
Split by the hi-tech landscape of England's very own 'Silicon Valley' and the M4 corridor, Berkshire also has its own leafy rolling downs and affluent countryside: this makes the perfect backdrop for equally affluent, gastro pubs, hotels and restaurants. The Thames also runs through much of the county, providing glorious waterside settings, great views and some peerless opportunities for al fresco dining. And then, of course, there's Bray itself - an immaculately turned out village that is home to two of the country's finest restaurants.
The Crown InnThe Crown Inn is a stunning timbered frame 16th century coaching inn located in the picturesque market town of Amersham.
16 High Street, Amersham, Berkshire - Cuisine: British
The Tiger's PadSituated just a stone's throw from Sunningdale railway station, the Tiger's Pad is a welcoming oasis and a dream ticket for commuters and others in search of authentic Indian food.
3 Station Parade, Ascot, Berkshire - Cuisine: Indian
Ascot OrientalAscot Oriental on London Road, was formerly Chukka's, an Ascot pub frequented by local polo players. Then Konrad Liu took over the place and brought in a team of top London designers to transform and renovate the interior.
London Road, Ascot, Berkshire - Cuisine: Asian
Restaurant Coworth ParkRestaurant Coworth Park is the fine dining restaurant in the beautiful Georgian manor house set in 240 acres of grounds, with its own polo fields and equestrian centre.
Blacknest Road, Ascot, Berkshire - Cuisine: Modern British
The Thatched TavernTourists and devotees of the 'sport of kings' often set their sights on The Thatched Tavern, a beautiful beamed seventeenth-century inn, which stands only a mile from Ascot racecourse and 4 miles from regal Windsor.
Cheapside Road, Ascot, Berkshire - Cuisine: Gastro pub
Caldesi in CampagnaGiancarlo and Katie Caldesi made their names with a restaurant, caffe and cookery school in Marylebone (not to mention TV jaunts to Tuscany) and went on to launch this new venture in the 'campagna' (affluent Bray, to be precise).
Old Mill Lane, Bray, Berkshire - Cuisine: Italian
The Crown Inn At BrayThe Crown at Bray, now part of the Heston Blumenthal empire which sports three restaurants in Bray alone, is a 16th Century inn with log fires and oak beams aplenty.
High Street, Bray, Berkshire - Cuisine: British
The Fat DuckVoted the top restaurant in the UK and number two in the world by Restaurant Magazine, the Fat Duck at Bray has travelled a long, long way since Heston Blumenthal opened the doors of this converted village pub in 1994.
1 High Street, Bray, Berkshire - Cuisine: Modern European
The Hind's HeadJust when you thought Bray was saturated with gold dust eating places, another cracker comes along and this time it's the old village inn, The Hind's Head, a few doors from The Fat Duck.
High Street, Bray, Berkshire - Cuisine: British
The Waterside InnMichel Roux's Waterside Inn has been delivering top-end French haute cuisine for more than three decades and was the restaurant that originally put Bray on the foodie map.
Ferry Road, Bray, Berkshire - Cuisine: French
Hamilton's Restaurant, Grovefield House HotelGrovefield House Hotel was once the country retreat of John Fuller - a founder member of the brewing family dynasty - this Edwardian mansion is secreted in 10 acres of private grounds close to Burnham Beeches and within easy driving distance of Windsor.
Taplow Common Road, Burnham, Berkshire - Cuisine: Modern European
The Ibex InnSurrounded by the beautiful Berkshire downs in a tiny village some 20 minutes drive from Newbury, the Ibex Inn is a cottagey Grade II-listed building that once served as a bakery and off-licence before being turned into a traditional country pub.
, Chaddleworth, Berkshire - Cuisine: Gastro pub
The Terrace Dining RoomThe 'Cliveden experience' is etched with heritage and history, beginning when this most aristocratic of country houses was built in 1666.
Cliveden House, Cliveden, Berkshire - Cuisine: Modern European
Waldo's RestaurantWaldo's is the fine dining restaurant situated in Clivedon House, named after Thomas Waldo Story, the sculptor of the iconic Fountain of Love in the hotel's sweeping driveway.
Cliveden House, Cliveden, Berkshire - Cuisine: Modern European
The Ostrich InnThe Ostrich Inn at Colnbrook lays claim to being the third oldest pub in England - although it has recently received a serious contemporary makeover.
High Street, Colnbrook, Berkshire - Cuisine: Gastro pub
The White OakFollowing the amazing success of their first venture, The Greene Oak at Oakley, husband and wife team Henry and Katherine Cripps have now given a new lease of life to The White Oak in Cookham and their magic formula is working just as well in White, as in Greene.
The Pound, Cookham, Berkshire - Cuisine: Gastro pub
Bel and the DragonOne of the oldest licensed premises in England, Bel and the Dragon in Cookham is now part of a little group of country pub restaurants with branches in Godalming and Windsor.
High Street, Cookham, Berkshire - Cuisine: Eclectic
Malik'sMaliks, located in the village of Cookham in the heart of Berkshire is a critically-acclaimed and award-winning Indian restaurant. It regularly features in the Good Curry Guide Top 100 and, if that isn't testament enough, it is reputedly Heston Blumenthal's favourite restaurant.
High Street, Cookham, Berkshire - Cuisine: Indian
Sanctum On The GreenFollowing a serious makeover, Sanctum On The Green, a genteel country inn re-opened as a stylish boutique hotel and restaurant set in manicured lawns overlooking Cookham village green.
The Old Cricket Common, Cookham Dean, Berkshire - Cuisine: Modern British
Queen's Arms HotelThe Queen's Arms Hotel is set in the picturesque village of East Garston in the heart of the beautiful Lambourn Valley, known for its horse training heritage and country pursuits such as fly-fishing, shooting and stalking.
East Garston, East Garston, Berkshire - Cuisine: Gastro pub
Gilbey'sGilbey's is auspiciously sandwiched between Eton College and Windsor Castle, close to the River Thames, a wine bar-cum-bistro run along similar lines to its cousin in Old Amersham, Buckinghamshire.
82 - 83 High Street, Eton, Berkshire - Cuisine: Modern European
The Leatherne BottelThe Leatherne Bottel in the picturesque village of Goring is reached from the Wallingford Road via a single track 'road' leading down to the river, this is not the easiest place to find but well worth the effort.
The Bridleway, Goring on Thames, Berkshire - Cuisine: Modern European
The Yew Tree InnSerious food from a roadside eatery is the cry from The Yew Tree Inn, a seventeenth-century pub restaurant on the Andover Road at Hollington Cross and a stone's throw from Highclere Castle.
Hollington Cross, Highclere, Berkshire - Cuisine: British
Black Boys InnFor nearly 500 years, The Black Boys Inn at Hurley has provided invaluable sustenance for travellers. In former times, they would arrive on horseback or by water (the River Thames is a five-minute stroll from the pub), but these days they come in their droves using more modern methods of transport.
Henley Road, Hurley, Berkshire - Cuisine: Gastro pub
The Olde BellAwaiting full review.
High Street, Hurley, Berkshire - Cuisine: British
The Red LionThe Red Lion is a very smart rural pub dating back to 1786 on the Henley Road in Hurley. The rustic interior is very welcoming with low beams, candles and a series of rooms, some of which feature a cosy log fire.
Henley Road, Hurley, Berkshire - Cuisine: Gastro pub
Fredrick's Hotel & RestaurantA family-owned hotel for the last two decades, Frederick's is a renowned luxurious haven situated in Maidenhead. The resplendence of the hotel permeates through to its equally luxurious restaurant, the deserving recipient of the highly coveted AA 3 Rosettes for its culinary flair.
Shoppenhangers Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire - Cuisine: Modern Eclectic
The Belgian ArmsA traditional English alehouse and restaurant in the heart of Holyport for more than 200 years, the atmosphere at The Belgian Arms is relaxed, friendly and informal.
Holyport Street, Maidenhead, Berkshire - Cuisine: Gastro pub
The Royal OakThe fact that the Royal Oak is jointly owned by chat show supremo Michael Parkinson and his son is enough to attract celeb spotters to this white-painted pub in Paley Street village - just a few miles from Maidenhead.
Paley Street, Maidenhead, Berkshire - Cuisine: Gastro pub
Carnarvon ArmsThe Carnarvon Arms is a Grade II-listed building - The interior is decorated in fresh, neutral shades with rich leather upholstery and cartoons on the walls while the décor also pays homage to Highclere, with Egyptian-themed art in one of the dining areas.
Winchester Road, Newbury, Berkshire - Cuisine: Gastro pub
Riverbar RestaurantThe main restaurant at Newbury Manor now occupies the atmospheric Riverbar, a converted watermill that has been restored to its former glory.
Newbury Manor, Newbury, Berkshire - Cuisine: Modern European
The Vineyard at StockcrossNamed in honour of owner Sir Peter Michael's elite Californian winery, the Vineyard at Stockcross is a suitably lavish expression of the hospitality industry in top gear.
Stockcross, Newbury, Berkshire - Cuisine: Modern French
The Winterbourne ArmsA carefully preserved bread oven is a reminder that the The Winterbourne Arms, an idyllic village pub restaurant started life as a bakery some three centuries ago.
Winterbourne, Newbury, Berkshire - Cuisine: Gastro pub
WinePress RestaurantThe award-winning WinePress Restaurant at Newbury is part of the Donnington Valley Hotel and Golf Course, one of Sir Peter Michael's fine collection of hotel restaurants including The Vineyard at Stockcross, the Peter Michael Winery in California and the Vineyard Cellars where you can buy wines on-line from 35 exclusive wineries.
Donnington Valley Hotel, Newbury, Berkshire - Cuisine: Modern British
Caprice Restaurant & TerraceLocated inside the stylish Holiday Inn hotel in Reading, the vibrant Caprice Restaurant is a gourmet dining destination providing AA rosette standard cuisine.
Holiday Inn Reading, M4 Jct 10, Reading, Berkshire - Cuisine: Modern European
Forbury'sForbury's takes its place at the top end of the Reading dining scene, situated in the new Forbury Square development and within a few minutes walk of the railway station and the Oracle Centre.
1 Forbury Square, Reading, Berkshire - Cuisine: French
CilantroYou would be forgiven for thinking that a football stadium is not a conventional choice of dining venue, but you will be pleasantly surprised by Cilantro in Reading.
Millennium Madejski Hotel Reading, Reading, Berkshire - Cuisine: Modern British
London Street BrasserieThe London Street Brasserie in Reading is a refreshing alternative to the numerous fast-food outlets that dominate the Oracle Centre, this stylish venue occupies the shell of an eighteenth-century tollhouse overlooking the River Kennet.
2 - 4 London Street, Reading, Berkshire - Cuisine: Modern European
Lsq2 BrasserieA cracking waterfront setting in Reading's beautifully landscaped Green Park, just behind the Madejski Stadium and next to the Ecotricity wind turbine, the brilliantly atmospheric Lsq2 bar/brasserie (the name is shorthand for Lime Square) is a real asset to the local restaurant scene.
220 South Oak Way, Reading, Berkshire - Cuisine: Global
Lsq2 OracleSituated on the riverside at the Oracle Shopping Centre in Reading town centre, LSQ2 brings a polished and contemporary dining experience to the heart of Berkshire.
Unit r10, The Rriverside Oracle Shopping Centre, Reading, Berkshire - Cuisine: Global
MalmaisonThe Reading outpost of the nationwide Malmaison group occupies a grandiose building designed by Brunel in 1844 and once used as the town's Great Western Rail Hotel.
Great Western House, Reading, Berkshire - Cuisine: Modern European
Mya LacarteMya Lacarte, this oddly named eatery was the brainchild of Matthew and Yasmina Siadatan - tele-addicts may recall she won The Apprentice in 2009.
5 Prospect Street, Reading, Berkshire - Cuisine: Modern British
Old SiamFor one of the most authentic Thai experiences this side of Bangkok look no further than Old Siam in Reading.
King's Walk, Reading, Berkshire - Cuisine: Thai
The New InnSet in the delightful village of Kidmore End, just 5 miles to the north of Reading, The New Inn has recently undergone an extensive makeover.
Chalkhouse Green Road, Reading, Berkshire - Cuisine: Gastro pub
ZerodegreesA spin-off from the groundbreaking original in Blackheath, London SE3, Zerodegrees in Reading is part microbrewery, part pizzeria and it puts on quite a show, with the sights, sounds and smells of brewing emanating from huge vats plus the added bonus of chefs working the wood-fired pizza oven.
9 Bridge Street, Reading, Berkshire - Cuisine: Mediterranean
L'OrtolanNestled in the village of Shinfield, this vintage red-brick vicarage now known as L'Ortolan has been home to many gastronomic power players over the years - from Nico Ladenis to John Burton-Race – and current chef/patron Alan Murchison is not about to lower the tone.
The Old Vicarage, Shinfield, Berkshire - Cuisine: Modern French
Great House at SonningThe Great House is located in the calm haven of Sonning on Thames, equidistant between Reading and Henley, and offers both formal and informal dining options.
Thames Street, Sonning on Thames, Berkshire - Cuisine: British
Restaurant at The French Horn HotelThe French Horn in Sonning on Thames is one of those restaurants that if you are serious about dining out, you will have almost certainly been there or if not then it has to be very high on you short list of places to go.
, Sonning on Thames, Berkshire - Cuisine: French
Bluebells Restaurant & BarBluebells Restaurant & Bar is set between Sunningdale, Virginia Water and Ascot, this pristine white-painted contemporary 'restaurant & garden bar' may look like part of a residential development with its driveway and neatly planted shrubs, but it goes about its business seriously.
Shrubbs Hill, Sunningdale, Berkshire - Cuisine: Modern European
Berry's Restaurant,Taplow House HotelBerry's is the fine dining restaurant situated in Taplow House, originally a gift from James I to Hampson, Governor of Virginia, this grand Georgian mansion, surrounded by acres of parkland sits affluently on the edge of one of the loveliest old villages in the Thames Valley.
Berry Hill, Taplow, Berkshire - Cuisine: Modern European
The Bull HotelNesting in a corner of Wargrave High Street, the Bull is a 600-year-old former coaching house that now serves as a popular local hotel and restaurant.
High Street, Wargrave, Berkshire - Cuisine: Modern British
The Greene OakA top-class refurb of a has-been country boozer, the Greene Oak was named after its location - a clearing in Windsor Forest that marks the site of an ancient Saxon battlefield.
Oakley Green, Windsor, Berkshire - Cuisine: Gastro pub
Bel and The DragonA venerable eleventh-century alehouse in the shadow of Windsor Castle is the atmospheric setting for the Bel and The Dragon a country pub/eating house (now part of a little group with branches in Cookham and Godalming).
Thames Street, Windsor, Berkshire - Cuisine: Eclectic
Eighteen Restaurant, Mercure Castle HotelThe award winning Eighteen restaurant is set in the Mercure Castle Hotel, situated a couple of minutes' walk from the main gates of Windsor Castle overlooking Sir Christopher Wren's Guildhall.
18 High Street, Windsor, Berkshire - Cuisine: Modern European
Mango LoungeElegance, style and sophistication are watchwords at the Mango Lounge, which brings a dose of contemporary Asian cooking to Windsor.
9 Datchet Road, Windsor, Berkshire - Cuisine: Indian
Strok's Restaurant, Sir Christopher Wren's House HotelOnce home to the celebrated architect Sir Christopher Wren, Strok's Restaurant is set in this elegant seventeenth-century townhouse, superbly positioned by Eton Bridge, between the banks of the Thames and Windsor Castle.
Thames Street, Windsor, Berkshire - Cuisine: Modern European
Thai SquareThe London-based Thai Square group recently branched out and opened a new restaurant directly opposite the castle in regal Windsor.
29 Thames Street, Windsor, Berkshire - Cuisine: Thai
The Dining Room, Oakley CourtA grandiose example of Victorian Gothic splendour, Oakley Court and The Dining Room is resplendent in 35 acres of lovely gardens and lawns sweeping down to the banks of the Thames and within easy reach of, Windsor, Ascot and Heathrow, it naturally attracts is share of tourists, international travellers, wedding couples, conferences and moneyed punters.
Windsor Road, Windsor, Berkshire - Cuisine: Modern European
The Drury HouseThe Drury House, Windsor's oldest and most famous restaurant has been trading for more than a century in a building that can trace its roots back to 1645.
4 Church Street, Windsor, Berkshire - Cuisine: British
The Long Walk Brasserie & Bar, Royal Adelaide HotelA lavishly refurbished Georgian hotel opposite the Long Walk towards Windsor Castle, the Royal Adelaide is in a quiet residential area just a stroll away from the Thames and other prime tourist attractions.
46 Kings Road, Windsor, Berkshire - Cuisine: International
Tower Brasserie, Harte & Garter HotelAs its name suggests, this fine hotel overlooking Windsor Castle is the amalgam of two ancient medieval hostelries, the White Harte and the Garter Inn.
High Street, Windsor, Berkshire - Cuisine: Modern British
Windsor GrillOne of the two remaining AWT Grills that has survived the 'downturn' axe, this venue is still delivering the goods for locals and visitors to Windsor.
65 St Leonards Road, Windsor, Berkshire - Cuisine: British
The Angel Gastro PubOwner Shobna Joel has re-dubbed this fine-looking creeper-clad hostelry long known as A4 Angel, the Angel Gastro Pub, which is a sure sign of her intentions to move the place forward.
Bath Road, Woolhampton, Berkshire - Cuisine: Gastro pub
The Pot KilnTV chef and presenter Mike Robinson had his very first pint in the Pot Kiln and, many years down the line, he decided to buy the place and run it as his very own pet project.
Frilsham, Yattendon, Berkshire - Cuisine: Gastro pub