The Waterside Inn

The Waterside Inn: three Michelin stars on the banks of the Thames

The Waterside Inn is a restaurant and accommodation establishment located on Ferry Road, in the village of Bray (Berkshire, United Kingdom), on the banks of the River Thames. The restaurant, led by chef Alain Roux, has held three Michelin stars continuously since 1985, according to its own presentation. It describes itself as a "restaurant with rooms", that is, a restaurant that also offers accommodation in rooms and suites.

Classic French cuisine and seasonal menus

The culinary offering is based on classic French cuisine, made with seasonal ingredients, some from its own culinary gardens. The establishment highlights preparations such as sauces and desserts, and structures its offering around seasonal menus. These include the Menu Gastronomique, a four-course journey that the site presents as a celebration of the finest produce. The catalogue consulted indicated prices of £150 for lunch and £190 for dinner, corresponding to the months of October and November 2026.

Accommodation and experiences

In addition to the restaurant, the establishment has rooms and suites for those who wish to stay. The experience includes freshly baked breakfast served in the room. The offering is completed by five-course wine pairing dinners, "Dine & Stay" experiences and the possibility of holding private events and weddings in the River Cottage space, which has its own garden.

Alain Roux Culinary School

The complex houses the Alain Roux Culinary School, a cookery school led by the chef himself. According to the site's information, it is open to all skill levels and its approach combines learning culinary techniques with a relaxed atmosphere. The school has its own mailing list and is linked to the Maison Roux brand, under which the chef groups his various hospitality projects.

Boat trips and other services

The establishment offers river excursions aboard the 'Waterside Inn II' boat, as well as a Summer Sundays experience with a luxury Edwardian saloon. Advance reservations are recommended for these activities. The site also mentions the Alain Roux Boutique and its own publication, Maison Roux magazine, whose 2026 issue is presented as an in-house publication bringing together the chef's projects.

Opening times and operations

The restaurant opens Wednesday to Saturday, with lunch service from 12:00 to 14:00 and dinner from 19:00 to 21:30. On Sundays, lunch is served from 12:00 to 14:30 and dinner, only from May to September, from 19:00 to 21:00. The last order for main courses is accepted at the closing time of each service, and diners are asked to leave the restaurant by 16:45 at the latest for lunch and by midnight for dinner. The bar closes at 16:30 for lunch and at 23:20 for dinner for non-residents (23:45 for residents); on Sundays, with licensing from May to September, closing is at 22:30 for non-residents and 23:00 for residents. The establishment is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, including bank holidays, with occasional exceptions indicated on the site, and does not admit entry before 12:00 or before 19:00. On Sunday evenings it is closed from October to April.

Access and surroundings

The establishment is located in Bray, a village near Maidenhead. The site details access by car from the M4 and M40, by train from London to Maidenhead station (Elizabeth line, approximately 22 minutes) and by private plane via White Waltham airfield, about 15 minutes away. For non-resident customers, a valet parking service is offered, although overnight parking is not guaranteed and is reserved for accommodation guests.

Location and contact

The Waterside Inn, Ferry Road, Bray, Berkshire, SL6 2AT · Telephone: 01628 620691 · Email: reservations@waterside-inn.co.uk