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The Braywood

Berkshire, Paley Street - Modern British - Restaurant - £££

Upmarket eatery that's a boon to the neighbourhood

Overall Rating: Good

Uniqueness:Does the establishment stand out in the context of the local area? Very Good

Deliciousness:How delicious is the food? Good

Warmth:How warm is the service and the hospitality in general? Good

Strength of recommendation:How enthusiastically and widely would you recommend the establishment? Good

‘The area has been crying out for an up-market eatery since the Royal Oak closed its doors,’ noted one local correspondent, happy to confirm that the Braywood ‘fills that slot perfectly.' Following an eye-catching, airy wood-and-glass rebuild, the place is now resolutely in tune with the times and does duty as a warm-hearted, professionally run restaurant.  Sam Brennan’s cooking is smart and high quality with just enough tasteful, quirky detail never to be dull. Succulent, slow-cooked pork cheek, for example, teamed with the kind of bright, upstanding flavours that properly enhance the main item – namely celeriac, apple and lemon thyme – was a hit when we visited, as was a rolled fillet of Dover sole stuffed with mussels, covered with a creamy white wine and mushroom sauce and served with seaweed-buttered potatoes. Elsewhere, pink, tender slices of lamb loin with Wye Valley asparagus, wild garlic and a lamb sauce were also flawlessly cooked. Le...

‘The area has been crying out for an up-market eatery since the Royal Oak closed its doors,’ noted one local correspondent, happy to confirm that the Braywood ‘fills that slot perfectly.' Following an eye-catching, airy wood-and-glass rebuild, the place is now resolutely in tune with the times and does duty as a warm-hearted, professionally run restaurant. 

Sam Brennan’s cooking is smart and high quality with just enough tasteful, quirky detail never to be dull. Succulent, slow-cooked pork cheek, for example, teamed with the kind of bright, upstanding flavours that properly enhance the main item – namely celeriac, apple and lemon thyme – was a hit when we visited, as was a rolled fillet of Dover sole stuffed with mussels, covered with a creamy white wine and mushroom sauce and served with seaweed-buttered potatoes. Elsewhere, pink, tender slices of lamb loin with Wye Valley asparagus, wild garlic and a lamb sauce were also flawlessly cooked. Leave a special space for desserts – our banana soufflé with salted caramel, balsamic and miso ice cream succeeded decadently at every step.

High prices are in keeping with this affluent area, though the set lunch (also served at dinner Tuesday to Thursday) and the well-reported Sunday roast are excellent value and broaden the appeal. The sharp list of cocktails (served in the smart bar) is a particular strength, and an excellent by-the-glass selection provides affordable access to the impressive, wide-ranging wine list.

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D Sykes

15 April 2025

Fantastic cocktails, relaxed atmosphere, spectacular food and brilliant service.

The Banoffee Soufflé is one of the best desserts I have ever had.

V Hamilton

9 April 2025

It's only new, but it's so elegant. The bar is beautiful, the restaurant itself is so airy, and the food and service are outstanding. The turbot dish I had when I last visited was so good I didn't want it to end!

J Poynter

8 March 2025

This newly opened restaurant is a credit to the area. The food is amazing, and the service is also very good. The design of the building is very well thought out. This was the Royal Oak, a pub restaurant, but the new rebuild is very good. It won't be long for a Michelin Star, I'm sure.

G Reeves

6 March 2025

The service style and attention to detail were exemplary - humbly asking for and responding well to feedback was refreshing and ensures we will return soon after passing on the recommendation to our friends and family.

VENUE DETAILS

Littlefield Green
Paley Street
Berkshire
SL6 3JNGB

01628 361873

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Make a reservation

OTHER INFORMATION

Separate bar, Wheelchair access, Parking, Electric car charging, Family friendly

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