The Swan - (Near , london)

Henry What makes a good restaurant? Clearly food will feature somewhere on your list and in the case of The Waterside this takes the form of classic French cooking. Nothing is “deconstructed” or designed to surprise. You know exactly what you’re getting from the menu and if you’ve visited previously you probably even know what you’re going to order before you arrive. Nothing is intended to shock. Far too many restaurants at all levels feature a talented kitchen team let down by their front of house. From the moment you arrive here everyone knows what they are doing and wants to make your visit as enjoyable as they possibly can. They’re not trying to trip you up, you don’t have to be fluent in gastronomy or know anything about malolactic fermentation. The sommelier is there to help, not to test. No one is judging you although I’d be lying if said we didn’t people watch our fellow diners a little. You are family when dining at The Waterside, it’s not in any way stuffy or starched. That’s not to suggest service is casual, seamless would be my best description with teams assembling when required to reveal your next course before melting away again to leave you to your conversation. The Waterside is a happy place. My memory of the venue is that it’s a bit dated, the phrase “Chinese restaurant” was used as we drove there but things have quietly evolved. It’s actually quite smart these days. The bathrooms are modern and fresh, the soft furnishings crisp and comforting with a nod to the history of the venue. Let us not forget this is an institution woven into the fabric of British restaurant history.

Terence Mcquire Got out subway from a young lady called izzy was the best subway experience. She makes a lovely good value sandwich and is very kind and hardworking. Will be going again

Amoke Bowman-Boyles Now my grandma is fussy. But she loved this place. The owners are so lovely and friendly and the curry goat is very good! They even have some things I’d never tried before like pumpkin rice (weekends only)! They also have a really nice garden area for sitting outside. Thank you for a great Sunday meal!

Maria Puolakkainen What a lovely find. The atmosphere is relaxed and comfortable. I had the mezze plate, and at £12, it was fantastic value for money. So many good flavours, especially the aubergine and falafel were delicious. I also love the social function of the spot, with flexibility and options for payment. Will 100% be coming back. A true community spot, and a far cry from the chain restaurants of Oxford.

Ewa Schatzberger 6th January, we booked very last minute. The food was delicious, the service fantastic. A lovely restaurant with ambience. There were 2 or 3 staff visible, the lady who served us was great, really friendly, appeared at all of the right times. I remember we had the burrata, chargrilled sourdough with aioli and anchovies, red wine risott, affogato and another dessert (see photos). I can’t remember the rest but we really enjoyed the experience. Thank you

Josh Taylor Had the set lunch. Good selection, starter and main. Amazing value and tasted great. Staff were welcoming, will come here again!