Food & Drink Experiences along the Thames

For latest information on what's open please check What's Open Along the River Thames.

It's time to treat yourselves, make the most of the summer along the River Thames with these newly created experiences.

Cliveden House has just launched "The Iconic Picnic at Cliveden” available until August 17th. Explore the National Trust Gardens with its sculptures and then head to the Astor Grill court yard which is a retro suntrap for foodies with vintage Veuve Clicquot airstream. The Iconic Picnic consists of Takeaways of fluffy scones (and all the trimmings), fish and chips and burgers on offer at the Veuve Clicquot airstream. Socially distanced seating is laid out, positioned appropriately to give visitors peace of mind.

Hobbs of Henley with Bistro at the Boathouse is opening up The New Orleans for Drinks with Mr Hobbs Gin and Bistro Hotdogs! From Saturday 4th July (and then every Fri-Sun) 12-6pm. The boat will remain moored up and the upper deck will have some limited tables. Social distancing will be in place as will all safety and hygiene measures. You will not be able to reserve a table. Find out more on their Facebook page

Take your pick from delicious food experiences; fine dining in award-winning restaurants to sampling your favourite spirit on a Gin & Fizz cruise.

Cruises

• Gin Tasting Cruise, Hobbs of Henley, Henley on Thames – The experience includes a tailored gin tasting menu of 5 courses including Hobbs of Henley’s very own gin ‘Mr Hobbs’ and bar snacks. Each carefully selected gin will be introduced and presented with its backstory, botanical make up and tasting notes.
• Vintage Afternoon Tea Cruises with Hobbs of Henley, Henley on Thames - A quintessentially English afternoon tea experience on the New Orleans.
• NEW Taste of Britain Cruise with City Cruises, London - Taste traditional British fayre whilst listening to music made famous by British artists, performed by a live singer.
• NEW Sunday Brunch Cruise with City Cruises, London – Enjoy bottomless food with London's riverside landmarks with a DJ playing chill-out music and a glass of sparkling wine.
• Evening Dinner Cruise with Thames Rivercruise, Reading - an indulgent evening dinner cruise with a four-course menu prepare by Gary Rhodes trained head chef, paired to an exclusive selection of wines.
• Sunday Lunch Cruise with French Brothers, Windsor - This 2½ hour lunch cruise with ever changing scenery is ideal for those looking for a unique twist on their classic Sunday lunch venue.

Dine, Cookery Demos or Tastings

• SWIG (Serious Wine Imbibers Group) at The Runnymede on Thames Hotel, Egham - SWIG are artisan wine specialists and source fabulously delicious wines from around the world. Enjoy these fantastic and rare wines, sourced from small family-owned businesses served in the AA rosette award-winning The Lock Bar and Kitchen, these top quality wines are available at fantastic prices to celebrate the launch of their new and exclusive wine list.
• Contemporary Indian cuisine at Sindhu by Atul Kochhar, Marlow - Overlooking the banks of the River Thames in The Compleat Angler Hotel, Sindhu restaurant by Michelin starred chef Atul Kochhar, features vibrant flavours, subtle blends of spices and incredible aromas. A selection of delicious Vegetarian and Pescatarian options are also available at this 2 AA rosette restaurant.
• Food Experiences at the Miller of Mansfield, Goring on Thames – Choose from Food Matching Dinners, Cookery Demos or Tasting Nights with Nick, who previously worked for the Fat Duck Group at Bray. Stay overnight in the characterful and individually designed rooms of this 18^th century Inn.

Dine With History

• The Bull on Bell Street and Microbrewery, Henley on Thames - Dine in the conservatory, bar area or restaurant complete with microbrewery, called The Bell Street Brewery, which is only 3 doors up from where Brakspear’s original brewery was, and is actually just over 100 feet away as the crow flies. The Bull has been a pub since 1564, and was leased by Brakspear in 1774, then bought in 1881. It was a coaching inn from 1744 to 1850 for those travelling between London and Wallingford.
• The Astor Grill at Cliveden, Taplow - located in the charming old stable block, offering informal dining with an equestrian themed décor.  Its name recalls the Astor family, who owned the house from the early 1900s. Nancy Astor, ensured Cliveden became a vibrant social hub for guests as diverse as Charlie Chaplin, George Bernard Shaw and Winston Churchill and the scene of the Profumo Scandal.
• The Orangery at Danesfield House, Marlow – Built in 1901, Danesfield was requisitioned as a base to develop the intelligence Section of the Royal Air Force (Reconnaissance and Photography Section) in 1941. The property remained in the hands of the RAF until 1977. It opened as a luxury country house hotel in 1991. Enjoy modern British food in the original Orangery.
• The Dining Room at Oakley Court Hotel, Windsor - The 2AA rosette award winning restaurant offers a selection of creative dishes dictated by the season. Meat and fish are smoked in Oakley Court’s own Smokehouse. The house dates back to 1859 and was later sold to Lord Otho Fitzgerald whose visitors included the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII!), Leslie Ward (The famed SPY artist of Vanity Fair) and Napoleon IV, the last survivor of the Napoleon dynasty – to name just a few. It was bought by eccentric Frenchman, Ernest Olivier and became the famous backdrop for classic horror. Five films were made by Hammer within the grounds in 1949 including ‘The Man in Black’ starring a young Sid James. Over 200 films were made here including the world-famous Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975). In 1977 the house was granted Grade II heritage listing. The hotel opened in 1981.