The Royal County’s tables to know
Berkshire is known for many things — as the Royal County, for its deep ties to the British monarchy, and for a sporting and social calendar that draws visitors from around the world. Royal Ascot, Guards Polo Club and the Royal Windsor Horse Show all sit within its borders, alongside Eton College and some of England’s most beautiful stretches of countryside.
Just far enough from London to feel like a true escape, Berkshire retains all the ease and sophistication of the neighbouring metropolis. That balance — countryside calm with city-level dining — is part of what makes the county so compelling.
It is also widely considered one of the UK’s most rewarding places to eat. The villages along the River Thames have built reputations that extend far beyond the county, and Berkshire now holds one of the highest concentrations of Michelin-starred restaurants outside London, including two three-star establishments in the village of Bray alone.
What makes the county particularly appealing is its breadth. Five-star hotel restaurants sit alongside confident modern kitchens, countryside inns, riverside brasseries and destination dining rooms — an unusually rich concentration of restaurants within a remarkably small area.
Tables to know
At the heart of Berkshire’s reputation sits The Waterside Inn, where Alain Roux continues one of the most remarkable legacies in British dining. Set in the tiny village of Bray — which itself holds an extraordinary seven Michelin stars in total — the restaurant remains the most awarded in the UK, its calm dining room and riverside setting offering a sense of continuity rarely found in modern hospitality. Bray is also home to The Hind’s Head, Heston Blumenthal’s Michelin-starred restaurant set within a coaching inn more than 400 years old, where British classics are reimagined with his characteristic wit and curiosity. A short distance away, Caldesi in Campagna offers a different but equally compelling perspective, with assured Italian cooking in a warm and welcoming village setting.
Along the Thames, dining takes on different forms. At Taplow, Roux at Skindles, also from Alain Roux, offers a lively, modern brasserie on the water’s edge near Maidenhead Bridge, while Monkey Island Estate (headline image) brings a sense of theatre, guests crossing a footbridge onto the island itself before arriving at its brasserie in one of the Thames’ most distinctive settings.
In the countryside, a newer generation of restaurants continues to shape the region. The Braywood on the outskirts of Bray and its sister restaurant The Woodspeen form part of the WSH group’s distinctive approach, where historic working buildings are reimagined through contemporary architecture, modern design and lively cocktail bars. For a more rustic pace, The Loch & The Tyne in Old Windsor, from Michelin-starred chef Adam Handling, offers a beautifully restored village inn centred on ingredient-led cooking and rural charm.
For grander surroundings, Coworth Park — the only countryside hotel in the world within the Dorchester Collection — offers both the Michelin-starred Woven, led by Adam Smith, and the more relaxed The Barn restaurant within its parkland estate. Nearby, Cliveden House presents two contrasting experiences: refined dining in The Cliveden Dining Room and the brasserie-style Astor Grill in the former stables, all within the historic National Trust grounds. Local favourites complete the picture, from Bluebells on the edge of Windsor Great Park to the historic and characterful inns and dining rooms that continue to give Berkshire its distinctive sense of place.
What’s happening now
Beyond the restaurants themselves, Berkshire’s dining calendar remains lively, with a steady programme of events and experiences giving diners reasons to return.
At The Hind’s Head, live music evenings take place on the first and third Tuesday of each month, forming part of a busy and varied schedule that keeps the restaurant feeling as much a social destination as a dining room. The team has also introduced a new series of Bonkers Wine Nights, beginning on Sunday 22 February 2026 in the Royal Lounge, where Burgundy will be the focus for the first evening. Exceptional bottles, sometimes drawn from The Fat Duck cellar, are offered at notably generous prices, and is a great way to explore some remarkable wines.
For those interested in developing their own culinary skills, both The Woodspeen and The Waterside Inn offer cookery school experiences, giving guests the opportunity to step behind the scenes and learn from some of the country’s most accomplished kitchens.
The Waterside Inn also hosts a series of special dinners and collaborations throughout the year, with different events taking place most months. These intimate five-course evenings often feature guest chefs or acclaimed wine and Champagne houses. The next of these takes place on Thursday 26 March 2026, when Château Léoville Barton — one of Bordeaux’s most respected estates — will host a paired dinner limited to just 24 guests.
Elsewhere, Cliveden House maintains a full cultural and culinary calendar, from its celebrated Literary Festival each September to a programme of seasonal dining events throughout the year. Coworth Park likewise continues to develop its own series of culinary experiences and special events, with further dates expected to be announced soon.
Planning a visit
We hope to see you in Berkshire soon. If you are visiting any of these restaurants, don’t forget to download the Luxury Restaurant Guide app, which houses our Club card so you can enjoy privileges, welcome Champagne and exclusive offers designed to further enhance your dining experience.
Members and their guests are often welcomed with a glass of Champagne for the table or a dining privilege of around 10% off the total bill — benefits that typically represent a saving of at least £22 per guest, depending on the restaurant. These are not promotions in the usual sense, but carefully curated privileges offered by restaurants to our most loyal dining community.
Not yet a member?
You’re welcome to explore with a complimentary 14-day preview. Thereafter £9 per month, but can be cancelled at anytime.
