French-born chef Michel Roux opened The Waterside Inn with his brother, Albert, in Bray, Berkshire, in 1972, having first opened Le Gavroche in Mayfair, London, in 1967. Now run by Roux's son, the Waterside Inn has held three Michelin stars for 31 consecutive years, a record unsurpassed outside France. He has authored 12 books, is the patron of the Roux Scholarship for British chefs and, in December, opened a new bistro, Le Miedzor in his hometown of Crans-Montana, Switzerland.
See waterside-inn.co.uk.
The Fat Duck is just down the road in Bray from my son at The Waterside Inn, and is run by my good friend Heston Blumenthal. I am amazed how he continues to push boundaries, not only with food but the whole concept of restaurant dining. I also love The Royal Oak, Paley Street, run by Dom Chapman and Nick Parkinson, a lovely place with a Michelin star, and Tom Kerridge's The Hand and Flowers, in Marlow, the only pub in the UK with two Michelin stars.
See thefatduck.co.uk; theroyaloakpaleystreet.com, thehandandflowers.co.uk .
The Waterside Inn is well served with some wonderful local suppliers, one of which, is Anne-Marie Eve, a Bray resident and also artisan honey producer and beekeeper. She produces beautiful golden honey right in her garden, which is bursting with wildflowers. The honey is mild, gentle, with lovely floral notes. Anne-Marie gave up a career in the city to follow her dream and we are glad to be a small part of it.
The best take-away fish and chips are from Heston's pub, The Crown in Bray. And you can't beat a simple lunch of Moules Mariniere there along with a glass of local ale from the Rebellion Brewery in Marlow, served in draft at the bar. This is a great simple treat in summertime. His other pub in Bray, The Hind's Head, has a Michelin star and serves the best gin and tonic anywhere. See thecrownatbray.com; hindsheadbray.com.
I think Cliveden House has it all. It is a breathtakingly beautiful 19th-century manor house that belonged to the Astor family. It has extensive grounds and a fascinating history, a great place to explore where you feel like you are stepping back in time. There is a top-class spa and outstanding dining room overlooking the formal gardens. The head chef, Andre Garrett, is a Roux scholar. He is inspired by the classics and passionate about the provenance of his ingredients. He has created some fine signature dishes. See clivedenhouse.co.uk .
It has to be Royal Ascot. I just love putting on my top hat and going to wave to Her Majesty along with 350,000 others as she arrives in her carriage. The scene, with all the horses and footmen is unique and the atmosphere incredible. There is nothing like it anywhere in the world. I might be a Frenchman, but after 50 years loving the UK, I am a true royalist.
We are so close to the bright lights of London, but Windsor offers an exciting night out if you want to stay local. There is an excellent theatre where you can catch many shows in repertory before they make it to the West End, and lots of interesting bars and restaurants where you can spend a fun evening.
The best time to visit is spring, summer and autumn. You will find the finest English local ingredients, like wild garlic and the best lamb in spring, summer with its strawberries and champagne, with some good British sparklings now and abundant game and venison in autumn. Winter is long, dark and cold, so not recommended!
There is nothing to avoid food-wise, I urge a visitor to try everything. We have farmers' markets, grand restaurants, local riverside pubs and some pretty good curry houses, too.
