Celebrity Chefs

The popularity of cookery shows on television continues to grow and more and more chefs are known outside their traditional culinary circles.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead boasts a whole host of pubs and restaurants owned by famous names and celebrity chefs, and fine eateries where dedicated chefs have earned prestigious dining awards.

Heston Blumenthal

'Culinary alchemist' and self-taught chef Heston Blumenthal owns the multi-award-winning Fat Duck, in picturesque Bray, near Maidenhead.

The Fat Duck offers such delights as snail porridge and whisky wine gums and was once voted the best restaurant in the world.  It holds three Michelin stars.

Celebrity chef Heston also owns two pubs in Bray: the 15th-century Hinds Head (now with its own Michelin star) and the low beamed 14th-century Crown at Bray.

Alain Roux

Nestling on the banks of the Thames, in the charming 16th-century village of Bray, the Waterside Inn has been serving inspirational French cuisine since brothers Michel and Albert Roux opened the restaurant in 1972.

Its welcoming, informal ambience belies its formidable reputation: run since 2002 by Michel's son Alain Roux, the Waterside is renowned across the globe as a leading light in the world of gastronomy.

Michel and Alain Roux opened a chic new Thameside brasserie, Roux at Skindles at Taplow Riverside Maidenhead, Buckinghamshire in November 2018 on the site of the former infamous Skindles Hotel.

Giancarlo Caldesi

Inspired by Giancarlo’s rural upbringing in Tuscany, Katie and Giancarlo opened Caldesi in Campagna, meaning Caldesi in the Country, in Bray in 2007.

The Caldesis are passionate about seasonal and sustainable ingredients and use local produce such as game, meat and eggs where possible.

Atul Kochhar

Enjoy the very best of traditional Indian cuisine in a contemporary riverside setting at Sindu by Atul Kochhar at the Macdonald Compleat Angler hotel.  Michelin-starred chef Atul’s menus are inspired by his love of traditional Indian cuisine combined with his dedication to using only the finest British ingredients.  The result is an innovative and unique style of authentic modern Indian cuisine offering a selection of deliciously distinctive creations.  The tasting menu offers diners an exquisite selection of perfectly-chosen courses.

Adam Smith

In November 2017 Coworth Park’s restaurant was added to the culinary map when executive chef Adam Smith was awarded his first Michelin star within just 12 months of being at Coworth Park.

Fast forward and Woven by Adam Smith, located within Coworth Park's Mansion House, offers diners a fresh culinary concept in the British countryside.  Experience handpicked recipes inspired by timeless dishes and crafted with the finest ingredients from the beautiful landscape surrounding the hotel.  In this next chapter with Adam Smith, taste contrasting flavours seasoned with storytelling, carefully woven together into the finest cuisine.

Adam Handling

The Loch and the Tyne by chef and owner Adam Handling is a British restaurant and pub located in the beautiful countryside of Old Windsor.  The Loch and the Tyne serves classic pub food with a luxury approach. Having worked hard for Adam for many years, Adam made Steven and Jonny the restaurant's co-proprietors. Discover signature favourites as well as seasonal additions to the constantly-changing sustainable menu.  The Loch and the Tyne was voted 'Best Pub Food' at the Great British Pub Awards 2023.

Browse our Food and Drink for more inspiration.