Windsor Racecourse, where a pick-up and drop-off point for Olympic spectators was established.[5][6] Other access options existed for walkers and cyclists.[7]
Arts & Culture
The Maidenhead Heritage Centre and ATA exhibition and archive explores the history of Maidenhead and its surroundings, including the Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA), which was headquartered at White Waltham airfield during World War II.
The mission of the centre is to preserve and celebrate the area’s heritage for the benefit of present and future generations.
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Maidenhead Heritage Centre
18 Park StThe Maidenhead Heritage Centre and ATA exhibition and archive explores the history of Maidenhead and its surroundings, including the Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA), which was headquartered at White Waltham airfield during World War II.
The mission of the centre is to preserve and celebrate the area’s heritage for the benefit of present and future generations.
Essentials
Best local place for essential supplies (unless you fancy a trip to Lidl that is!).
Londis was established in 1959 by a group of progressive independent retail grocers who had the aim of establishing a fully operational delivered wholesale company owned jointly by the retailers it served. Now, with approximately 1,800 members - all independently owned - the prime objective of the company is to offer excellent marketing, purchasing, store development, IT and supply chain support to allow them to grow their businesses and secure their futures in today’s rapidly expanding convenience market.
Londis
40 Oldfield RdBest local place for essential supplies (unless you fancy a trip to Lidl that is!).
Londis was established in 1959 by a group of progressive independent retail grocers who had the aim of establishing a fully operational delivered wholesale company owned jointly by the retailers it served. Now, with approximately 1,800 members - all independently owned - the prime objective of the company is to offer excellent marketing, purchasing, store development, IT and supply chain support to allow them to grow their businesses and secure their futures in today’s rapidly expanding convenience market.
Lidl
Stafferton WayRecently opened.. very popular and cheap!
Entertainment & Activities
Local place to go if you want to watch SkySports events.
Also,The Blue River Café plays host to a great range of free Live Music Acts & Themed Music Nights. Check out their Event Calendar to see what’s coming up,
The Thames Riviera Hotel & Blue River Café
Bridge RoadLocal place to go if you want to watch SkySports events.
Also,The Blue River Café plays host to a great range of free Live Music Acts & Themed Music Nights. Check out their Event Calendar to see what’s coming up,