The story
New Wave Brasserie brings modern seafood preparation to the heart of Lechlade after founders Tim Boyd and chef Bob Parkinson turned a long-held Cotswolds dream into reality. Tim spent over thirty-five years supplying fish to top restaurants before partnering with Bob and hospitality veteran Maisie Boyd to map out their concept across New Orleans, Paris and New York. They opened the former bakery space on Burford Street in October 2022, keeping much of the original café team to maintain that immediate sense of familiarity.
The kitchen follows a strict market rhythm, changing the seafood menu daily to match what arrives fresh from regional purveyors. Red mullet often appears alongside a rich butter sauce built from shellfish and capers, while tender cornish potatoes and spring cabbage provide a steady counterpoint. Tuna sashimi arrives crisp and bright, though diners sometimes pair it with a bold Thai-style dressing that leans heavily on fermented notes. Sweet finishes rely on firm panna cotta balanced against tangy cherry compote and crushed amaretti biscuits.
Bare stone walls and maritime paintings create a quiet backdrop for an intentionally relaxed dining room. Reviewers note the space feels refreshingly informal, with regulars greeted like old friends while soft reggae plays near the tiled floors. A glassed-in passageway hosts a standing fish stall every Friday morning, bridging the gap between wholesale supply and weekend service. The publication recognised this straightforward approach to seafood cookery with its 2026 Good Food Guide accolade, praising both the food quality and the carefully priced wine list.
Recognition
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1 Rosette Award for Culinary Excellence
In contrast to its traditional Cotswold frontage, this refreshingly informal enterprise deserves plaudits for its modern approach to fish cookery. The pleasing interior (stone-tiled flooring, bare stone walls decorated with maritime-themed artworks) is a serene spot where dressed-down regulars are greeted like old friends by the accommodating staff, and Bob Marley might be on the sound system. There’s also alfresco seating in the back yard and an extra room for overspill. As a bonus, a fresh fish stall is set up in the passageway alongside the restaurant every Friday. The menu changes with the market, but fresh oysters are usually up for grabs, the fish soup is a well-regarded fixture, and there’s a bargain, limited-choice set lunch (Wed-Fri) where the main course might be mussels with pancetta and cider cream. Cured meats and steak are the only non-marine alternatives. Prices are refreshing too, especially as main courses include a serving of vegetables (our red mullet comprised two immaculate fillets cooked to perfection in a buttery sauce of mussels and capers alongside a side dish of Cornish potatoes, broccoli and spring cabbage). This was preceded by a generous portion of ultra-fresh tuna sashimi and crispy noodles, somewhat overwhelmed by a strongly fishy nam jim jeaw Thai dressing. Desserts, however, are right on the money: our firm but wobbly panna cotta was sublimely matched with a rich and tangy kirsch/cherry compôte and amaretti crumb. Wines on the Old World-accented list are well-priced too, with whites unsurprisingly to the fore. Also look out for regular 'Super Sundays' featuring festive paellas, fruits de mer and suchlike. ‘Lucky locals,’ commented one reporter.
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