Published: Sunday, 14th March, 2010 2:00pm

A restaurant with a view...

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By Aamina Masud

BOULTERS Restaurant & Bar has been called the 'Jewel of the Thames' and it is easy to see why the moment you step foot inside.

The restaurant is surrounded by large glass windows so that diners enjoy uninterrupted views of the river running downstream towards Maidenhead Bridge.

The food is as equally dazzling as the beautiful venue.

There is nothing worse than going to a restaurant on an empty stomach and then having to wait for a long time before being served your meal. Luckily the service was amazing. The starters arrived moments after being ordered.

I opted for the Jerusalem artichoke soup with thyme and truffle, £6.50, and it was perfect.

Often restaurants make the mistake of dishing up a heavy soup as a starter but this was light and well portioned which meant it teased my appetite rather than filling me up early in the evening.

Fish lovers are in for a treat with the pan-fried Devon red mullet, fennel salad and bouillabaisse dressing, £7.90, which is also a highly-recommended starter.

Meat eaters can feast on a variety of main meals including roast breast of Telmara Farm duck, chou farci and Madeira jus, £12.50, or Berkshire venison, braised red cabbage and hot pot vegetables, £19.25.

I chose the vegetarian option - tart of wild mushrooms, roasted aubergine and tarragon soubise, £17.25. Restaurants often make the vegetarian meal the poorer cousin of the meat dish. However, this was filling and jam-packed with flavours.

The dessert menu spoils anyone with a sweet tooth with its countless options including toasted coconut pannacotta, chilli and lime-marinated pineapple with pina colada foam, £7.45 or sticky toffee soufflé with Earl Grey tea ice cream, £7.45.

I would recommend the banana split chocolate pancake with banana ice cream, £7.45. The ice cream was deliciously fruity and the pancake was so soft that it melted in my mouth.

Anyone who enjoys good food but wants to save on the pennies should opt for the restaurant's lunchtime menu with two courses for £14.95 or three courses for £19.95. This offer is valid Wednesdays to Saturdays, noon-3pm.

Location: Boulters Restaurant & Bar, Boulters Lock Island, Maidenhead, SL6 8PE.

Phone: 01628 621291 or email enquiries@boultersrestaurant.co.uk

Open: The restaurant is open for lunch from noon-3pm and dinner from 7-10pm.

Parking: Yes.

Average prices: Menu prices: starters £7.60-£10.50 , mains £12.50-£19.25, dessert £4.45-£9.95.