Top 10 Taps on The Thames: Best Riverside Drinking and Dining Spots as we Enjoy the Longest Days of the Year this June-July

[Photo credit: Fullers’]

Thames boating holiday operator, Le Boat, recommends the best waterside pubs for scenic summer socialising between Oxford and Kingston-upon-Thames.

If there’s one place Brits are known to flock to in the height of summer, it’s a shady pub garden – where ice-cold beverages and umbrella canopies bring a collective sigh of relief.

With temperatures at the end of May reaching over thirty degrees in urban areas, the season’s peak has arrived ahead of its Midsummer schedule.

Alongside soaring temperatures, the lack of beaches and lakes in inland areas makes residents particularly susceptible to this phenomenon. Often gathering on riverbanks like animals to a watering hole, locals benefit not only from the physical refreshment of a crisp, riverside pint, but also from the psychological ‘blue mind’ effect – when the observation of water has a calming impact on your mind .

Ahead of the longest day of the year, Cheryl Brown, inland waterways expert and MD of boating holiday operator, Le Boat, shares her guide to the ten best riverfront pubs along the Thames.

“The 5,500 square-mile stretch along the banks of the River Thames offers an array of individual public houses with stunning riverside views, delicious food and that quintessential atmosphere of British summertime – best enjoyed with a chilled drink beside a calming body of water.

“Conveniently located near accessible mooring docks, popular trail routes, and lively towns and villages, my top ten picks are ideal pit stops for Thames Path hikers, boaters, dog walkers, and for locals that live and work along the banks of this stunning inland waterway.

“With many rethinking overseas holiday plans due to geopolitical events and rising travel costs, those who may have to chosen to spend summer at home can still experience that holiday feeling by heading to the waterside to relax, drink and dine with loved ones, whilst taking in pretty, leafy, village and countryside vistas and basking in the British summertime charm from the vantage point of the banks of the Thames.”

From hidden gems to historical favourites, read on for Cheryl’s guide to the best waterfront pub destination venues and pit-stops…

1. Head of the River, Oxford
   Hailed for its stretching outdoor terrace, this riverside pub boasts a menu of glowing reviews and a backdrop of Oxford’s meandering Thames waters. Located a scenic 30-minute walk from the public Iffey Loch and just 10 minutes from the bustling city centre, the Head of the River offers the perfect endpoint after a day’s sightseeing, working, or for a lazy evening stroll and dinner after a day on the river.
2. Nag’s Head, Abingdon
   Sitting on an island in the middle of the Thames, the Nag’s Head is a truly unique establishment in the picturesque and historic market town of Abingdon, offering complete immersion into the atmospheric surrounds of the river. Located next to Abingdon Bridge, the pub entices many with its friendly atmosphere, a menu full of classics, and live music every Friday night.
3. The Swan, Reading
   Known as one of the most historical pubs on the Thames, The Swan invites a cosy atmosphere from within a stunning 17th century building – plus a built-in coal bunker for private event hire. With a large outdoor terrace for lazy summer lunches or tranquil summer evenings overlooking the river, this much-loved establishment promises a relaxing atmosphere for locals, walkers, boaters and holidaymakers alike.
4. The Angel on the Bridge, Henley
   Founded in 1728, The Angel on the Bridge is the oldest pub on the River Thames outside of London, and due to its optimal positioning and charming white facade, is one of the most painted and photographed buildings, too. It’s buzzing and lively atmosphere has made The Angel on the Bridge a firm spectator’s favourite during annual events like the Henley Regatta.
5. The Ferry, Cookham, Maidenhead
   A stylish and premium option for those who appreciate the finer things in life, The Ferry offers a warm and trendy ambience with an extensive wine list and high-end dishes, plus a sophisticated outdoor dining area to match. With a popular series of ‘Beats & Bubbles’ live music events and a children’s menu to cater to fancy yet family-friendly nights on the river, booking ahead is recommended.
6. The Boatman, Windsor
   Located just below Windsor Castle, The Boatman boasts a stunning riverside terrace overlooking Eton Bridge. With locally sourced dishes across its well-loved seasonal menus, the pub has been a strong Windsor favourite since 1829 and is celebrated for the most incredible waterfront views.
7. The Kingfisher, Chertsey
   Offering the perfect blend of country pub charm and riverside luxury, The Kingfisher is a Chertsey staple for garden dining and cosy design. With surrounding scenery of 18th century houses, a medieval tower, and an arched bridge over the Thames, Chertsey is a popular riverfront dining and mooring location for local exploration.
8. The Magpie, Sunbury-on-Thames
   With a mooring dock just outside for boat and people watching, The Magpie is a convenient and well-visited Thames destination loved for its garden terrace and dining room overlooking the river. Home to an extensive beverage list, those with more refined tastes will appreciate the variety of drinks available here, with plenty of classic gastropub dishes to compliment.
9. The Albany, Thames Ditton
   The Albany is nestled in the charming town of Thames Ditton, where gift shops, independent boutiques, picturesque walks and a local art gallery promise a leisurely day of exploration. Another more high-end option, this riverside pub serves British favourites alongside a unique menu of modern takes.
10. The Boaters Inn, Kingston upon Thames
    Located on the riverbank of the beautiful Canbury Gardens, The Boaters Inn promises some of the most scenic surrounds on the Thames. With a private riverside beer garden and a balcony offering stunning sunset views, The Boaters Inn is a great option for those who prefer quieter venues.

For more information on self-drive boating holidays, visit www.leboat.com/en

-Ends-

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About Le Boat
With over 55 years of experience, leading inland waterways holiday operator, Le Boat, offers self-drive boating holidays that require no license, enabling access to the rivers, lakes and canals of the UK, Ireland, Europe & Canada.

Le Boat makes boating easy and accessible for all, guaranteeing confidence on the water for first timers and seasoned experts alike and offering peace of mind with daily assistance & technical support.

With Le Boat, travellers will discover a different way to holiday – A slow travel option that takes them off the beaten track to explore new places or experience much-loved destinations from a new perspective. Personalised itineraries and the freedom to go at your own pace provide an opportunity to slow down, unwind, (re)connect with loved ones, and create lasting memories.

Combining transport, accommodation, self-catering facilities, and allowing holidaymakers to explore multiple locations and sights in one trip, Le Boat holidays provide excellent value for money, whilst a choice of over 950 vessels, ranging from value to luxury, caters to all budgets.

The Le Boat fleet will grow by 400 boats over the next 10 years, with a focus on premium boats, Liberty & Horizon.

Le Boat holidays are available between March and October and are priced from £194pp (based on a 7-night Thames cruise in April in a Comfort (Caprice) boat, sleeping up to 6 people, priced at £1,169).

For more information or to book your self-drive river cruising holiday, visit www.leboat.com/en

About Cheryl Brown
Cheryl Brown is Managing Director for Le Boat, part of the Marine Division of Travelopia and owned by KKR.

Cheryl began her career in travel at just 16, rising quickly through the ranks to become Retail Trading Director in 2001 and Managing Director of the First Choice Retail Group in 2004.

In 2007 she joined Sunsail as Managing Director and later became COO for TUI Marine, which included The Moorings, Sunsail, Footloose and Le Boat, in Florida.

After four years in the sunshine, Cheryl returned to the UK to lead Le Boat, a role she continues to love and lead in with passion. Today, she also sits on the Board of Travelopia.

A passionate boater herself, Cheryl enjoys life on the Thames from her riverside home with her own dock and dayboat. She loves welcoming new customers and watching them grow in confidence on the water, as well as reconnecting with those who return year after year.

Under Cheryl’s leadership, Le Boat has expanded across the Atlantic, opening two bases and launching 32 boats in Ontario, Canada. She also introduced the Horizon fleet in 2016 and most recently unveiled Liberty in 2025, the company’s most luxurious boat to date.

Cheryl’s vision inspired the new creative platform We’re on Le Boat, which celebrates the boating community and invites newcomers to discover the freedom of the waterways.

Cheryl is proud to invite everyone to join the Le Boat community and discover the magic of boating.