The Lock at The Runnymede-on-Thames Hotel

Moments from the Bell Weir Lock, this riverside restaurant is a relaxed, breezy affair. The latest edition to the dining options at The Runnymede-on-Thames hotel, it makes the most of its idyllic setting, with floor-to-ceiling windows & plenty of alfresco seating. Inside, there’s a cosier vibe – think herringbone floors, tweed & chandeliers – while friendly staff add to the warmth. A bistro-style modern European menu comes packed with crowd-pleasing options, while ingredients are mostly local & seasonal. You might kick off with a homely pea & herb risotto, or asparagus spears under a poached Hollacombe Farm egg ahead of a main course of cod, mussels & clams in a Provencale sauce. Alternatively, meat & fish from a sealed indoor barbecue offer smoky flavours year-round: the 21-day aged steak (rump, t-bone, or rib) with french fries & a choice of sauces is an ever-popular choice. Leave room at the end for artisan cheeses with home-made pickles or rhubarb pannacotta with poached summer fruits.