With all the charm and attractiveness that comes with so many riverside pubs, this particular version has an added extra, called The Regatta. It seems that only if you display plenty of foresight, your chances of getting a worthwhile view - unless of course you are competing in which case you have a different set of problems - is to book very well in advance.

On days when it's storm force Force 9 blowing down the river, the place still has plenty to offer. A quick dash from the car to the door will admit you to a very different world, one of log fires and cocooned warmth. Talking of which, fire also features in the open kitchens and stone fired ovens, now very much a talking point.

To set the right note of fashionable sociability there are sharing plates, box baked Camembert with red onion jam and rustic bread and Greek mezze of taramasalata with red pepper hummus, tzatziki, feta and flatbreads.

Amongst the starters, there is freshly made soup, smoked mackerel pâté, seared pigeon breast, or a red onion tart. The salads - sorry, that should read 'leaves' - offer Persian chicken kebabs, fattoush salad, yoghurt and mint dressing, and for the seafood fiends some smoked trout, prawn, pancetta, horseradish dressing, watercress, spinach and baby potatoes.

These days no self-respecting gastropub can afford to be without its pizza range; expect to find a classic Margherita of tomato, mozzarella, oregano and basil, another with pepperoni, chorizo, tomato and jalapeños. Pastas include rigatoni, pork, veal and oregano meatballs with arrabiata sauce, and smoked haddock risotto.

The grills for hearty eaters are worth trying and choices include pork chops and salmon among others. These are all served with frites, garlic butter, brandy peppercorn sauce, béarnaise, burnt tomato and onion salsa or mango and chilli. For the big event there is always a fish of the day on request.

For the big event, there is always a fish of the day on request. The spit chicken with roast garlic, lemon, thyme, aioli and frites is worth trying too. The classic burger, which has risen from the confines of fast food chains, carves a niche for itself on the menu and comes with onion, gherkin, mustard mayo, cheese and bacon. For hearty eaters there is a five spice duck confit, or lamb rack with a spiced dukkah crust.

A wide range of supporting dishes includes Belgian frites and mayo, and cabbage, leeks and peas. Desserts are some of the best you'll encounter with apple and frangipane gallette and Cognac ice cream, and there is also a selection of local cheeses to set the buffs alight.

A well travelled wine list does the business well with a list that, whilst fairly modest covers most eventualities at prices that don't break the bank, and are described under such cost headings as 'vibrant and soft or luxurious and rich' - just like people.

For up to date information click on their well set out Website  - and don't forget to book for the Regatta. Please note that the E-Mail Contact is for enquiries only, not for bookings.