Berkshire


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-lowdown">THE LOWDOWN</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/03/crown20at20bray_VSCO-4.jpg" alt="best pubs in bray the crown at bray chef simon bonwick " class="wp-image-77298" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/03/crown20at20bray_VSCO-4.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/03/crown20at20bray_VSCO-4-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/03/crown20at20bray_VSCO-4-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/03/crown20at20bray_VSCO-4-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/03/crown20at20bray_VSCO-4-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>The foodie village of Bray may be best known for its constellation of Michelin stars, but not every standout dining experience here comes wrapped in fine-dining formality. Tucked just a few miles from Windsor Castle, <a href="https://www.thecrownatbray.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Crown at Bray</a> — a characterful 16th-century pub — has been given new life since lauded Michelin star chef Simon Bonwick and his wife Deborah took the reins in March of this year. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/09/the-crown-simon.jpg" alt="chef simon bonwick the crown at bray pubs" class="wp-image-81981" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/09/the-crown-simon.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/09/the-crown-simon-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/09/the-crown-simon-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/09/the-crown-simon-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/09/the-crown-simon-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>With a glittering culinary pedigree spanning The Crown at Burchetts Green, The Dew Drop Inn in Hurley and most recently The Troublesome Lodger in Marlow, Simon brings his signature classical French cooking techniques to the Bouchon Bonwick menu that blends pub classics with refined, seasonal British fare. The result? A cosy, art-lined hostelry that marries centuries of history (yes, King Charles II once popped in en route to Nell Gwynn) with quietly brilliant cooking worthy of Bray’s illustrious culinary reputation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-vibe">THE VIBE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1502" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/11/crown-at-bray-simon-Screenshot-2025-09-02-at-10.49.51.png" alt="the crown at bray pub" class="wp-image-81900" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/11/crown-at-bray-simon-Screenshot-2025-09-02-at-10.49.51.png 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/11/crown-at-bray-simon-Screenshot-2025-09-02-at-10.49.51-800x800.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/11/crown-at-bray-simon-Screenshot-2025-09-02-at-10.49.51-1000x1000.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/11/crown-at-bray-simon-Screenshot-2025-09-02-at-10.49.51-400x400.png 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/11/crown-at-bray-simon-Screenshot-2025-09-02-at-10.49.51-768x769.png 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/11/crown-at-bray-simon-Screenshot-2025-09-02-at-10.49.51-500x500.png 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/11/crown-at-bray-simon-Screenshot-2025-09-02-at-10.49.51-1100x1100.png 1100w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Deliberately traditional on the inside and ridiculously cosy. A blazing fire greets you on arrival before you&#8217;re seduced by the chocolate box charm of low ceilings, exposed oak beams, and the higgledy-piggledy flow to the dining area. The place has been given a sunshine yellow lick of paint which feels homely, but most importantly provides the backdrop for an eclectic gallery of artwork — most of it painted by chef Simon Bonwick himself (because of course the man who cooks Michelin-level roasts can also wield a paintbrush).</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1122" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/the-crown-at-bray-IMG_1105_VSCO.jpg" alt="the crown at bray pub" class="wp-image-82984" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/the-crown-at-bray-IMG_1105_VSCO.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/the-crown-at-bray-IMG_1105_VSCO-800x598.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/the-crown-at-bray-IMG_1105_VSCO-1000x748.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/the-crown-at-bray-IMG_1105_VSCO-400x299.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/the-crown-at-bray-IMG_1105_VSCO-768x574.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>The garden? Well, that&#8217;s a different story. It&#8217;s hugeeee &#8211; with an outdoor bar and kitchen. Come summer, it&#8217;s an oasis for al fresco eating, drinking, and loafing on repeat. Just around the back of the pub upstairs, you&#8217;ll also find two characterful private dining rooms, plus downstairs there&#8217;s The Snug where you can enjoy a meticulously crafted 6-course menu (on Thu – Sat or other times by appointment) with seating for up to 9.</p>



<p>There&#8217;s always been a casual coolness to The Crown at Bray, and nothing has changed. It&#8217;s a proper pubby pub that doesn&#8217;t take itself too seriously, despite the culinary credentials wafting around the kitchen. Inside, tables are well-spaced with an unmistakable French air, from the brass candlesticks to the gingham tablecloths. There&#8217;s also a dedicated area for casual drinkers up the bar, frequented by locals dropping by with their pooches. Ultimately, it just has a really warm, wholesome vibe.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scoff-and-quaff">SCOFF AND QUAFF</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="2000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/the-crown-at-bray-IMG_1059_VSCO.jpg" alt="sunday roast maidenhead the crown at bray menu" class="wp-image-82978" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/the-crown-at-bray-IMG_1059_VSCO.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/the-crown-at-bray-IMG_1059_VSCO-600x800.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/the-crown-at-bray-IMG_1059_VSCO-750x1000.jpg 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/the-crown-at-bray-IMG_1059_VSCO-300x400.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/the-crown-at-bray-IMG_1059_VSCO-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/the-crown-at-bray-IMG_1059_VSCO-1152x1536.jpg 1152w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Buckle up buttercup &#8211; serious Sunday roast goals incoming. From the moment you arrive, the service here is incredibly friendly and efficient. And after swiftly being shown to the table, it wasn&#8217;t long before a large glass of Argentinian Malbec found its way into my hand. The wine list is a particular triumph and it&#8217;s certainly not a struggle to find something that tickles your fancy from the cellar. If not, there&#8217;s plenty of draught beers, ciders, and a delicious cocktail menu too. The Crown is delish FYI.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1496" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/the-crown-at-bray-IMG_1061_VSCO.jpg" alt="best sunday roasts near me" class="wp-image-82980" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/the-crown-at-bray-IMG_1061_VSCO.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/the-crown-at-bray-IMG_1061_VSCO-800x798.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/the-crown-at-bray-IMG_1061_VSCO-1000x997.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/the-crown-at-bray-IMG_1061_VSCO-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/the-crown-at-bray-IMG_1061_VSCO-768x766.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/the-crown-at-bray-IMG_1061_VSCO-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>The scoop here is if Simon wouldn’t eat it, he won’t serve it. It’s good, classical cooking at its finest using some of the UK’s best independent suppliers. After tucking into a steamy loaf of freshly cooked bread with a thick smattering of butter (complementary), it was starter time. I dipped into two &#8211; the French Country Pâté with Pickles and the Freshly Cracked Salcombe Crab with Apple &amp; Cashew.</p>



<p>The crab? Absolutely unreal. Creamy, delicate, and the sweetness of the apple paired with the salty crunch of the cashews was just perfection. That&#8217;s before mentioning how pretty the plate is. It&#8217;s such a special dish and is unquestionably my favourite on the menu. The price for the crab varies depending on the market. For today, it was £24. Meanwhile, the pâté was also delicious. I&#8217;m a sucker for a tangy pickle flavour and this one slaps you right across the chops. I fully recommend dipping into a number of the starters and snacks. Grab a few for the table.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="2000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/the-crown-at-bray-FullSizeRender_VSCO.jpg" alt="bray best sunday roasts near me" class="wp-image-82976" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/the-crown-at-bray-FullSizeRender_VSCO.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/the-crown-at-bray-FullSizeRender_VSCO-600x800.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/the-crown-at-bray-FullSizeRender_VSCO-750x1000.jpg 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/the-crown-at-bray-FullSizeRender_VSCO-300x400.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/the-crown-at-bray-FullSizeRender_VSCO-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/the-crown-at-bray-FullSizeRender_VSCO-1152x1536.jpg 1152w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Spuds at the ready, Yorkshire puds on standby — it was roast o&#8217;clock. The “Seasalter” Lamb with Mint Sauce&nbsp;had my name all over it, and christ they didn&#8217;t hold back on the portion sizes. Three giant slabs of meat were too much for even me to defeat, but I gave it a good shot. The roast potatoes might just be the best I&#8217;ve ever had at a pub. Addictively crispy on the outside and like clouds on the inside. Same went for the veg and skyscraper Yorkshire pud. Every item on the plate was gorgeously flavoured. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1496" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/the-crown-at-bray-IMG_1078_VSCO.jpg" alt="best sunday roasts in berkshire" class="wp-image-82982" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/the-crown-at-bray-IMG_1078_VSCO.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/the-crown-at-bray-IMG_1078_VSCO-800x798.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/the-crown-at-bray-IMG_1078_VSCO-1000x997.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/the-crown-at-bray-IMG_1078_VSCO-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/the-crown-at-bray-IMG_1078_VSCO-768x766.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/the-crown-at-bray-IMG_1078_VSCO-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>There&#8217;s no point traipsing out for a roast you can just whip up at home. Without question this is one that&#8217;s worth putting the shoe leather in for. My fellow foodie connoisseur (my mum) went for the Orchard Farm Pig with a stunning homemade Apple ‘N’ Calvados&nbsp;sauce. There&#8217;s also a roast highland beef and organic chicken to choose from on the menu too. On top of the giant plate of food (side note: even the crockery here is stunning), you also get a big bowl of veggies to share. It&#8217;s worth noting there&#8217;s no crackling with the pork. A make or break for some.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1492" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/the-crown-at-bray-FullSizeRender_VSCO-4.jpg" alt="pub sunday lunch in bray" class="wp-image-82981" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/the-crown-at-bray-FullSizeRender_VSCO-4.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/the-crown-at-bray-FullSizeRender_VSCO-4-800x796.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/the-crown-at-bray-FullSizeRender_VSCO-4-1000x995.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/the-crown-at-bray-FullSizeRender_VSCO-4-400x398.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/the-crown-at-bray-FullSizeRender_VSCO-4-768x764.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>I was practically waving the white flag, but in the name of journalism, I soldiered on. Big hardship, I know. After a half an hour break, we decided to share the Classic Crème Brûlée. Can&#8217;t go wrong really. A tap, a crack, and dessert bliss commenced. It was creamy and beautiful. I&#8217;ve tried the Warm Syrup Sponge with Vanilla Ice Cream and Chocolate Sableé before too and both are fab. I think the Crème Brûlée just nabs the top spot for me. Once again, The Crown at Bray proves you don’t need starchy white tablecloths for Michelin-worthy cooking — just a cosy pub, a Sunday afternoon, and a stellar roast.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-out-amp-about">OUT &amp; ABOUT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/windsor-free-image.jpg" alt="Windsor castle " class="wp-image-67208" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/windsor-free-image.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/windsor-free-image-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/windsor-free-image-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/windsor-free-image-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>While Bray is famed for its gluttony glory, there&#8217;s so much more to do than simply stuff your face (sorry). Head just around the corner to the adrenaline junkie dreamland of Bray Lake. The watersports centre here is brilliant (<a href="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/review-paddleboarding-course-berkshire-bray-lake-watersports/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">paddleboarding</a> is highly recommended). There&#8217;s also windsurfing, fishing, and boating to name a few. Perhaps best done before you tuck into a roast beef, Bray Lake is the main jump site for UK Bungee Club, plus there&#8217;s lots of walks. Additionally, Windsor is just down the road for a Royal saunter, culture, and shopping.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-verdict">THE VERDICT:</h2>



<p><strong>Good for:</strong>&nbsp;Foodies! The phenomenal pub grub at The Crown at Bray feels like a proper treat and the quality of the cooking speaks for itself. </p>



<p><strong>Not for:</strong>&nbsp;Design mavens. This is an unapologetically pubby pub (and proud!)</p>



<p><strong>The damage:</strong>&nbsp;You pay for cooking of this calibre. But my, my is it worth it. Grab snacks from £5, starters from £12, roasts start at £29, and a pud will cost you £10 &#8211; £12.</p>



<p><em><strong><a href="http://www.thecrownatbray.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Crown at Bray</a>, High Street, Bray, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 2AH. Tel: 01628 621936.&nbsp;</strong></em></p>



<p><em>Words by Ellie Ball</em></p>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hungry-for-more">HUNGRY FOR MORE?</h2>



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Bray’s cosiest roast spot? Strut this way

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