'Neighbourhood restaurant' in Maidenhead named among Top 50 restaurants in the UK

A popular restaurant in Maidenhead has been ranked among the top 50 restaurants in the UK.

SquareMeal’s UK Top 100 published on Wednesday, excludes London’s restaurants and uses a combination of reader votes and critics to reflect the wider dining scene in the UK.

Queen Street-based Seasonality scooped the 34th spot among 100 restaurants reviewed by independent restaurant guide SquareMeal.

Chef-owner Wesley Smalley said the recognition is ‘great’ and the restaurant has seen an ‘amazing’ spike in reservations.

He added: “First and foremost, we’re an honest business. We always wanted to be very much a neighbourhood restaurant that would be accessible and at the right price point for the local population.

“Maidenhead is surrounded by uber-expensive and world-class restaurants that attract people for special occasions but our menu changes often to keep people excited and coming back.”

He said the menu is small and eclectic, taking influences from his 28-year cooking background and travels.

Founded by Wesley and Francesca Smalley in 2021, Seasonality started as a food shop selling local produce to the community through ready-meal delivery boxes.

The restaurant opened in March 2022 and continues to provide produce boxes.

SquareMeal said the ‘vibrant neighbourhood restaurant’ in Maidenhead is one that ‘holds its own’ amongst culinary hotspots in Bray and Marlow.

The reviewer added: “Service is friendly and inviting, making you feel as though you’ve stepped into a cherished corner of the Smalleys’ home.”

Wesley agreed and said: “I think it’s an accurate description and one that all neighbourhood restaurants should try and achieve.

“For us, it was always about exceeding expectations when people walked through the door. We’re not too formal and all of the wow-ing happens on the plate and the food. That’s what we’re about.”

Seasonality is open for lunch and dinner Wednesday to Saturday and can be found at 26 Queen Street, Maidenhead.

Ranking 74th in the SquareMeal list is Marlow gastropub The Oarsman, founded by Nigel Sutcliffe and James McLean.

The contemporary bistro pub and wine bar on Spittal Street has the 'feel of a classic British boozer' with an 'upmarket edge', according to SquareMeal. 

Restaurateur Nigel previously worked with Heston Blumenthal at The Fat Duck Group while James won Young Chef of the Year, and joined forces to relaunch the British pub. 

The co-owners said: "We are delighted that The Oarsman and our wonderful team have been recognised by SquareMeal, and are honoured to sit amongst so many fabulous restaurants and pubs in the ranking list.

"The Oarsman, with our kitchen team lead by Head Chef Scott Smith, is dedicated to nose-to-tail cooking techniques, sustainably-sourced ingredients where possible, and supporting the fantastic suppliers around us.

"We are lucky to call so many of our guests good friends, and look forward to making many more in the years to come."

The Oarsman is open for lunch and dinner Monday to Saturday and lunch on Sundays and can be found at 46 Spittal Street in Marlow.

SquareMeal’s restaurants editor Pete Dreyer added: “Restaurants never cease to amaze us – every year we’re blown away by talented teams, who always seem to find new, innovative ways to push the boundaries of food.

“As always we’re so grateful to everyone who works in hospitality, and we’re forever in awe of the passion and love that goes into restaurants up and down the country. A huge thank you also to the thousands upon thousands who voted to support their fav-ourite restaurants this year.”