Michelin stars shine again for Bray, Marlow and Old Windsor restaurants

Six restaurants across East Berkshire and South Bucks have once again been recognised for culinary excellence, retaining Michelin stars in the newly published Michelin Guide.

The latest guide, released on Monday, continues to feature several well-known venues in Bray, Marlow and Old Windsor, underlining the area’s reputation as a centre for top-tier dining.

In Marlow, The Oarsman was among 37 restaurants nationwide to receive a new Bib Gourmand award, which recognises ‘good food at a great price’.

Owner James McClean said the team were ‘bowled over’ by the accolade.

“Our thanks go out to our whole team for all their hard work and dedication that they bring every single day, to the amazing farmers, wine makers and suppliers who support our every endeavour through their passion for great produce and most importantly to our brilliant customers who make it all possible,” he said.

The Loch and the Tyne in Old Windsor has also retained its Bib Gourmand status, having joined the list in 2024.

Meanwhile, Bray’s The Waterside Inn has once again retained its coveted three Michelin stars, a distinction it has held continuously since 1985, making it the only restaurant outside France to achieve the feat.

Chef-owner Alain Roux, who has led the riverside restaurant since 1992, accepted the award at a ceremony at the Convention Centre in Dublin on Monday.

In a statement shared with the Advertiser, he said: “To be recognised by the Michelin Guide for retaining three stars for 41 consecutive years fills me with great emotion.

“Each year, I am reminded that excellence is fragile – never a destination, but a daily responsibility.

“It must be protected, nurtured and earned as we combine a deep respect for ingredients, craft and precision with the pleasure of bringing joy to the table.

“The stars belong to every member of my remarkable team, past and present - but also to our incredible guests, whom we welcome year after year as part of our family.

“My heartfelt thanks to the Michelin Guide for its continued support.

Chef Alain also paid tribute to his father, Michel and his uncle Albert, who opened The Waterside Inn in 1972, adding: “It was an honour to share the stage in Dublin last night with my dear Roux Scholars and industry colleagues, and I know my dad and uncle will be smiling from above.”

Also in Bray, The Fat Duck on the High Street has retained its three Michelin stars, while nearby pub The Hinds Head continues to hold one Michelin star for the 13th consecutive year.

In a social media post, founder Heston Blumenthal said holding seven Michelin stars worldwide felt ‘completely surreal’.

He added: “When I opened The Fat Duck in 1995, I never considered the possibility of three Michelin stars.

“I thought perhaps one day I’d get one and that was enough. I never chased greatness; I simply wanted to be understood.

“To now be holding six in the UK and one in Dubai still feels completely surreal. Congratulations to The Fat Duck, Dinner by Heston and The Hind's Head.

“What an incredible team. I hope you’re all celebrating the hard work behind this moment, at the Michelin Awards 2026, in Bray and in London.”

The teams behind both Bray venues also shared messages of thanks online, and the team behind The Hind’s Head said they were ‘proud’ to retain their Michelin star for the 13th year.

“A big well done to the whole Hind’s Head team for the consistency, care and hard work that goes into every day,” they added.

“This year also marks 22 years since Heston opened the pub. Here’s to many more ahead!”

Meanwhile, its neighbour thanked ‘everyone who makes The Fat Duck what it is’.

The statement added: “22 years of three Michelin stars. And even after more than two decades, the emotions remain just as strong.

“We are humbled, thrilled and deeply grateful. What an extraordinary achievement by the team.

“Here’s to everyone who makes The Fat Duck what it is.”

Elsewhere, two Marlow gastropubs run by celebrity chef Tom Kerridge have retained their Michelin stars in the 2026 guide.

The Hand and Flowers continues to hold two stars, while The Coach has retained its single star.

Completing the list, Woven by Adam Smith at the five-star Coworth Park hotel in Ascot has also retained its one Michelin star.