Done the rounds today

[miket]

Bray Brasserie

Yes, quite expensive but we found very nice too, therefore good value.
Probably not somewhere you would eat every weekend, but very nice for a treat.

 

[markc]

Lunch for 2 approx £80 without drinking... we enjoy the food and the service is very good too.

 

[storm-force]

I saw the web page for the Bray Riverside Brasserie which looks very nice but doesn't show prices. Is it a case that if have to ask you cant afford it?

I think that's a yes, wonder if you get a free mooring included ???????

 

[russ]

I think it would have to be for birthday treats and special occasions.But not this year after buying the boat etc..

 

[Loggo]

I can't think how to be tactful but is that the brasserie thats in a sort of Portacabin thing ?

 

[oldgit]

I can't think how to be tactful but is that the brasserie thats in a sort of Portacabin thing ?

Yup and do not even think about just turning up and looking hungry,it do not work,you really really need to know somebody very very important to get in at short notice.

 

[jecuk]

That isn't true, I have frequently dropped in at short notice.

Of the two marinas I would go with Bray but think that further up the river is nicer than the Bray/Windsor stretch. Bray is a very nice marina though it is very large.

 

[rosssavage]

Cuchilo - cos if you want to moor on the U/Thames you don't have much choice....!!!

I was very lucky and managed to get a riverbank mooring right next to MDL Windsor (The willows..) but the waiting list is years rather than months to get on here.

Spend some time at both Windsor and Bray to see which suits you best. I like Windsor as it's right next to my mooring, and I am a member of the TWYC. Very short walk / dinghy to club at the weekend for drinkies, and a lovely deck overlooking the river... They also have BBQ's over the summer on the grass at the side of the marina, and you won't run aground when pulling in for fuel..

 

[oldgit]

"That isn't true, I have frequently dropped in at short notice."


Tried twice,first time when actually berthed in Bray,second time when staying on chums boat there,told politely no reservation no food.
Was early evening,fairly early in season and with a nice selection of empty tables on display.Ended up walking up main road and hiking to a rather average pub a mile or so away in some village or other.

When up that way now normally pop into Windsor.

 

[jecuk]

"That isn't true, I have frequently dropped in at short notice."


Tried twice,first time when actually berthed in Bray,second time when staying on chums boat there,told politely no reservation no food.

Genuinely not my experience at all. Were you wearing a shirt?

When up that way now normally pop into Windsor.

Where on earth do you go there? I think Windsor is pretty short on good restaurants - lots of chains, not much quality. From Bray I would prefer the Fifield Inn. I think they offer a discount for MDL members.

 

[No Regrets]

"That isn't true, I have frequently dropped in at short notice."


Tried twice,first time when actually berthed in Bray,second time when staying on chums boat there,told politely no reservation no food.
Was early evening,fairly early in season and with a nice selection of empty tables on display.Ended up walking up main road and hiking to a rather average pub a mile or so away in some village or other.

When up that way now normally pop into Windsor.

My experience several times now, so I deliberately don't bother any more.

A couple of decent steaks and a bottle or two of Champers on the Boat costs less, and probably tastes just as good as anything they can muster up at any price, seeing as I was a Chef and my Wife a caterer....

Sod'em if they can't be bothered to accommodate fee paying guests.

 

[russ]

Popped into Bray this afternoon for a look. Seems a very nice marina but a lot larger than Windsor and with more open spaces which is nice.
The brasserie was open today so I went in for a menu and yes it is pricey especially when you have to add the 12.5% service charge.
They say you would have to book so there must be a lot of customers willing to pay £30 for a main with sides. Starters an extra £8-£14.

Boat survey on Tuesday so fingers crossed on this one. Last boat I had surveyed was not so good but then thats what they're for.