All-Day Dining by the River: The Great House Restaurant in Sonning

Open All Day, Every Day

One of the most appealing things about The Great House as a restaurant destination is its approach to time. The kitchen is open all day, every day, which means there is no scramble for a narrow lunchtime slot and no sense of being hurried out to make way for the next sitting. You’re welcome for a morning coffee, a quick midweek lunch, a leisurely weekend dinner or a post-walk drink that turns into something more. Walk-ins are welcome during the week, though booking ahead is wise at weekends when the terrace and igloos fill quickly.

The Menus

The food at The Great House is seasonal and carefully considered, running from breakfast through to late-night cocktails. Breakfast brings lighter dishes alongside hearty classics, the kind of start to the day that works whether you’re a hotel guest heading out for a long walk or a local dropping in before work. The all-day menu covers considerable ground: small plates and sharing platters, colourful salads, comforting classics, fresh seafood and grills. Lunch bowls offer something lighter and plant-forward for a midday meal that doesn’t weigh you down for the afternoon.

Afternoon tea is available for those who want the full experience, with sandwiches, scones and dainty desserts, a wide choice of teas and the option to add a glass of fizz or a gin and tonic. The pudding menu offers classic favourites and seasonal sweet treats for anyone who still has room.

The Sunday roast deserves a mention of its own. It has developed something of a loyal following in Berkshire, and for good reason: proper meats alongside a vegan option, seasonal trimmings, and a setting by the river that makes the whole occasion feel like a genuine event.

The Spaces

The restaurant is characterful and welcoming, with a bar and lounge area where you can pull up a stool or settle into a sofa, and a covered terrace that overlooks the lawns and the river. The terrace is enclosed in glass, meaning the views are never far away whatever the weather, and on warm days the lawn becomes an extension of the dining room, with deckchairs arranged by the water’s edge.

The igloos are the restaurant’s most talked-about feature, four intimate dining spaces dotted across the lawn, each with exceptional views of the river and the grounds. They are always in high demand, and anyone hoping to dine in one would be well advised to book well in advance.

Drinks

The bar at The Great House takes cocktails seriously. There is a full list of signature drinks alongside the classics, and the wine list has been chosen to pair well with the food without being unnecessarily complicated. The options range from a morning cappuccino in the snug to a rosé on the terrace in the afternoon sun to a late-night martini at the bar. It is, in the best possible sense, a full-day drinking establishment.

Events and Entertainment

Throughout the year, The Great House turns regular evenings into events. DJ sets, live music, outdoor cinema screenings and sports shown live on the lawn give the restaurant a social energy that goes well beyond the plate. The events calendar is worth checking before you visit, particularly through the summer months when the lawn comes alive.

Private Dining

For those who want something more exclusive, The Great House offers a range of private dining spaces, each with river views and access to the lawn. Whether it’s an anniversary dinner, a corporate lunch, an engagement party or a cocktail celebration, the team can tailor the space, menu and occasion to suit.