Nestled in the rolling pastures of Berkshire, a stone’s throw from some of the best Michelin Star restaurants in the British Isles, Warfield promises a serene sojourn interlaced with decadent dining experiences.
A small and idyllic village, the culinary delights of the county are on your doorstep, from quintessential country pubs to fine dining restaurants with dreamy riverside views and a menu to match. Read on to uncover a tapestry of epicurean eats framed by rolling countryside, and perfectly paired with explorations around Warfield’s rural realms.
The Cricketers
When dining out in Warfield, the village’s community inn, The Cricketers, beckons with a warm welcome and a menu that’s impossible to resist. Outside, a spacious garden crafts sublime summertime suppers, with covered seating offering welcome shade from the arcing journey of the sun. Stepping inside, uncover a modern dining area woven through with exposed beams, farmhouse tables, and antique chairs, crafting a heavenly blend of old and new. A melange of pub favourites and bistro choices, choose from the comforts of a camembert to share, hand-battered haddock, and steak frites, or opt for pan-fried sea bass with sauteed artichokes for a mesmerising melding of land and sea. Finish with a dreamy pistachio tiramisu or a lavish cheeseboard paired with quince jelly, fig relish, and cranberry and raisin crackers.
The Fat Duck, Bray
Savour the allure of a three-Michelin-Star meal at The Fat Duck, Heston Blumenthal’s acclaimed restaurant in the chocolate-box village of Bray. A culinary curiosity, with menus alight with imagination and daring worthy of Lewis Carroll’s dreamlike world, dining here is a feast for all the senses. Each tasting menu promises a wonderland of intrigue and Michelin perfection, whether a moment of mindfulness calls or the creative intrigue of a menu inspired by Heston’s own innovative journey. Think mock turtle soup, bacon and egg cereal, and a nostalgic rocket lolly that whisks you away, not to a salt-dipped beach on a hot summer’s day, but to a beloved savoury dish, with walnut dressing, grape, celery, and red apple, crafting the flavours of a Waldorf Salad. Each season brings new opportunities to craft unexpected delights, from festive menus following the life-cycle of the humble fir tree to solo experiences that offer diners a front row seat at the kitchen pass, watching as the chefs perform unimaginable feats with knife, skillet, and skill.
Stirrups, Bracknell
A whisper from Warfield, Stirrups promises a blend of spellbinding settings in which to nourish the soul. For those seeking summertime suppers, the beautiful garden beckons for sun-drenched delights. Take a seat at one of the tables peppering the verdant lawn, or opt for the patio for a place beneath a dreamy domed cabana. As evening draws in, festoon lighting adds a warming glow to the garden, crafting a magical backdrop for dinners beneath the stars. In winter, alfresco feasting continues in earnest at Stirrups, with a selection of bespoke heated dining pods offering a storybook scene. Inside, the bar and restaurant entice with relaxed meals and refreshing drinks, with a menu crafted from local ingredients and beloved dishes, alongside an extensive wine list that combs the world for the perfect pairing. Dishes range from Thai spiced jackfruit fritters and nasi goreng to roast chicken ballotine stuffed with apricot and spinach, a true celebration of global cuisines. Visit for a laid-back lunch, an intimate dinner, or a special occasion toasted to over a lavish afternoon tea; Stirrups has something for all.
The Winning Post, Winkfield
One for all who revel in the charming tableaux of a country pub, The Winning Post marries an 18th-century frame with characterful interiors woven with soft hues for a captivating culinary experience. Serving delicious fare throughout the day, The Winning Post tempts for long breakfasts held at leisure, sumptuous Sunday lunches, and delectable dinners that take inspiration from around the world, from cod Kiev with miso garlic butter to catch of the day battered with a Cornish cider. On sunny days, take a seat in the dappled shade of the patio for serene sips beneath the pergola. Surrounded by Berkshire’s beguiling countryside, this irresistible inn is perfectly placed for a winsome walk followed by a hearty pub lunch. Trace rural paths from Warfield for an idyllic circular, or extend explorations further for a longer journey that ends in the fire-warmed embrace of this oh-so-inviting pub.
The Hind’s Head, Bray
Nestled on the banks of the River Thames, the picturesque village of Bray beckons for heavenly repasts courtesy of the Michelin Star climes of Heston Blumenthal’s quintessential inn, The Hind’s Head. History permeates every corner, weaving an opulent pub aesthetic that blends rich hues with antique finishing touches for a space that warms the soul. With a menu led by the seasons and inspired by the varied cuisines found throughout the British Isles, sup on Earl Grey tea-smoked salmon, chilli con carne with spiced chocolate butter and a jalapeno cornbread, or Hereford ribeye, served with a choice of sauce. For a truly British meal that whispers of salt-kissed cheeks and evenings along the shore, book the beloved Chippy Tea. Serving two, this coastal favourite promises the crispiest battered fish, cod tongue and cheek scampi, triple-cooked chips, and the most decadent dipping sauces, all finished with a treacle sponge with milk ice cream. Sundays are another cherished tradition at The Hind’s Head, with a three-course roast dinner that conjures the deepest sense of comfort as you dine on dry-aged Aberdeen Angus sirloin, an assortment of seasonal vegetables, and perfectly roasted potatoes.
Waterside Inn, Bray
Sink into waterside reveries at this renowned restaurant in Bray, with three Michelin Stars to its name and views across the River Thames that almost rival the sublime menus. A place where luxury awaits at every turn, Waterside Inn calls to those who seek to revel in artfully curated menus set against a backdrop of effortless elegance. Set beneath the trailing branches of a weeping willow, a terrace overlooks the tree-fringed river, crafting a haven of peace and tranquillity, while the refined restaurant promises a relaxed dining experience that’s sure to delight. Dishes might change with the seasons, but the heart of the menu remains grounded in classical French cuisine, an ode to Chef Patron Alain Roux’s roots. The à la carte menu delves into a rich assortment of favourites, including seared Orkney scallops, pan-fried lobster medallions, and venison loin cooked in puff pastry with wild mushrooms. To fully appreciate the artistry behind your meal, choose one of the Gueridon Classics, from Lobster à la Presse to Crêpes Suzette, and marvel at the culinary displays as the chef prepares your dish in front of you. Or, opt for Le Menu Exceptionnel, which guides you through seven curated courses, with three outstanding wine pairings to choose from.
Woven by Adam Smith, Ascot
Boasting a Michelin Star and a spellbinding rural setting, Woven by Adam Smith calls to all who seek a moment of rapturous refreshment amidst Berkshire’s patchwork realms. This sleek and stylish restaurant is a sanctum of sensory inspiration, from the textures and tones of the interiors to a menu that promises to bewitch and enthral with every dish. Adam Smith has created a wondrous ethos that pushes the boundaries of British cooking, weaving new and exciting techniques and flourishes through familiar classics, from a caviar ‘bun’ to barbecue scallops. The set menus, available for lunch and supper, are a storied journey through land and sea, harnessing the flavours found in the landscapes that surround us. Each dish is playful, vibrant, and bold, inviting all who sample a moment of contemplation and quiet celebration of the natural larder we are so lucky to pluck from. There is a children’s menu and a plant-based menu, ensuring every visitor enjoys a memorable experience.
The Shurlock Inn, Reading
A country pub set within the heart of the local community, The Shurlock Inn is a beacon of shared moments and meals. The light-filled restaurant ushers in quiet serenity, with high ceilings and rolling views across the garden, crafting an idyllic setting for lunch or dinner. For a more intimate experience, the cosy lounge beckons for romantic suppers or cocktails with friends, all wrapped in the chic embrace of this secluded space. In the summer, the garden calls for alfresco dining, whether on the sun-soaked terrace or the emerald lawn. Echoing the exquisitely rustic surrounds, the menu focuses on house-butchered steaks for a meal that tempts in every season. Start with braised lamb shoulder dumplings or smoked salmon tartare, before savouring the likes of smoked duck breast or whole grilled sea bass. For a true indulgence, opt for the steak sharing platter, which boasts four decadent cuts paired with an assortment of sauces and fries, or the tomahawk for two, complemented by a bottle of wine and two sumptuous sides.
Inspired to sample Warfield’s heavenly hospitality? Uncover our collection of luxury cottages in Berkshire.
