Twelve of the best places in London and the UK to dine by the water

last updated 1 September 2017

Shaun Dickens, the chef behind this eponymous restaurant in Henley-on-Thames, comes with quite the pedigree. Starting his career at the two-Michelin-starred Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons, he went on to work at both Thomas Keller's Per Se and L'Ortolan in Shinfield before becoming head chef and farm manager at Fallowfields Restaurant. This connection to his ingredients shines through on the menu at his latest venture, which looks to the natural bounty of the surrounding countryside to inform its dishes. For a laid-back experience, eschew the main dining room in favour of The Deck, a heated terrace with beautiful riverside views that can be enjoyed all year round. The space has its own menu of small plates, serving up fine charcuterie, cheeses and more, to be washed down with the signature Bloody Boathouse cocktail, made according to Shaun's secret recipe.

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Run by D&D, this Thames-side landmark has all the hallmarks of quality of the renowned restaurant group. Exuding a refined elegance, its focus is on modern French food, done well – head here for a top-notch Chateaubriand and perfectly caramelised tarte tatin. Perhaps its biggest draw, however, is its enviable location, stretching 70 feet along the riverfront and looking out onto Tower Bridge. The view is best enjoyed from the terraced bar and grill, which specialises in seafood, salads and grills. Opt for a classic tuna nicoise or chicken liver parfait with brioche, or splash out on one of its indulgent fruits de mer platters, abundant with crab, oysters, prawns and more.

This Victorian house on the banks of the River Cam had previous lives as a private residence and a breeding home for dogs before its current incarnation as a restaurant. It was taken over by Daniel Clifford in 1998, and has since become one of the best-loved dining destinations in Cambridge, earning itself two Michelin stars in the process. Its food is presented in set meals – five courses for lunch and eight for dinner – with each dish showcasing Clifford's sophisticated culinary style. Taking inspiration from its surrounds, much on the plates comes from the on-site kitchen garden, with its apple trees appearing in the restaurant's signature dish of scallop, truffle and apple, which has been on the menu since it first opened.

Head west of London to Sindhu, which occupies a peaceful spot on the Thames in Marlow. Led by Atul Kochhar – the first Indian chef to be awarded a Michelin star and the man behind the acclaimed Benares – it offers his signature contemporary take on the country's cuisine, brought to life with the best of British ingredients. Particular stars are the fish dishes, from meen moilee, a coconut-based curry made with stone bass, to chapa pulusu, which sees Atlantic halibut spiced up with a tamarind sauce. Sindhu also welcomes a monthly guest chef into its kitchens to cook up a one-off, collaborative six-course tasting menu alongside Kochhar, next up being 'The Curry Guy' Dan Toombs, on 5 October.

After earning his first Michelin star working at the Crown at Whitebrook, James Sommerin moved on to open his own equally acclaimed eponymous restaurant in Penarth, south Wales. From this seaside spot he serves a contemporary take on British cuisine, using locally sourced ingredients where possible. Expect classics such as Welsh lamb alongside plenty of fish and seafood, from lobster with fennel and sweetcorn to meaty sea bream with langoustines, chickpeas and artichokes. Keep an eye out for special events and master classes, including chef demonstrations and more.

Set in the industrial surrounds of a former storage facility, as the name suggests this landmark London eatery has enviable views out onto the Thames. The acclaimed restaurant is spearheaded by Ruth Rogers, and over the decades has been the training ground for some of the UK's top culinary names, counting amongst them Jamie Oliver, Hugh Fearnley-Wittingstall and Theo Randall. On its daily-changing menu expect the best that Italian cuisine has to offer led by whatever is in season, and leave room for dessert where you can pick from a selection of inventive gelati or opt for its signature, indulgent chocolate nemesis cake.

This secluded hotel overlooks the beautiful Loch Crinan, where you can see the boats pulling up with fresh seafood that will be piled onto your plate later that same day. On site are a range of dining options, a cosy bar and a coffee shop. The Westward Restaurant offers unbeatable views, and serves everything from an authentic Scottish breakfast to a five-course dinner determined by the day's catch. The slightly more casual bistro-style Crinan Seafood Bar also makes the most of the local produce as well as boasting a mean Sunday lunch, while from June to September head up to the rooftop seafood restaurant Lock 16 to take in the sunset over Corryvreckan, Jura and Scarba.

Down the road from Nathan Outlaw's upmarket main restaurant is this little gem that fronts onto the sea. While the former is the ideal place to sample a leisurely and decadent tasting menu of Outlaw's acclaimed seafood, the rather more casual Fish Kitchen is based around small tapas-style sharing plates. The menu is entirely dictated by what the fishermen bring in that day and places a focus on responsible and environmentally friendly fishing methods, with a discretionary £2 donation added to the bill in aid of Port Isaac RNLI.

While you're spoilt for choice for Michelin-starred restaurants in Bray, when it's a beautifully sunny day, there's only one place to dine. The legendary three-starred Waterside Inn, run by the Roux culinary dynasty, serves unashamedly French fare from its quaint, countryside surroundings. On a warm afternoon, take advantage of its Thames-side setting with coffee and mignardises on the terrace, otherwise the best seats inside are by the vast picture windows. For a more intimate environment, tables at the back provide seclusion while immersing you in the ebb and flow of the river reflected in the mirrored panels overhead.

Rather than being located directly on the beach, this restaurant offers unparalleled panoramic views across Lyme Regis's Jurassic coastline from its hillside vantage point. Set in Mark Hix's native Dorset, the chef's understanding and commitment to the area's local cuisine and produce shines through in a daily-changing menu that makes the most of the seafood and foraged ingredients on its doorstep. Perhaps the best way to enjoy the sheer freshness of the fish is to opt for it simply grilled on the bone, where you can choose from such variations as Lyme Bay lemon sole, Mount's Bay John Dory and Newlyn turbot.

While previously the only way to try out Rick Stein's cuisine has been to head to his outposts in the south west, earlier this year he opened his first restaurant close to the capital. As you'd expect from the celebrity chef, you'll find plenty of fish and seafood on the menu – including signature dishes such as Dover sole a la Meuniere and Singapore crab – as well as heartier fare such as stifado (rabbit stew) inspired by his travels to Greece. Try and get a table facing onto the Thames, where you can watch the sun set over the waters while indulging in a platter of fruits de mer.

For dining with a conscience, head to this spot overlooking the beach at the picturesque Watergate Bay. All the profits go towards the Cornwall Food Foundation, responsible for the Fifteen Cornwall Apprentice Scheme that gives aspiring young chefs a place in the restaurant's kitchen. The daily-changing menus combine the best Italian ingredients with local produce, with plenty of fresh and vibrant fish dishes and the Italian staples of polenta, pasta and cured meats.

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