El Cerdo, Bourne End

Bourne End in South Bucks is full of surprises. Tucked away in the marina (yes, it has a marina) is the buzzy tapas restaurant El Cerdo (read our review here). Say hola to sunny Spain as you chow down on authentic tapas small plates and a chilled bottle of cava. For the ultimate Marbella vibe – eyeing up motor cruisers and glossy people-watching (Lorraine Kelly lives in the ‘hood) – be sure to snag a coveted spot on the riverside balcony. Whisper it, but Muddy hears presenter Gaby Roslin is a regular. Shhh.

The Head of the River, Oxford

You couldn’t get much closer to the water without getting wet. I can confirm, this riverside hottie is well-worth the punt, situated on a prime spot overlooking the River Isis. In the summer, snag front row seats to watch Oxford University’s historic “summer eights” competition as college rowers go head to head. As you might expect from a Fullers pub, the bar is well-stocked with the usual draughts, crafts, gins, and wines. As for food, the menu majors on pub classics like pies, burgers, fish and chips, Sunday roasts, and sharing boards. And should you sling back one sangria too many (been there), there’s 19 stylish rooms to lay down fuzzy heads.

The Oasis at Relais Henley, Henley-on-Thames

The Relais Henley has unveiled a stylish new riverside setup for summer, with chic spaces designed for everything from lazy lunches and sunset drinks to coffee catch-ups by the water. Tucked behind the arches of Henley Bridge, the elegant retreat now includes The Oasis – a beautifully reimagined courtyard with a Moroccan-inspired marquee and relaxed luxe vibe. Expect a seasonal menu by chef Dominic Chapman, with delicious dishes and bar snacks designed for sharing. Add riverside glamour and one of Henley’s prettiest settings, and you’ve got a seriously tempting summer hangout.

Old Swann & Minster Mill, Witney

Minster Mill, Witney riverside restaurants near me

As if the sleek rooms and glorious spa weren’t reason enough to hotfoot it to Minster Mill, the hotel also serves up seriously good food. Wildling at Minster Mill is a relaxed but stylish dining room set beneath vaulted beams, where Head Chef Matt Williams champions seasonal British ingredients with creative twists and unexpected pairings. There’s also a gorgeous riverside terrace overlooking the River Windrush for sunny lunches and alfresco afternoon teas.

Prefer pub vibes? The Old Swan’s cosy snug and lively dining room dish up hearty Cotswold favourites, with a sunny terrace outside for drinks, long lunches and garden games including giant chess.

No need to part ways after lunch either. Book into the minimalist chic Feature Rooms for around-the-clock riverside views – and breathe. There’s even a tranquil garden spa too. Heavenly!

Hall & Woodhouse, Taplow

Hall & Woodhouse Taplow opened in 2023 following a whopping £6m investment, and you couldn’t get a much better setting for al fresco scoffing – perfectly perched on the River Thames. The Bucks riverside views are best served with pretty plates from their all-day menu. Whether it’s sarnies and toasties, small plate sharers, or home comforts, there’s something for everyone here. Literally. The menu is huge. A cracking kids offering too.

The Punter, Osney Island

Gone are the days of vegan and veggie dishes being an afterthought thanks to the likes of this quirky gastro pub sitting pretty on the banks of the River Isis on Osney Island in Oxford. Alongside some fabulous fish dishes, there’s porcini, tomato & pearl barley burger, blue cheese & squash gnocchi and vegan feta
walnut & green bean salad, all whipped up using fresh locally sourced ingredients. The wine list branches across the pond and offers reds, whites, and rosés from France, South Africa, and Italy. Saluti!

The Folly, Oxford

This much-loved restaurant in the heart of Oxford has a unique twist: outdoor diners are seated on a floating pontoon under Folly Bridge (hence the name). Combine with a cruise along the river on one of the restaurant’s river launches before tucking in to the à la carte menu for the full waterfront experience. For a flavour of the real Oxford, look no further.

The Nag’s Head, Abingdon

The Nag’s Head’s is a fab little spot on the entry bridge into Abingdon with front row-vistas of the Thames and its wildlife. Perfect for ogling the boats cruising up and down. Squint and it could be Venice. The menu is massive and utterly delicious, or you could just sit and sip locally sourced brews in style. Go for a pootle before or after lunch for something (slightly) more energetic, or electric boats (and kayaks, canoes and SUPs) are available to hire from nearby AV Boats.

The Beetle & Wedge, nr Wallingford

Tucked away on a stunning stretch of the Thames near Moulsford, The Beetle & Wedge beckons – and we’re happy to follow the call to its elegant terrace. It’s easily one of the prettiest waterfronts on our patch, and it looks even better spied from the private hire boats you can pick up at towns further along the river like Wallingford or Goring. Beyond the views and menu, this hidden gem is also a hotspot for culture lovers. The riverbank was immortalised by literary classics The Wind in the Willows, Three Men in a Boat, and HG Wells’ Mr Polly.

Cliveden House Hotel, Taplow

Oozing luxury and charm, Cliveden House Hotel offers five-star fine dining and gorgeous Thames views. As you’d expect from a hotel with an A-list calibre of guests (including royals), the delectable dishes are zhuzhed up every season by executive head chef Christopher Hannon and his foodie brigade. It’s all served in the Grand Dining Room overlooking the 19^th-Century parterre, the National Trust gardens and the glittering river below. Sun’s out? Order a tailor-made Laurent-Perrier picnic to take out on a vintage boat. Now, there’s your Insta opp.

The Angel on the Bridge, Henley

The Angel in Henley is one of the most photographed and painted pubs in England thanks to its quirky architecture and prime riverside spot that makes this Grade II-listed gem a prime hideout for watching the Henley glitterati float by. Alongside the classic ‘pub grub’ menu, which you can order in small plates, this summer’s Henley Regatta menu (30 June – 5 July) has been designed to push the boat out. Outdoor tables are first come, first served – so get there sharpish to snag a spot on the terrace as it’s standing room only in Regatta week!

The Victoria Arms, Old Marston

A spot to sip sparkling English wine in a lush beer garden overlooking the River Cherwell? We’re listening. The Victoria Arms fills to the brim in the summer, and we can’t say we’re surprised. Its plus points are a huge selection of pub classics alongside wood-fired pizzas and sizzling street food, a massive wine and ale selection (and great no and low booze options), plus an outdoor space for kids and pets to bounce about in. Time it right, and you might even catch some live music.

De Vere Latimer Estate, Chesham

Once a top-secret centre for military intelligence during WWII, De Vere Latimer is now a spankingly gorgeous hotel and Bucks’ most elegant hidden gem following an epic £7m refurbishment. The Tudor-style estate is a stone’s throw from the River Chess and the Chess Valley. Although let’s be honest, the 17th century architecture and 30 acres of grounds are eye candy enough. For food, choose between hearty seasonal dishes in the 1838 Restaurant & Bar in the Mansion House or afternoon tea and drinks in the Huntley Bar.

The Trout Inn, Wolvercote

A favourite of Lewis Carroll and CS Lewis, riverside dining doesn’t get more quintessentially English than The Trout Inn in picturesque Wolvercote outside Oxford. The rustic interiors nod to its 17^th century roots, but the familiar pub dishes have modern-day twists, with plenty of vegan and vegetarian options available. It might be the enchanting Thames views, the terrace perfectly positioned for a drink in the sun, or the families of peacocks roaming the grounds, but there’s an undeniable air of poetry at this stylish country pub.

The Navigation Inn, Cosgrove

Steeped in history and set right on the Grand Union Canal, The Navigation Inn nr Milton Keynes has a sunny outdoor terrace and spacious gardens for outdoor feasting. It’s not all about the canal here – you’ll get views of the gorgeous countryside and willow trees too. The Mediterranean-inspired menu offers a taste of Italy with its authentic wood-fired pizzas, but leave room for a bombolone (light filled mini doughnuts served with chocolate sauce). Yum.

Cherwell Boathouse, Oxford

This family-run AA Rosette restaurant is an easy must-do for days out with the whole gang. Muddy’s recipe: First, enjoy a drink on the riverfront terrace, which has a weatherproof awning and surrounding heaters. Next, try out refined seasonal dishes (think stone bass with potato dauphinoise, rump of lamb and tomato risotto). Then once you’ve taken in that view, take a trip down the river in the private hire punts. Perfection!

The Compleat Angler, Marlow

Marlow is a gastro-haven like no other, and The Compleat Angler only bolsters this reputation. Sitting in a prime location for panoramic views of the River Thames and Marlow Weir, this is a hotspot for summer weddings and one to pencil in for graduation season. Alternatively, pop in for a refined lunch in traditional Indian eatery Sindhu run by Michelin-starred Atul Kochhar. Then lounge in the sun on the riverside lawn. You’ve earned it.

Bistro at the Boathouse, Henley

Arguably the best seat in town for boat watching, you might know Bistro at the Boathouse as the foodie pitstop when heading to the Henley Royal Regatta across the street (just ask Gordon Ramsay, who has been spotted there). The family-run restaurant has a sunny terrace primed for Insta-worthy views, and a bistro menu offers everything from hearty breakfasts to poke bowls and pub staples.

The Waterfront Café, Benson

There’s no need to book at this relaxed spot on the river near Wallingford – a refreshing change if the sun makes a surprise appearance and you want to get out and about. It welcomes kids and dogs and dishes up homemade fare from 8.30am breakfasts through to sundowners until 9pm. Muddy is eyeing up a spot on the outdoor terrace as we speak.

Further afield…

Coppa Club at The Swan at Streatley, Streatley

It’s hard to choose one, but this is up there as one of the prettiest riverside restaurants. FACT. The Swan at Streatley hotel and its restaurant Coppa Club are located right on the riverbank, just over the Oxon/Berks borders – and the 380-cover restaurant and bar is the perfect watering hole to relax and unwind. Drink in the view, admire the lush interiors, and take a pew on the large riverside terrace enclosed by glass, to allow al fresco dining all year round. For the full sit-in-the-sun experience head to the Lawn Bar & Grill, a relaxed outdoor terrace where seafood and summer grills take centre stage.

Roux at Skindles, Maidenhead

It’s got Roux over the door and on the floor, but more importantly it’s got a stonking view of the River Thames and a couple of sunny terraces. The cocktail bar is the place to be when the big yellow ball is in the sky. Enjoy drinks and snacks on the balcony or grab one of the few tables outside at Alain Roux’s riverside brasserie. If you’re not there early, you’ll have to wrestle table hoggers out of their prime location seats.

Top watering holes! The best riverside eats in Bucks and Oxon

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