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The Braywood, located on the former site of the Royal Oak in Paley Street, near Maidenhead and now served by the Elizabeth Line, will officially open on 23 November 2024. It’s the newest venture from WSH Restaurants, whose portfolio also includes The Woodspeen and The Boxford, Berkshire, The Clockspire, near Sherborne, Dorset, and The Sparsholt, Oxfordshire.
The restaurant site has been developed in conjunction with Chris Bagot Architects, who have undertaken a sensitive reconstruction of the original building. A cantilevered flat roof extension has been added to the western aspect to house the 70-cover dining room, and a striking pitched roof extension has been added to the eastern aspect that will house a destination cocktail bar. Both areas will offer views of landscaped gardens where terrace seating for around 36 covers will be available in the summer months.
An understated and elegant interior design incorporates sustainable features such as high efficiency lighting, heat pumps and passive ventilation, while enhanced landscaping to the exterior will improve biodiversity on the site.
The kitchen will be overseen by Sam Brennan, previously at The Woodspeen where he was Head Chef since 2021. His contemporary style of cooking will focus on seasonal British produce, with emphasis on very local suppliers.
Typical dishes on the launch menu will feature starters such as Orkney scallops with black pudding; Crab agnolotti with shellfish bisque; and Game terrine with lemon thyme brioche.
Main courses will include Barbecued monkfish with salt-baked celeriac and mussels; Halibut with clams and Jerusalem artichoke; Longhorn ribeye steak; and Chateaubriand to share. Desserts will range from a Bitter chocolate soufflé, to Salted caramel tart, and Honey millefeuille with fig, honey parfait and fresh honeycomb.
A set lunch menu will be available midweek at £55 for three courses (or £45 for two courses) – kicking off with a festive twist for Christmas revellers – and a classic Roast will be available on Sundays.
A 600-bin international wine list will include selections from English vineyards, and will feature more than 20 wines by the glass (from £6).
Guests can expect both classic and contemporary cocktails at the bar, including house serves such as ‘Wood & Smoke’ and ‘Fig on the Rocks’.
The Braywood’s signature brand of hospitality will be overseen by General Manager Thomas Gammella, who was previously Restaurant Manager at The Woodspeen. Thomas was the winner of the prestigious Gold Service Scholarship in 2022.
“I’m incredibly proud to have overseen The Braywood project from start to finish,” says WSH Restaurants Managing Director Alessandro Fasoli.
“It’s been a privilege to watch our talented team come together and create something truly special.
“From the initial concept to the final touches, every detail has been meticulously crafted to provide an unforgettable dining experience. We can’t wait to welcome diners from near and far to discover The Braywood and experience what we’ve created.”
The Braywood will open for lunch and dinner Tuesday to Saturday, and lunch on Sundays
The Braywood – Paley Street, Littlefield Green, Maidenhead, Berkshire SL6 3JN
www.thebraywood.co.uk
Reservations: 01628 361873 hello@thebraywood.co.uk
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