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Bray Village

Just a couple of miles upstream from Windsor is the beautiful and historic village of Bray.

The Hind’s Head pub in Bray dates back to the 15th century and is a great spot to start. If you are there at lunchtime try the food which is close to perfection. I can say this quite literally, because the Hind's head is now owned by Heston Blumenthal who also owns the Fat Duck Restaurant just across the road. The Fat Duck is now acknowledged as the BEST RESTAURANT IN THE ENTIRE WORLD. Highlights on the menu include snail porridge (we didn't try that one), and bacon and egg ice cream (amazingly fantastic flavour). Read our complete review of the fat duck.

The Hind’s Head pub in Bray has open fires and really friendly bar staff. One of the few pubs ever to have been visited by royalty, Bray's Hind’s Head Pub is almost perfect. The food at The Hind’s Head in Bray is also pretty special. Not too many people know that it is actually also owned by Heston Blumental and serves stunning food at very reasonable rates. In spring 2006 the Observer magazine gave this pub a score of 9.5 out of ten. They rarely score any establishment higher than about a seven, so this was another feather in Bray's cap.

If you are looking for something altogether grander than a pub, then The Fat Duck at Bray has a 4 month waiting list so if you cannot get a table, there is always Michel Roux's famous Waterside Inn just around the corner. Yes, folks, that is two three Michelin Starred Restaurants in Bray! Quite how the little village of Bray became the country's foremost fine dining location is a mystery that puzzles many.

In some ways perhaps we shouldn't be so surprised. Bray has had a history of self re-invention. It was the Vicar of Bray (according to popular song and a plaque in the Hind's Head) who spent many years changing back and forth between the Catholic and Protestant faiths depending on which way the political wind blew, to ensure he would 'Remain the Vicar of Bray, Sir"

St Michael's Church, Bray is worth visiting to find out more. The building is fine Norman Church, built in 1294 on the site of an earlier Saxon chapel. One of the most interesting things to see in the church at Bray is the Sheela-Na-Gig up in the rafters. This is a small stone female figure with large breasts and legs spread, believed to be Celtic mother goddess she is a visible remenant of Bray and England's pagan past.

A new italian restaurant for 2008 in Bray

Caldesi In Campagna is Giancarlo and Katie Caldesi’s first launch outside London. Head chef Gregorio Piazza has created an authentic Italian menu full of regional dishes and specialities to delight the palette. Sadly my wife has put me on a diet so I cannot provide you with a review just yet. If you have eaten at the Caldesi In Campagna in Bray, please let us know.

These days Bray is a favourite retirement spot for the rich and famous, because the Bray marina allows them to keep their boats moored close at hand. During the summer, the Riverside Brasserie in the marina offer amazing meals. Owned and run by a former head chef of the Fat Duck, the Riverside Brasserie was recently voted one of the top 10 riverside restaurants in England.

As you can see, Bray is well worth a visit, particularly if you are feeling a bit peckish!

More information about towns and villages in Berkshire,