Riverside reverie at Swan at Streatley

With its location on (possibly) the most gorgeous stretch of the Thames, alfresco Lobster Bar, outdoor cinema and plenty of options for messing about on the river, this Coppa Club gem is giving us Made in Chelsea vibes (in the best way)

Summertime (at last!) and the living is easy… so long as you’re not the one sweating over a hot grill, of course. But the guests enjoying the Coppa Club’s Streatley clubhouse ooze a sort of swanlike grace that matches this fairytale setting. With its easygoing luxe vibe, settling in to one of the upholstered booths for lunch, drinks or dinner is as relaxing as sinking into a warm bath.

And you don’t have to worry about imposter syndrome, either, thanks to the great, smiley staff who can whip up a mean cocktail – top marks to the Cuban Missionary (the drink, not the barman). With its wide vista of the Thames and pretty olde worlde wooden bridge, no wonder this is a top choice for summer weddings. It’s the land of beautiful people of all ages – I’ve even heard it referred to as “Pengbourne”, upriver. In fact, it could be the setting for an epic sit-down episode of Made In Chelsea, if the glossy posse drifted upstream out of London for the day…

But: lobster. The lobster pulled me here. I’m a sucker for a lobster (literally) so I’d travel a long way for a good one, not least a mere few miles downstream from the Isis (Thames innit) at Donnington Bridge. Until the end of summer, the Swan at Streatley offers an alfresco lobster bar serving freshly prepared grilled lobster (arriving daily from Cornwall, £34/£60 half or whole, with nori fried & dressed leaves) which is delicious with simple garlic and parsley butter and pairs perfectly with a glass of Nyetimber. Other treats under the sunny canopy include a poached lobster, celery, mayo & pickles roll (Homer Simpson noise) and brilliant burgers (including a plant-based whopper), giant tiger prawns and BBQ herb chicken, all rustled up with ease in front of you, no sweat.

To help locals and visitors make the most of the sun-drenched days and longer evenings for date nights with a difference, there’s a great programme of summer events to enjoy up to September, including regular live lounges and outdoor cinema. You can glide along on one of The Swan’s fleet of electric motor boats, ordering a signature picnic hamperfilled with quintessentially British classics. Or, to work up an appetite, book in for a spot of wild swimming & sauna withSwims & Things, led by our very own Jo (who is endlessly patient: she has swum the Channel!), try stand-up-paddle boarding with SUP Life and yoga with the lovely Grace & Gravity ladies.

There are with 47 bedrooms (including dog-friendly options) from £80 a night if you want to make a summer staycation out of it. And you can win a stay here! Be lucky, and enjoy!

With its location on (possibly) the most gorgeous stretch of the Thames, alfresco Lobster Bar, outdoor cinema and plenty of options for messing about on the river, this Coppa Club gem is giving us Made in Chelsea vibes (in the best way)

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