Ideally situated on the outskirts of Benson on the River Thames, the Waterfront Café has gained a reputation as a great spot for cyclists and rowers to stop to refuel before carrying on in their respective journeys around Oxfordshire. Friendly and welcoming, it has also proved a popular spot for mums with young children and on the Sunday we picked it for a spot of brunch it was particularly busy, with a heaving line to the counter. Yet with so many people it was still relatively easy to find a table, and there is enough parking on nearby streets that the overflowing car park doesn't prove too much of an issue.
Table picked with enough protection from the sun for the children without losing the peaceful view of the river, we perused the breakfast menu, siding with the Waterfront breakfast (bacon, sausages, eggs, tomatoes & mushroom) with my partner adding hash brown and toast & marmalade. Our food came out quickly and while there was some confusion with the order number, the staff proved welcoming and helpful without being overwhelmed by the volume of people at the restaurant.
The food at the Waterfront is great, with each component of the breakfast complementing the others. The ingredients are locally sourced and of a high quality. The restaurant solves the issue of adults and children being on separate meals (breakfast/brunch vs. lunch) by offering a children's menu with items that can cater for both meals. With this in mind our daughter had a pizza, which proved a popular choice with her. There is care and attention at this venue to welcome children as much as possible and it really is a very good location for families.
What makes the Waterfront Café stand out so much is the affordability of the food it sells without compromising the overall quality. I would also recommend this venue for the diverse non-breakfast menu it serves, which ranges from sharing platters to a delicious lamb burger taking in pasta and pizza, before ending on some rather tempting desserts. Our brunch was spot-on with all of our party well fed by the end of our meals. I heartily recommend the Waterfront Café for its lovely atmosphere and its delicious food. Go for an adventure to it ASAP!