The Best of… Waterside Dining

Is there anything more lovely on a summer’s day than sitting in the sunshine, enjoying fine dining and excellent wines, with the tinkling of the river or the gentle lull of the sea in the background?  We human creatures seek out water in the summer months, and to help you, we’ve put together our Design Restaurants Definitive Guide to restaurants all close to water, and all of course, offering discounts at these 10 restaurants (in no particular order) as well to our DR club members. Go ahead, enjoy…

1. Strok’s Restaurant at Sir Christopher Wren’s House Hotel, Windsor, Berkshire

The Sir Christopher Wren’s House is a fine restaurant and hotel in an elegant grade II listed townhouse in the heart of Windsor, overlooking the River Thames. Strok’s Restaurant offers sophisticated fine dining and a beautiful outdoor area in a stunning riverside setting at Eton Bridge, overlooking the river towards Eton, beneath the ramparts of the castle walls. A memorable experience and location not to be missed.

DR Members: Complimentary dining for lunch and dinner Mon-Fri and Sunday dinner

2. Aubergine at The Compleat Angler, Marlow, Buckinghamshire

The epitome of romance on the River Thames – the Compleat Angler Hotel is Marlow’s perfect riverside retreat. Overlooking the cascading waters of Marlow Weir in the centre of the town and overlooking the river, this historic hotel could not be in a better setting. The fine dining Aubergine Restaurant serves exquisite modern French cuisine, overlooking the river Thames below.

Please note there is no outdoor dining for Aubergine, but drinks can be served on the outdoor terrace.

DR Members: Complimentary dining lunch and dinner Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and lunch on Thursdays

3. Robert Thompson at the Hambrough Hotel, Ventnor, Isle of Wight

Perched high above the crystal blue sea in the quaint town of Ventnor, the Hambrough has an enviable position and the most amazing views imaginable, overlooking the beautiful sea and beach below.

The dining room is modern and minimalist in style, offering Michelin-starred fine dining. During the day the views are spectacular across the English coastline and channel. Well worth a jaunt over to the Isle of Wight for a memorable lunch with a view.

DR Members: 10% off total food and beverage bill, lunch and dinner Tuesdays to Fridays, and lunchtimes Saturdays

4. Chewton Glen, New Milton, Hampshire

Chewton Glen has always led the way in luxury boutique country house hotels, and their exemplary standards continue to be maintained. The beautiful New Forest restaurant offers fine dining in beautiful surroundings using only the finest local produce.

There is a stunning terrace overlooking the lawns for alfresco dining, and the hotel is located only 1km from the sandy beach through the grounds via a picturesque scenic wooded path right out onto the seafront at Highcliffe-on-Sea  – a must for any visit to Chewton Glen. We highly recommend a visit on a sunny day to make the most of the beautiful setting.

DR Members: 10% off the total food and beverage bill, seven days a week lunch and dinner

5. Hotel Tresanton, Cornwall

Perched on the hillside overlooking Cornwall’s stunning Roseland Peninsula, Hotel Tresanton is a former yachting club, which is now described as “Seaside chic at its finest” – a delightful fresh mix of white washed walls, watercolours and mosaics.

The elegant restaurant is flooded with natural light from windows on two sides, making the most of the beautiful sea views, and outside there is a delightful two tiered terrace.

Head Chef Paul Wadham of course makes the best use of the wonderful local produce within the daily changing menu and introduces a hint of Italian to the eclectic cuisine.

DR Members: Complimentary coffee & petit fours for members and all guests in the dining party

6. The Restaurant at Wyndham Grand Chelsea Harbour, Chelsea

Set in exclusive Chelsea Harbour, Wyndham Grand London Chelsea Harbour is one of London’s finest hidden gems, offering stunning marina views of the River Thames.

The harbour-side restaurant offers a contemporary dining experience with stunning marina views, while the bar is perfect for a relaxing drink.

DR Members: A complimentary glass Champagne for members and all guests in the dining party when taking lunch, afternoon tea or dinner

7. Due South, Brighton

Due South is set into the arches underneath Brighton’s promenade and is perched literally a stone’s throw from the famous pebble beach, right on the seafront. The views from the window seats are utterly stunning on a good day or bad.

Inside, the restaurant is quite modern and minimalist with bare wooden tables and flooring and black leather & wood chairs, taking nothing away from the spectacular scenery.

In summer there is a beautiful terrace where you can practically dine on the beach.

Head chef Michael Bremner, is passionately committed to creating sophisticated food with uncompromised integrity, only using seafood that’s come from sustainable sources, insisting on wild, organic and free range produce, shunning the modern mantra of year round choice in favour of seasonal availability.

DR Members: Member dines complimentary Lunch and Dinner, seven days a week

8. Priest House, Derbyshire

The Priest House Hotel is perched in a picturesque setting on the banks of the River Trent, surrounded by dense woodland that fringes the winding country lane leading the hotel. The original watermills on the site of The Priest House were mentioned in the Domesday Book in 1086. Today, this is a country house with a difference.

The Restaurant offers a quiet and refined atmosphere, with a menu that offers a balanced selection of traditional dishes with a contemporary twist.

DR Members: Complimentary dining for dinner Mon – Fri

9. The Broad House Hotel in Wroxham, Norfolk

Broad House Hotel is a beautiful 16th Century Queen Anne residence located in the heart of the world-renowned Norfolk Broads National Park. Set in 24 acres of formal gardens and secluded parkland on the edge of Wroxham Broad, including an eight acre meadow, this charming property has been converted into a beautiful boutique hotel. A short stroll through the grounds will bring you to the shore of Wroxham Broad.

DR Members: Complimentary dining lunch and dinner Mon – Thurs

10. The Bingham, Richmond-upon-Thames

The chic Bingham Restaurant is an elegant setting where diners can enjoy the very best in British food by highly acclaimed Executive Chef Shay Cooper.

Having undergone a recent makeover, the subtle opulence of this 40 cover restaurant creates a graceful ambience with large windows inviting the outside in, making the most of the river vista, with balcony seating for alfresco dining.

We suggest a post-walk stroll along the river Thames along to Twickenham, or through the town of Richmond to the Old Deer Park and Syon House.

DR Members: Complimentary dining lunch and dinner Mon – Thurs

To become a Design Restaurants Member and to take advantage of these offers, we invite you to join Design Restaurants today