Bardo Lounge - (Near Berkshire, 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.

Alan Newland A restaurant like this makes me want to move to Maidenhead. Everything about it was excellent. We shared a crispy aubergine with tomato for a starter which was delicious. I had a special, which was venison and mushroom tagliatelle - superb flavour. My wife had the crab linguine which my wife loved. The service was excellent too and the whole place had a great vibe. Perhaps best of all were the prices - fantastic value. Would come here regularly if we didn’t live 150 miles away.

Jatinder Mann My partner and I were looking for a local pub to have some lunch. We first went to one on the High Street but were not impressed with the attitude of the waitress we met and also the atmosphere of the place. So, we thankfully decided to go somewhere else. As soon as we walked into The Old Swan Uppers we knew we had made the right decision! The staff were really friendly and welcoming, the food and drink delicious, and it had a great relaxed atmosphere with some funky music :-) I cannot recommend this pub enough! A real local gem :-)

Imogen Clark Lovely service with a nice ambience. We were a group of 5 and appreciated the round table. The staff were lovely and food was delicious. They gave us warm towels in between courses and a mint at the end. Would definitely recommend!!

marianne klien Wonderful lunch today with my husband at Skindles. We had a fabulous table by the river on a glorious summer day and the whole experience was utter perfection. Cookie served us and was brilliant! Nothing was too much trouble and he was great fun whilst making sure we had everything we could possibly need. Incredible prawn cocktail and smoked salmon starters followed by a very special superfood salad and fish main course. We will be back very soon and hopefully be looked after by Cookie again!

Michael Finnigan Ist time visiting yesterday, we had the 3 course set menu which was very good value for £25. Cosy little pub, great service as well. Sticky toffee pudding was amazing.