So much has happened since then
Like all businesses, we have had our share of success and failure … many stories to tell. Fast forward to the present day, where we find ourselves still thriving at Gilbey’s Bar, Restaurant & Townhouse in Eton. Lin Gilbey continues to run the business, Michael having very sadly died in June 2022 after a long battle with cancer. Bill and Caroline retired in 2014 but Caroline sadly died in 2020.
A word about the décor
Paintings: all original paintings in both restaurants are by Michael’s niece Alexandra Haynes. Other pictures and general print designs are by Jessica Graham, Lin and Michael’s daughter-in-law. The interior design of both restaurants is by Lin Gilbey.
Passionately independent
Restaurant teams such as ours do not grow on trees … and they cannot be ‘rolled out’. Restaurant ‘chains’ certainly have their place in this industry, but there will always be room for the ‘passionate’ independents … the genuine heart and soul of the restaurant business. That’s us by the way!
Meet the Management Team
Lin and Michael Gilbey RIP: Lin works very closely with the chefs on the design of the ever-changing menus. Michael, having been a full-time wine importer in the life of our business was the man behind all things wine, and handed on the baton to his brother-in-law Chris Gilbey to carry on the good work. Lin communicates her passion for the menus with all members of staff and Michael always has lots to say about the wines. He aims to get the staff to think about wine, to have their own opinion about what they like or don’t like … always, whatever it might be, to have an opinion - their own opinion.
Lin & Michael - Owners
Emma Brett - General Manager
The food was excellent and the service is faultless.
Dear Emma and Team, a note of sincere appreciation for being looked after so well on Saturday to celebrate a family birthday. The size of the room was perfect, the food excellent and the service (Kayeigh and Isobel) faultless.
Kindly pass on my thanks to the Team.
Peter
Best meal I've had for a long time!
I just wanted to message and say thank you so much for a wonderful afternoon on Saturday. The food, service, space and surroundings were all fantastic and made it a very special family event. Even the weather was perfect so we could make use of the terrace. I had the scallops and then sea bass - best meal I've had for a long time!
Thank you for all of your help to get it organised.
Please pass on our thanks to the team
Helen
Many Compliments to the chefs
Just a note to pass on a HUGE thank you to all your team. We were beautifully looked after yesterday and lunch was a total joy from start to finish. Many compliments to the chefs; it must have been seriously hard work in the kitchens with a full house, and it was absolutely delicious!
Thanks to all of you, it couldn't have been a happier lunch.
Tamara
Best meal I've had for a long time!
Our meal this afternoon in your smallest function room was absolutely perfect and so I wanted to say thank you. The waiting staff were attentive yet unimposing and the food really was wonderful.
The room was a lovely venue and we all had a wonderful time. Many thanks for all your help running up to the day as well as great service and food on the day. Everyone in our party commented on the really lovely venue and meal.
Marie
Great service and attention given
I would like to thank you and your team for the great service and attention given to my party on Sunday .
It was a lovely meal which everyone enjoyed. Can you pass on my thanks to everyone
Kind regards,
Jackie
Our fundraising for Thames Hospice
Thames Hospice: shortly before COVID brought everything to a halt, we visited the new Thames Hospice which was being built in a fabulous waterside location in Bray
and decided to get involved with their fundraising efforts.
We began to put an optional donation on each restaurant bill of 50p per person. Well, suffice to say that our wonderful customers have been incredibly generous … and we have already surpassed our target of £30,000. Thank you everyone ... our fundraising continues ...
Our Suppliers
We are proud to use the following suppliers based upon their integrity and passion for great produce
Meat, Poultry & Game
Aubrey Allen Butcher
Fish & Seafood
Flying Fish Seafoods
The Stickleback Fish Company
Fruit & Vegetables
C A Belcher & Sons
Speciality suppliers
Woods Food Service
Cheese & Dairy
Fromage to Age
Bread
Jungs Bakery
Swiss Bread Bakery