Rick Stein Barnes

We recently visited Rick Stein Barnes after being invited to experience the new Taste of 50 Years menu, and it was an exceptional evening from start to finish. We began with the Coombeshead Farm sourdough paired with cod brandade, which set the tone with its rustic yet refined flavour. The deep-fried crystal prawns were crisp and light, the Maryland crab cakes carried just the right seasoning, and both the salmon and tuna tartare were fresh and well balanced. The sea bass with beurre blanc (prepared alcohol free) was beautifully cooked and complemented perfectly by the sauce, while the summer risotto was fresh and vibrant. For the mains, I chose the Indonesian seafood curry, which stood out as one of the highlights of the night. Rich, aromatic, and full of depth, it showcased how seafood can be celebrated in global styles while still holding true to Stein’s legacy. My wife went for the goat’s cheese and thyme soufflé, which was perfectly risen, creamy, and a dish that shows true finesse in execution. Desserts carried the same high standard. I had the custard tart served with crème fraîche, which was silky and comforting, while my wife enjoyed the chocolate fondant with vanilla ice cream, indulgent with its molten centre and a fitting end to her meal. Our children were also well looked after with dishes tailored to their taste. They had classic fish and chips with haddock, fried to a golden crisp and served with mushy peas and tartare sauce, which they thoroughly enjoyed. They also shared the Dover sole à la meunière, lightly dusted in flour, pan-fried, and finished with beurre noisette, which was an elegant yet family-friendly dish. It was good to see such attention given to the younger diners too. A special mention must go to Adnana, who provided outstanding service throughout the evening. She made sure that every detail was taken care of, including ensuring all dishes were alcohol free to suit our requirements. Her attentiveness, knowledge of the menu, and warm approach made our experience smooth and enjoyable. What stood out most was how each dish we tried celebrated different moments from Rick Stein’s five decades in food, yet all felt timeless. There was a sense of consistency and respect for quality ingredients in everything we ate. It was a chance to experience a culinary journey that has been shaped by years of expertise and a genuine love for seafood and flavour. The restaurant itself had a welcoming atmosphere, with a relaxed yet polished setting that worked perfectly for a family dinner. Even though this was a special menu, the service, presentation, and care taken in each dish felt effortless, as though these classics had always belonged here. Overall, my family and I had a wonderful time at Rick Stein Barnes. The Taste of 50 Years menu delivered a memorable dining experience that captured the very best of Rick Stein’s legacy. Every course was thoughtfully prepared, service was excellent, and the evening flowed with ease. Whether you are a long-time fan of Rick Stein or looking to explore classic dishes reimagined with care, this menu is well worth experiencing.

Visited Rick Stein Barnes with family and really enjoyed the beautiful riverside setting. The restaurant is in a converted barn that’s been done up to a very high standard, warm, stylish and inviting. Service was friendly and professional throughout. We felt well looked after. Food-wise, there were some highs and a few areas for improvement. The fish and chips were excellent, thin, crispy batter and not greasy at all. A great classic. It would have been nice to have malt vinegar offered alongside, and the tartar sauce could have used a bit more seasoning. Starters were a mix. The salt and pepper prawns were tasty but the accompanying cucumber salad was marinated a bit too long and came out overly salty. My scallops were slightly overcooked and lacked a bit of seasoning, though still enjoyable. The Andalusian prawn fritters were crisp but a touch greasy for my taste. The tonkatsu chicken was decent, but the sauce was quite overpowering, closer to a spicy BBQ flavour than traditional tonkatsu, and the dish was served a little lukewarm. That said, the set menu pricing (two courses around £24) is very fair for the location and overall quality. Beautiful spot, great service, and good value. A few tweaks to the dishes would easily elevate the experience to a five-star meal.

I need to give some background so you can appreciate why I give the scores that you see here. We have been coming to Barnes for a couple of years - my wife is a Rick Stein fan of many years. Whilst she was recovering from cancer treatment a few years ago we used to watch Ricks adventures across the world on repeat, it was very much a way of helping us to cope with the difficult times we found ourselves in. When we discovered Barnes was only about 25 minutes drive away, we had to come and our most recent visit confirms why. The waiters are superb, always polite, calm and helpful, the food - for which in this meal, shared with two of our closest friends, was mostly fish based and focusing on the lobster - was a culinary triumph, as always. They remembered it was coming up to my birthday and an unexpected slice of cake was presented to me. Barnes is a real slice of restaurant heaven for us. The seats overlooking the river, the ambience, the superb choice of wines and beers, and the non alcoholic drinks too (my wife in particular very grateful for the help in choosing drinks). Overall, always a fabulous experience and we will be coming back. I hope Rick and Jack know that they’ve created something special here. We will always be grateful for the short times we have at this restaurant, reminding us in the best ways possible of the difficult times spent on hospitals and at home when things didn’t seem so good. Thanks to the staff for a lovely Sunday out. You’re a credit to the restaurant, all of you.