Boat House Restaurant at The Bridge Lodge

For those who like a taste of island-dwelling Bridge Lodge is just the place. Right opposite Chertsey Bridge the hotel was built for the job in 1996, and now serves as weekend hide-out for those liking something a little different, or at other times for the younger working population of the area.

The restaurant, referred to as The Boat House, offers a menu that is essentially brasserie/bistro, with few surprises but plenty of good popular staples that are clearly well received. Amongst the starters expect to find prawn and avocado salad, a sharing platter and oriental chicken brochette.

An imaginative grill selection offers plenty of scope for eager carnivores and fish enthusiasts, lead by the Boat House full rack at £11.95 Amongst the main courses traditional fish and chips, chicken fajita, chicken, ham and mushroom pie, and Cumberland sausage and mash all appear. Salads, burgers and side orders leave plenty of room for self-expression before reaching the puddings, with New York cheesecake, Bramley apple pie and the Boat House Indulgence sharing platter amongst the more popular.

The wine list meets the varied menu well. Haute cuisine this is not, but helpings are generous, service cheerful and the water is all around you.