Nightlife in Maidenhead

Riverside watering holes take precedence in Maidenhead thanks to the snaking presence of the River Thames and the glorious countryside views.

Overlooking Ray Mill Island – one of the highlights from our Maidenhead activities guide – is Boulters, a wonderful, glass-fronted bar and restaurant with glorious views across the Thames. The food and drinks are first-class (it does have a Michelin star, after all), and the views from the terrace are as good as they get.

A short stroll down the Thames on the other side of the river you’ll find Roux at Skindles. As the name suggests, it’s helmed by the world-famous Roux family, meaning the food is high-end and utterly delicious. But the river-side terrace is perfect for coffee, cocktails or breakfast with glorious views if the menu is a little pricey for your liking.

Heading a bit further down the Thames, The Riverside Brasserie overlooks Dorney Lakes and is another up-market bar and restaurant with tremendous views and a serene terrace tailor-made for sundowners.

Completing the posh, water-side bars and restaurants in the region is Gogos, an African-themed outlet with a terrific cocktail menu and large terrace overlooking the Windsor Racecourse Marina.

There are several stand-out bars in Maidenhead’s town centre, with one of our favourites being 15 Queen Street just off High Street, a lively bar with a wide array of gin, classic cocktails, craft ales and fine wines.

With up to eight cask ales, oak-panelled walls lined with books and a real fire for winter and beer garden for summer, the Grenfell Arms is a real locals’ favourite. The relaxed and very cosy pub is well worth the short walk from the town centre and Strand Water. 

The Bear on High Street is another popular pub. The Wetherspoons outlet has one of the best beer choices in town plus a well-priced food and drink menu and plenty of seating.

With the biggest beer garden in town, The Maiden’s Head is a must-visit on a sunny day, with plenty of craft ales, spirits and wines to work your way through. The pub also has a varied array of entertainment including weekly live music gigs, a monthly quiz, sports room and comedy sessions.

As with the best bars section above, a lot of the leading pubs in Maidenhead can be found a short drive from the town centre. Heading south and loosely following the curve of the Thames, The Crown at Bray and the Belgian Arms are two of the best. The Crown at Bray is a Heston Blumenthal gastropub meaning outlandishly good – and inventive – food and drink while the Belgian Arms in nearby Holyport is a historic 200-year-old watering hole with excellent food, regular live music sessions and a large beer garden and patio.

Maidenhead’s fine gastropub tradition continues at The White Oak in Cookham close to our High Wycombe/Beaconsfield Hotel. The Michelin-starred pub is noted for its ‘good food at a reasonable price,’ meaning your pie and pint needn’t break the bank, especially if you opt for their designated bar menu or their set-menu options.

Bang on-trend, Pitchers Restaurant and Nightclub is one of those modern venues that looks to appeal to all the senses. Not only a nightclub with a 3.30 am license playing everything from club classics, RnB and even drum and bass, it’s also a bar and restaurant serving up a wide range of food. And located just off Broadway, it’s got a central location, a five-minute walk from our Maidenhead Town Centre hotel.

The other late-night alternative in Maidenhead is Smokeys. The cool, American-themed bar and club is open on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday night until 4 am and has been a mainstay in town since launching in 1962. Musically, expect modern-day dance music, guest DJs and live bands, plus an array of happy hour drink deals.