Business Details
Your Riverside Escape with Gourmet Dining & Luxury Stays
Nestled on the scenic River Thames, The Beetle and Wedge has been a cherished riverside destination for generations. Our establishment combines historic charm with modern culinary excellence, offering guests an unparalleled dining and accommodation experience. With roots tracing back to literary classics like 'The Wind in the Willows', our venue embodies timeless elegance while embracing contemporary comforts. Under the stewardship of owner Ben, we've preserved the building's character while introducing refined gastronomy led by Head Chef Josh. Our menus showcase seasonal British ingredients transformed into innovative dishes, complemented by an extensive wine selection.Guests can choose from luxurious stays in our renovated cottage, a floating cabin aboard Lady Audacious, or enjoy our renowned riverside dining. The restaurant's accolades include recognition for its Sunday roasts and Christmas celebrations, while our dog-friendly policy ensures every family member feels welcome. Whether hosting private cruises on the Thames or creating memorable dining experiences, our commitment to quality and hospitality remains unwavering.
Services
Riverside Dining
Private River Cruises
Luxury Accommodation
Dog-Friendly Stay
Christmas Celebrations
Floating Cabin Stay
Highlights and features
- We offer riverside dining with historic literary connections
- Our Head Chef creates seasonal British menus with modern twists
- Luxury accommodation options on land and water
- Dog-friendly environment with dedicated pet amenities
- Private river cruises aboard our classic motor launch
Services
Riverside Dining
Our riverside dining experience combines historic charm with modern British cuisine. Guests enjoy seasonal menus featuring locally sourced ingredients, expertly prepared by our Head Chef. The venue offers panoramic river views and a choice of indoor or terrace seating, creating the perfect setting for lunch, dinner, or special celebrations.
Private River Cruises
Explore the River Thames aboard our classic motor launch Lady Audacious. These private cruises accommodate up to 8 guests with an experienced skipper provided. The experience includes a selection of wines and drinks, with options to combine your cruise with dining at our riverside restaurant for a complete Thames experience.
Luxury Accommodation
Our luxury accommodation options include a beautifully renovated cottage and a floating cabin on the Thames. The cottage offers four uniquely decorated bedrooms with modern amenities, while Lady Audacious provides a unique floating hotel experience with panoramic river views and comfortable onboard facilities.
Dog-Friendly Stay
We welcome dogs in designated ground-floor rooms at our cottage with a small supplement charge. Our Woof Pack initiative encourages pet-friendly stays, with special amenities for dogs and a dedicated Instagram wall showcasing our four-legged guests' experiences during their riverside retreat.
Christmas Celebrations
Our Christmas celebrations feature specially curated menus and private party packages. Book by 1st December to receive a complimentary main course voucher for the lead organiser. The venue offers festive dining options for groups, combining traditional holiday fare with our signature culinary style in a magical riverside setting.
People
Ben
Owner
Ben is the visionary owner preserving The Beetle and Wedge's historic character while introducing modern hospitality. He oversees operations and maintains the venue's unique charm, ensuring guests experience both tradition and innovation.
Josh
Head Chef
Head Chef Josh creates seasonal menus showcasing British ingredients. He collaborates with Ben to develop innovative dishes that balance tradition with contemporary culinary techniques, maintaining the restaurant's reputation for excellence.
Questions
Can I book a table at The Beetle and Wedge?
Yes, we recommend booking in advance through our website or by calling 01491 651 381. Reservations are particularly advised for weekends and special events.
Are dogs allowed at the restaurant and accommodation?
Yes, we are dog-friendly. Two ground-floor rooms in our cottage welcome pets with a £10 supplement. Dogs are also welcome in designated areas of the restaurant and grounds.
What dining options are available?
We offer lunch, dinner, and Sunday roasts with seasonal menus. Special Christmas menus are available in December. Private cruises include drink options, and cottage guests can add breakfast for £15 per person.
How do I book a river cruise on Lady Audacious?
Bookings for Lady Audacious can be made through our website or by phone. We recommend advance reservations, especially for weekends, with a minimum charge of £200 per hour for private cruises accommodating up to 8 guests.
What are the accommodation check-in/check-out times?
Check-in is from 3pm and check-out by 11am. These times apply to both our cottage suites and floating cabin accommodation on Lady Audacious.
Reviews (6)
Ron Deacon
Jun 16, 2022
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Found this place by accident while walking the Thames path north of Goring. Stopped for a quick drink, then noticed the barbecue was on the go, so had a burger too. All excellent. Has hotel rooms too - may try to book a room soon. A very serendipity experience.
David Quince
Jun 15, 2022
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Lovely spot staff all worked hard and very pleasant. Food was well presented my t-bone was just a bit chewy but tast was good. Will be going again with the dog
Mr. B.
Jun 13, 2022
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Lovely location overlooking the Thames. Great outdoor seating area for warm days and smart uncomplicated but classy dining room inside. Friendly attentive service. Good menu of traditional classics - Homemade pie for me, Mrs B had the grilled bream. Not cheap - 60 for two mains plus drinks. But done very well and worth that little bit more for the location, service and overall quality
Brendon Nicholl
Jun 12, 2022
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Absolutely beautiful. I have not tried the food so cannot do more than compliment the friendly service, beautiful buildings and great views.
Nick Miles
May 31, 2022
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Very popular Thames-side gastro-pub (?). Not the original Beetle and Wedge, my Dad tells me, which is now a house, but the converted boat sheds. We ate in the bar area, which is v atmospheric and has a good vibe. You can bring dogs in this area as it has flagstones. Up some steps you enter the main, very light restaurant area in a conservatory style. There are serviced tables outside too, with parasols right in the water. Boats can moor here too, if you can find a space!
There's parking for The Beetle and Wedge too, which almost seems just about enough to accommodate need - when we've visited, anyway! The menu is very diverse, creative and delicious, including Sunday roasts, which our party of 5 had! With wine and 3 courses, the bill came to 265, including 10% voluntary tip. Highly recommend!
There's parking for The Beetle and Wedge too, which almost seems just about enough to accommodate need - when we've visited, anyway! The menu is very diverse, creative and delicious, including Sunday roasts, which our party of 5 had! With wine and 3 courses, the bill came to 265, including 10% voluntary tip. Highly recommend!
Russell Smith
May 29, 2022
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Great location and superb menu. So many good choices, it was a difficult decision working out what to have. Outside Pods perfect for English summer. Hot one minute cold the next. Pod let's you be sheltered when needed but still outside.