Waters Edge, Ruislip

Official site of Waters Edge - www.stonehouserestaurants.co.uk

Official site of Waters Edge - www.stonehouserestaurants.co.uk

The clue is in the name – it's a large pub adjacent to the reservoir. It has a good sized car park and a garden whose oversized collection of children's play apparatus mars the otherwise fine location. It markets itself as a pub and restaurant, but in reality it concentrates on fast food, primarily burgers and pizzas, while the interior – two bars with multi-level floors – feels like a fairground funhouse. There was no real ale available when we visited. It's quite a nice spot to spend an afternoon when the weather and school timetables permit, but it's not a destination of choice for the adult drinker.

Modern Crown Carveries building in a semi-Art Deco style, in a fine spot overlooking Ruislip Lido. Mostly single-storey, but rather gloomier inside than one might expect. Firmly aimed at the family bargain dining market, and given how busy in was on a March Saturday lunchtime then the place must be absolutely overrun on a fine summer Sunday. Thankfully does do real ale, with Greene King IPA (£2.65) and London Pride (£3.05) available. Overall, serves its purpose well enough, I suppose.