The Chequers, Buckinghamshire

Overview

The history of The Chequers can be traced back to the brewing roots of Brakspear, who leased the pub through their acquisition of Grey's Brewery in Henley back in 1893. In recent years, this Buckinghamshire gem has been reinvented as a modern-day, town-centre coaching inn close to the Thames.

The nine contemporary, comfortable rooms have plenty of period features, boasting striking decor with super-comfortable Feather & Black beds. Downstairs sup a pint of Brakspear Bitter or explore the speciality gin list in the traditional, beamed and unspoilt Churchill Tap. The steak-focused food centres around the Butcher's Block menu of aged, Australian grass-fed beef steaks, with an abundance of pub staples, thick-cut sandwiches and good options available for non-meat eaters as well.

Tables at the front are set back from the pavement and sheltered by box hedging in tall planters. A great spot to watch the world go by with a coffee or pint of Brakspear Bitter.

Rooms from

8 doubles and twins: £90

Good to know

All major credit cards accepted
Disabled access
Alfresco dining
Steak-focused menu
Parking available
Dog stay: £20

Outdoor adventures
With the Chilterns hills on your doorstep, walkers can enjoy the rolling green hills of the nearby countryside.

A touch of culture
Windsor Castle is just a short drive away, and there are plenty of National Trust properties to keep you busy in the local area.

Town and city
Located in the bustling town of Marlow, there is plenty to explore in this thriving riverside town.

Water and waves
Stroll along the riverside path or picnic beside the Thames.

Rooms

With their fresh, contemporary feel, the bedrooms are perfectly designed to help you relax and unwind.

You'll find very comfortable Feather & Black beds and mattresses, striking feature wallpapers from Cole & Son, soothing heritage hues, big lamps, and bright cushions and throws add an additional splash of colour. Home-from-home comforts come as standard - Nespresso machine, clock, retro-style phone, Roberts radio, shaving/make-up mirror, up-to-date magazines, and generous supplies of Temple Spa Aromatherapy bathroom products, along with a delicious selection of homemade biscuits and Birchall teas. Smart bathrooms have big walk-in showers.

Wake up to the impressive Continental spread on the butcher's block table, or order the full English to set you up for the day.

Restaurant & bar

Food revolves around the Butcher's Block menu of aged, Australian grass-fed beef steaks. Order your fillet, rib-eye, sirloin or rump served with a choice of sauces - which you order by the 100g at the quirky servery replete with a butcher's bike and hefty wooden block.

Alternatively, push the boat out and order the Chateaubriand to share or choose from traditional pub menu - steak and Guinness pie, fish pie, chicken Caesar salad.

Adjacent to The Chequers is The Churchill Tap, a cracking traditional pub with a jumble of exposed wood, bric-a-brac, timeless furniture, and hops on the walls and ceiling. Explore the full range of tip-top Brakspear ales, a guest beer and a great range of craft beers - Meantime Pale Ale on draught, with the likes of Brewdog Punk IPA, Brooklyn East and Anchor Steam in cans or bottles.

Things to do

You're not far from Windsor Castle here, originally founded as a fortress by William the Conqueror and now home to the royal family. The dominant feature of Windsor Castle is its Round Tower, built by Henry II and visible for miles around. Parts of the castle are open to the public, and you can visit St George's Chapel - home to recent royal weddings.

For a dose of Elizabethan culture, visit the National Trust Tudor property of Greys Court. Set in splendid grounds, the picturesque 16th-century mansion was home to the Brunner family until recently. Boasting a well-stocked historic kitchen and homely living rooms, the tranquil garden contains the Archbishop's original maze and medieval ruins.

Great for adults and kids alike, the River and Rowing Museum is a fascinating day out, based along the riverside in quaint Henley. With 20,000 items covering the sport of rowing, the story of the Thames and the classic book for children and adults, The Wind in the Willows, published in 1908. There are objects, photographs, books, ephemera and archive material - plenty to keep kids occupied.