Pubs & Inns along the Thames

Whether you’re looking to stay in a pub or inn, enjoy good food and ale, or these days a unique gin, then there’s plenty of choice along the Thames.  There’s great riverside locations, market towns, or countryside pubs, but not too far from the river!

There’s over 80 Brakspear pubs, within 10 miles of the Thames to choose from; stop for a drink, something to eat or even stay for the night in some pubs. They're all different, with plenty of character, so you're sure to find the right pub to suit you.  Visit their 10 pubs in Henley on Thames, enjoy a pint of Brakspear Bitter or Oxford Gold and get your Henley Ale Trail map stamped and once you’ve visited them all claim your FREE T-shirt.
 

The River Thames has inspired some great chefs to set up shop and two places have become synonymous with the term ‘gastropub’. Bray, near Windsor is the setting for Heston Blumenthal’s, Hinds Head, as well as his three Michelin star restaurant, The Fat Duck. Marlow is the home of the only pub in the UK with two Michelin stars, Tom Kerridge’s The Hand and Flowers.

The Miller of Mansfield’s, Mary and Nick Galer, previously team members of the Fat Duck Group, have created a friendly rural retreat with award-winning food and the pub was also shortlisted for specialist award Front of House Team of the Year at the 2018 Top 50 Gastropubs. Book a tasting event, cookery demo or food and wine matching dinner.

Visit the Taproom at Loddon Brewery featuring three rotating Loddon ales and a rotating kegline from local breweries, the taproom has indoor and outdoor seating and is the perfect place to enjoy a pint in the beautiful countryside. Open Thu-Sat 10am-6pm. Check for a brewery tour.

These as well as many others along the river provide a window into England’s history:

• The Mute Swan, opposite Hampton Court Palace, is a mixture of a pub/wine bar downstairs and a restaurant upstairs. The building dates back hundreds of years and today it prides itself on its wine list.
• The Bull Inn, Sonning on Thames, a historic Tudor pub, originally called Church House, the inn provided accommodation for pilgrims visiting the medieval chapel of St Andrews. Today is still offers boutique accommodation and a traditional British menu.
• The Plough Inn, Long Wittenham, is a 17^th C Grade II Listed, CAMRA award-winning pub on the banks of the Thames. Enjoy the cosy bars complete with log fires or relax in the garden and watch the boats go by. It also offers B&B.
• The Boatman, Windsor is in the shadow of Windsor Castle overlooking Eton Bridge. Dating from 1829, it was built to serve the river trade and it has been a pub/restaurant ever since. It now has a glass conservatory to enjoy the waterside views.
• The Miller of Mansfield, Goring on Thames, with 18^th century roots, has been transformed as a modern inn; a rural retreat, hot on its food and with a serious cellar. Stay and enjoy award-winning food.
• The Hand & Flowers, Marlow, Tom Kerridge’s two Michelin star pub is only a few doors down from where Mary Shelley wrote Frankenstein.
• The Coach, Marlow, sister pub to the Hand & Flowers, with one Michelin Star, is led by Chefs Nick Beardshaw and Tom De Keyser serving breakfast, lunch and dinner and a selection of bar snacks.
• The Queen’s Head, Little Marlow, a 16^th century country pub showcasing innovative modern British cuisine, in a cozy relaxed atmosphere. The rustic surroundings make it a perfect spot to stop by for a drink or bite to eat. It’s Marlow’s little secret!
• The Red Lion, Cricklade is situated just off the Thames path as it passes through historic Cricklade. The pub dates back to the early 1600s. Stay awhile in one of it’s five ensuite bedrooms. It is also the home of the Hop Kettle Brewery, so plenty of choice for a pint!
• The Angel on the Bridge, Henley on Thames,  The Guardian’s ‘Top 10 pubs with a view). 
• The Flowerpot, Sunbury on Thames, is in a fantastic location in the beautiful village of Lower Sunbury on the banks of the River Thames close to Hampton Court Palace. Stay over in one of their luxury bedrooms.
• The Coachmakers Arms is one of Wallingford's oldest pubs/Inns which oozes character and old fashioned charm, serving traditional pub food with 3 en suite letting rooms.

Discover Liquid Highway an iconic ale created by the Hop Kettle Brewery for The Thames Path National Trail. A combination of traditional and contemporary hops are used in the brew. This is served at the Red Lion or try the taproom at the HOP-KETTLE SWINDON  Fri 3-9pm and Sat 12-9pm.