The foodie village of Bray is awash with Michelin stars, but there are places to eat that live up to the location’s culinary credentials that are, well, a little more humble. The Crown at Bray is a traditional 16th century pub that was taken over by lauded Chef Simon Bonwick and his wife Deborah back in March of this year, both having previously steered the gastronomical ship at The Crown at Burchett’s Green and The Dew Drop Inn in Hurley.

Inside The Crown at Bray, expect deliciously pubby vibes – low ceilings, dark oak beams, a warren of higgledy-piggledy nooks, and roaring fires. The sunshine yellow walls are as charming as the artwork that dresses them, most created by Chef Simon himself. Man of many talents? Yes, he is. The pub, just a few miles from Windsor Castle, has a rich history as a hostelry and apparently King Charles II used to stop off for a beer en route to see his mistress, Nell Gwynn. Naughty.

As for the food though, Simon’s crafted a menu of pub classics with mass appeal, as well as a cracking Sunday roast. But it’s the Bouchon Bonwick menu that launched in September I’m excited about – a mouthwatering menu of quirky, seasonal British fare with a hint of French je ne sais quoi. 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.

His previous venture, The Troublesome Lodger in Marlow, has now moved onsite at The Crown in the intimate and very lovely ‘The Snug’ with seating for 8-9 people. It will be the setting for a meticulously crafted 6-course menu (on Thu – Sat or other times by appointment), each dish a classic from over Simon’s long, award-winning career. There are two more wonderful Salon Privée rooms upstairs if privacy calls too.

Ultimately, this is a gorgeously historic pub that strikes the happy balance between a friendly local haunt for picking up a pint, but equally a foodie enclave that attracts destination diners from miles around.