Location and reviews (please see Disclaimer) of some pubs in Henley area. There is also a guide on the web for pubs in the nearby town of Maidenhead.

Any comments or additions please e-mail me.

Also, please feel free to e-mail your own pub reviews and see them appear here (Any pub within 18 miles of Henley)!

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Aston

Aston is a small village approximately 1.5 miles northeast of Henley. Take the A4130 to London. At the village of Remenham Hill (approx. a 1.5 from the centre of Henley) turn left on to a narrow country lane. Aston is approximately 1 mile down the road.

The Flower Pot Hotel (Brakspears)

"Not sure where the other comments are referring to as I have eaten in the Flower Pot a few times and the food is delicious and the chef cooks up the most wonderful food in the kitchen!
We are going to Hurley for the Bank Holiday weekend and will most defintely be going to see the delightful staff and having a lovely evening meal there as well." - K Sargeant, August 2007

"Absolutely the worst Sunday lunch I have ever had in an English pub. Do not eat here, food is an insult and should not be fed to dogs. Kitchen totally clueless, staff indifferent/rude. A disgrace." - SCamb, July 2007

"This is an unpretetious country pub with good beer and excellent food both in terms of value, quality and quantity. The only downside is the number of like thinking people who drag themselves into the middle of nowhere and sometimes make it difficult to find a seat." - Norman, April 2007

"Today, 25.2.2007 five of us came to the Flower Pot to have a Sunday roast lunch and it was the worst roast lunch I have ever tasted. The roast beef was stringy & tasteless, the vegetables practically raw & tasteless, too. The Yorkshire pudding was like rubber & the gravy tasted totally artificial. The plate was piled up high with food which turned out to be practically inedible and so remained uneaten. It was a most unpleasant & embarrassing situation as my father was treating us all to this lunch to which we invited two German friends who were supposed to be 'experiencing' a typical English dish! No staff had asked us for any comments." - Eva, February 2007

"Popped in for a beer. This pub doesn't change (well, the 'right-hand' bar where I drink doesn't - it is stiff full of stuffed things). Had a pint of Brakspears which was in good order." - Nick, June, 2006

"A wonderful country hotel. It is a red-bricked building at the top of Aston Ferry Lane, and therefore a few minutes walk from the River Thames (the ferry no longer runs). The hotel has a nice small public bar with many examples of stuffed fish on the walls (best collection I have ever seen). The public bar is full of locals, even on a Friday lunchtime. The 'lounge' bar is large and roomy with many tables (the lounge used to be as small as the public bar but has undergone considerable alterations in recent years). The garden is large and well groomed. The beer seems to be well kept and I had several enjoyable pints of Reaper's Reward (a Brakspears seasonal brew). Food was good. The landlord also keeps chickens so don't be surprised to see the odd one wandering around the garden and lane (the eggs are used in the meals)." - Nick, September, 1998

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Binfield Heath

Binfield Heath is a small village approximately 2.5 miles southwest of Henley. Take the A4155 from Henley to Reading. At approximately 2.5 miles (just before Shiplake College) turn right. At the junction after 0.5 miles, bear right. Pass the White Hart pub, and at 1 mile (just after the village of Binfield Heath) bear right and follow the road for just under 0.5 miles to the pub (if you miss this road proceed to the next crossroad, 0.25 miles, and turn right).

Bottle and Glass (Brakspears)

"Bottle and Glass, Binfield Heath. Only a couple of miles out of Henley - on Reading Road turn right just after Shiplake Cross. Thatched roof, stone floor, warm draft Brakspears and bearded boring local with cut glass accent -everything a Yank tourist dreams of. But ignore that. The landlord is a down to earth Northumbrian who knows how to keep a good cellar and the food's not bad." - David, February, 1997

"A great looking 'English Country Pub'. Thatched roof and white washed walls. Nice beer garden. Another pub that I haven't been in for a few years!" - Nick, February, 1997

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Bix

Bix is a small village approximately 2 miles north west of Henley on the A4130 to Oxford. The village is set back from the main road.

The Fox (Brakspears)

The Fox was on the right hand side of the Henley to Oxford road (A4130) just after the dual carriageway, approximately 3 miles from Henley.

"Your information about The Fox is well out of date. It has not been a pub for a long time and appears, passing by, that it is being converted to a dwelling house. I suggest you remove it!" - David, August 2007

"The fox closed down, several years ago, and I believe it has stood empty and derelict since. Believe it is going to be a house?" - Emma, February 2006

"Last year (1999) the brewery applied for planning permission to ruin this pub by turning it into a 'Heritage Inn' or some such nonsense. The locals got together a petition and successfully challenged the planning application. Richard (the old landlord mentioned in the previous review) left some time ago. Last time I visited was about November '99 and the beer was still decent, however." - Tim, June 2000

"The Fox at Bix is an excellent roadside pub if you want a good, home made sandwich with your Brakspears. It serves the best Sunday roasts for miles around - but will give priority to regular customers if there are only a few servings left. The landlord is a little - how shall I put it? - well, creepy.........." - Tim, February, 1997

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Checkendon

Checkendon is a small village approximately 6 miles west of Henley.

Four Horseshoes (Brakspears)

"This is a fairly large pub, part thatched and quite old. Two bars, one spartan and wooden with a pool table, TV and fruitie which caters for the Woodcote football crowd on Sunday lunchtimes and the odd pipe smoking, wellie wearing dog owner, and another oldie-worldie bar which on a Sunday is occupied by the can't be bothered to cook and can afford to eat out crowd. But, you can usually get a table and the food is excellent. This is a Brakspears pub that is notable for it's rustic Gents outside and fairly primitive one inside. Stag's head over the fireplace. Very cosy. Must try this on a day off in the week. Could be good to incorporate in a walk." - Vincent, April, 1997

"This is worrying! I know this is a pub I have been in a good few times but I can't remember it!" - Nick, April, 1997

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The Black Horse

"My memories of the Black Horse was before the war when Albert Saunders and his wife Maggie ran the place which was also a small farm. I used to help around the farmyard, milking one of the cows (the quiet one) and having the odd ride on Dolly who was the only horse. Unfortunately Albert died of TB and spent his last days in a chalet which was built for him in the meadow behind the pub" - Brian, December 2006

"Popped in for a beer (I was on a 'pub crawl' of a few of my old haunts) and I am pleased to report it has not really changed since I first had a beer there in the 1980s. All the comments below (except the one about the two sisters running it) are still true. A great example of an old English country pub." - Nick, September, 2006

"This pub is a real gem. Whereas so many pubs in the area have become gentrified, turned into bistros, or acquired chic status, this one remains doggedly rustic. Hooray for that. The beer is wonderful, the atmosphere homely, and above all, it has no pretensions whatsoever. Long may it survive unchanged. I usually stay on their camping field across the road. I can therefore quaff the excellent ales with abandon, knowing that I don't have to drive. When the 21st century is getting me down, I head for the Black Horse. It's the closest place to paradise in the Chilterns." - Peter, November 2005

"A great traditional pub.

Gravity fed Brakspears, simple fare.

I first stumbled on The Black Horse in 1978. Two elderly ladies ran it.  It was a Sunday and they opened late because they wanted to watch the Onedin Line.

They spoke of their new house extension, which it turned out had been built in the 1930s.

They used to sell liquorice and pickled eggs.

Previous reviewers have spoken of The Black Horse being hidden away. It is, but these days they have a discreet sign on the 'main' road.

It used to vie for cult status with 'The Crooked Billet' in Stoke Row when that place was run by the incomparable 'Nobby'. But now there is nowhere quite like The Black Horse.

Anyone who has a copy of the Ken Russell film of 'The Rainbow' will see a very brief appearance of the Black Horse." - Peter, November 2001

"This pub is in a time-warp and jolly good too. Beer is brought up by hand from the cellar, and they've only just introduced lager. They sell pickled eggs in dishes. Don't let the peeling paint and broken windows put you off -if you've been out for a walk or bike-ride this place is great. Your challenge is to find it - it's hidden up a track and no effort is made to help you there." - Barty, November 2000

"I used to know this pub very well. When I first found it in the early 80s it was run by two sisiter. They told me stories of how their father had run the pub before the first world war. Stories of the pub opening before 6 am to serve local plough hands on their way to work. I once made the mistake of asking for ice in my lemonade (I was driving) and one of the sisters vanished for what seemed an age only to re-appear with a saucer that contained two cubes. She chased one with a spoon and dropped it on the floor, the second one made it in to the lemonade where it immediately melted in the warm drink. A great pub!" - Nick, November 2000

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Hambleden

Hambleden is a small, and much photographed, village approximately 3 miles northeast of Henley. Take the A4155 from Henley to Marlow, at about 3 miles there is a turning to the right in the village of Mill End to Hambleden.

Stag and Huntsman (Free House)

"Hambleden is truly a picturesque village. The 'Stag' is a wonderful pub. It consists of three bars, a small public bar which is always full of the locals from the village, a front small lounge bar, and a back lounge bar. Food is generally good whether served in the bar or the restaurant area adjacent to the front lounge bar. Beer is usually a collection of 4 to 6 'good' beers kept on a well maintained cellar. Pub has a nice garden. A few years ago the pub was for sale and was finally bought by Lord Hambleden. Two points of interest, a fine example of a gents outside loo, and a notice behind the door of the public bar warning what to do in the advent of a German invasion!" - Nick, October, 1996

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Henley

A. E. Hobbs (Brakspears) - Now Closed

Location: Valley Road, Henley

"Its is now been demolished and replaced with houses" - Nick, June 2002

"Recently closed. Site rumoured to be developed for houses" - Nick, September 2000

"Popped in for a quick pint over Xmas 1998. The place was almost empty and the beer was awful." - Nick, January 1999

"A pub that I guess was built in the 60's / 70's and named after a famous local fisherman who I believe designed pubs for Brakspears and left them his stuffed fish collection! The stuffed fish can be seen in the tasting room at the brewery and a 'model' of the Mr. Hobbs can be seen outside the pub. As the pub is modern it suffers from poor-design, that is it resembles a large bungalow on the outside. It consists of two bars, a 'public' bar on the left, complete with pool-table and fruit-machine and a lounge on the right. Beer variable due to some cellar problems. Recently I had the misfortune of hearing a truly awful band in the pub, I hope that is not a regular 'attraction'! " - Nick, November 1997

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Cork Talk (Free House) - Now Closed

Location: Reading Road, Henley

"Recently closed but is due to re-open under a new name and with new management" - Nick, October 2000

"Lively atmosphere at weekends and gets busy quickly. Bit expensive but the food/beer/wine is good and the staff a laugh." - Jon, April 1997

"Though not strictly a pub, it serves ales and spirits. The two men who run the place are not particularly friendly, and seem to be in the wrong business. The interior decoration is stark, with a small bar and several tables. It leans heavily towards wines and occasional sarcasm. A visitor who had the temerity to eat a candy bar at the bar was severely reprimanded (the place serves food) the resultant rancour among his party caused all to leave the place, costing the hosts more than a few pounds. They didn't seem to care. If you are looking for friendly conversation give this place a miss." - Bill, September 1996

"Although a wine bar bar/restaurant Cork Talk does offer a choice of real ale other than Brakspears. Worth a visit just to try the beer." - Nick, January 1995

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Three Horse Shoes (Brakspears)

Location: Junction of Harpsden and Reading Road, Henley

"The new landlady is Dawn Kirby, daughter of 'Kirby of Jolly Waterman' fame, now closed... but initial visits to the 'shoes' have been OK. The Beer is still excellent although now expensive for the area (+10p/pint =1.80 - but compensated by friendly bar manager 'Pete'?? & Wayne. There is a Pool table also and, yes, food although at present only sandwiches and fried stuff, and I've just learnt tonight, guitar sessions on Fridays. I think the pub could become a fairly young busy trendy pub judging by the new clientele" - Martin, November 1996

"A pub that I first went in to over 10 years ago. I was in there in February 1996 and it was like stepping in to a time warp, it had not changed one bit! A classic example of a 'locals' pub. Only pub I know that still has a bottle and jug! According to the Henley Standard (11th October 1996) the pub changed hands on 29th September 1996 when Joan Herbert retired after 39 years. The pub is now run by Dawn Kirby who intends to introduce a range of pub grub and encourage a younger clientele, as well as the regular customers. The interior of the pub is due to be renovated by the brewery sometime within the next 12 months." - Nick, October 1996

"Reputedly the best pint in Henley. Sadly the Landlady (after some 30 years) retires next month (October 1996) but the in going people know they have a reputation to match!!" - Martin, September 1996

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Old White Horse (Brakspears)

Location: Bottom of the Fair Mile, Henley

"Popped in to the Old White Horse for a beer. I haven't been in the pub for around 20 years. I was not at all surprised to find that the pub had changed since my last visit. The pub used to have a number of small rooms but now has a single bar area. The beer was good, they seemed to have a reasonable bar menu. The pub also appears to offer live music at weekend. From the Henley Standard (June 16th, 2006) it appears the pub has recently undergone a £100,000 facelift." - Nick, September 2006

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Highmoor

Highmoor is a small village about 4 miles from Henley.

Dog and Duck (Brakspears)

Location: Near Henley! From Henley, take the main road to Oxford, Highmoor is a small village off to the left just before Nettlebed.

"This quaint country pub has friendly and helpful staff. cosy eating arears plus pleasant garden. The menu has a wide choice of meals at reasonable prices, well presented and good size portions. WELL WORTH A VISIT." - SHW, July 2005

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Hurley

Hurley is a small village about 4 miles from Henley on the Maidenhead to Henley road (A4130).

The Dew Drop Inn (Brakspears)

Location: Near Hurley! From Henley, on the Henley to Maidenhead road, pass the Black Boy public house, and just before you enter the village of Hurley turn right. The pub is usually sign posted from the main road.

"Dropped into this old Pub a couple of times recently. On my first visit I was staggered to see that inside very little had changed since my first entering the building in 1978! Good fire burning, tiny bar, same old things on the wall and they do serve a good pint. Surprise, surprise! They now serve food! But, this is a delight in as much as the place still exists, especially after a 5 mile hike in the English rain. Well worth a visit, if you can find it! Nick knows of course." - Vincent, December 1998

"A pub that I have not been to in more years than I care to think about!" - Nick, December 1998

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Lower Assenden

Lower Assenden is a small village on the B480, approximately 2 miles from the centre of Henley. Take the A4130 from Henley to Oxford. Just before the dual-carriageway bear right on to the B480.

The Golden Ball (Brakspears)

"The Golden Ball now has its own website, which is http://www.thegoldenball.net and e-mail address info@thegoldenball.net" - Yvonne, December 2006

"I recently visited your site, to note The Golden Ball public house in Lower Assendon.

I would just like to make you aware that it is now under new ownership and although the pub hasn't changed its charater there is not pot belly pig.

We have currently made some renevations to the garden plus expended on our menu." - Yvonne, September 2005

"A great little 'out-of-town' pub. Small, low ceiling, building with a real 'country-pub' look. Converted a few years back from a two-bar pub to a one rather odd shaped room arrangement, that is there are a series of 'small-room' areas around the main bar! Nice atmosphere and good beer. Good garden complete with climbing frame for the kids, a pot-belly pig and goat!" - Nick, October, 1996

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The Rainbow (Brakspears)

"I was out on a bit of a pub crawl around some of our 'old haunts' when we ended up in 'The Rainbow'. The pub hasn't changed much over the years. The right hand bar had a few 'locals' in who were enjoying a beer and a chat. We stayed in the left hand bar. Had a reasonable pint of Brakspears. " - Nick, September, 2006

"This is surely one of the smallest, but best pubs in the area. The Rainbow has two small but very friendly bars. The beer, Brakspears is lovingly kept by the landlord. The food is also excellent, Sunday Lunch is hard to beat, big portions and all fresh. Mind your head though in the small bar, the beam does rather come down to meet your head. Have tried the food in the evenings and the menu is often changed but again the food and portions have never disappointed. Lovely place even to try just for a pint sometime, nicely off the beaten track." - Paul, February 1999

"What country pubs used to be like. This one is so old the ceiling tends to drop down to meet you. The food is well worth the trip, with a surprising menu (A great Thai food selection sometimes appears). A great darts pub with friendly hosts and outside seats in the nicer weather." - Bill, September 1996

"Nice little country pub that really looks the part. Thatch roof (I think), white outside walls, low ceilings, and small bars. Two little known facts about the pub. It featured in an episode of the New Avengers (cars were seen driving up and down the road viewed by someone in the pub garden, the shot even included a pint of beer (Brakspears I assume) that decreased in volume between the cars passing), and when Brakspears 'experimented' with filtered beer and electric pumps (in the '70s?) a landlord 'recycled' the pump and used it to power the fountain in the fish pond!" - Nick, September 1996

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Maidensgrove Common

Maidensgrove Common is an area of common ground associated with the village of Maidensgrove approximately 4.5 miles northwest of Henley. The common is a wide area of open grassland on top of a hill. It offers good views and some nice walking. An ideal place for walking the dog and flying kites (model aircraft have now been banned).

Take the A4130 from Henley to Oxford. Just before the dual-carriageway bear right on to the B480 (approx. 1.5 miles from the centre of Henley). Follow the B480 for about three miles. Pass the Golden Ball, Rainbow and Stonor Arms pubs. Just after the Stonor Arms turn right and follow the road up through the woods, and across the common, to the Five Horseshoes (approx. 1.75 miles).

The Five Horseshoes (Brakspears)

"Visited this pub several times this summer. The food and drink is good, the staff fantastic and very friendly. Great spot for a summer meal in the garden admiring the views." - Martin, December 2006

"As part of my extended pub crawl (I wasn't driving!) we also popped in to the Five Horseshoes. As ever, the pub was neat and tidy with a few people sitting around eating (it was a Tuesday evening). Beer was good." - Nick, September, 2006

"A very warm welcome awaited us, along with that wonderful smell of real wood fires. The menu is supposed to be typically British Pub Food, which is so uncommon these days that there really is nothing typical about it! Shepherds Pie, Sausages & mash, Beer Bettered Haddock & Chips were just some of the dishes available. Naturally as it was Sunday there was the traditional Roast Beef as well. Eight of us sampled 5 dishes, all were amazing value, excellently presented, brilliantly served and thoroughly enjoyed. I really do not know how the overall experience could be improved. Natalina, CC, And staff are all brilliant without being over the top, the are knowledgable without being anything other than friendly, they ae efficient and smiley too - it really seems that they enjoy their jobs. £188 for 8 people inc drinks, some having one course, some two and some all three! Will certainly be back and can't recommend highly enough." - Griff, February, 2006

"Excellent pub with an award-winning bistro (the Cafe Shoes) attached to it. Great views over the valley and world-famous barbecues on summer Sundays - now available throughout the day, from lunchtime until about 9 pm. Unforgettable and very popular." - Tim, June 2000

"A typical old English country pub which is a little way along the road from the common. The approach to the common, and hence the pub, is through some beautiful beech woods up a narrow winding road from the village of Stonor. The pub is a small red bricked building. Inside there are two small low ceiling bar areas and a large fireplace. Recently the bar area has been expanded by the addition of a 'conservatory' which offers more seating and wonderful views over the surrounding hills. The pub also has a nice garden which is ideal for those sunny summer lunchtimes and evenings. The pub offers a range of Brakspears beers and good food. Hikers are welcome, but please leave your muddy boots at the door!" Nick, October 1996

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Nettlebed

Nettlebed is a pretty little village. It is approximately 5 miles from Henley on the A4130 to Oxford. It is known for the Sue Ryder Home, a furniture and antique shop, and the Nettlebed village pub, where they organise special social, cultural and musical events.

The Sun Inn (Brakspears)

"The pub is now closed" - Nick, May 2000

"According to the Henley Standard of 5 February 1999 the Sun is due to close at the end of March 1999." - Nick, February 1999

"The Sun Inn is in Watlington Street (on the B481 to Watlington) and just next to the post office of the village. It is a very small pub but the only real one in Nettlebed. The pub's room is sort of divided into a bar and a restaurant. At the bar, where Brakspear's Traditional Ales are being served, you mostly find all the locals and regulars drinking, whereas the restaurant welcomes all travelers and visitors, who pop in for a meal. The food is home cooked and you can select a meal from a varied menu. They are all supposed to be very good. On weekdays it is usually rather quiet in there, but you always get the chance to have a unique conversation of "high standards" with the regulars at the bar or just a friendly chat with the publican, if you prefer "small talk". You easily feel very comfortable in that living-room like and attractive fireside ambiance of the pub. You will love it even more, if you like dogs, as the publican's dog Beamish will always be happy to meet you and to have someone to play with. In the summer time The Sun also provides a lovely beer garden inviting you to enjoy your pints and drinks outside in the garden. So, if for a change you look for a quiet place, where you do not meet the loud crowds, but where you still do not feel alone, because you are with like-minded persons, The Sun is definitely the right pub to go to. It is always worth a visit and to have a couple of pints in nice company!" Julia, December 1996

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Play Hatch

Play Hatch is a small village on the A4155 (Henley to Reading road) approximately 4.5 miles from Henley.

The Flowing Spring (Fullers)

"The Flowing Spring serves the best pint of London Pride outside of London. The food is good and the company of the regulars exceptional. It is, as the landlord points out, a pub that serves food not a restaurant that serves beer. The current darts team are in need of more members and would welcome any and all interested persons. Our standard is fair but by no means outstanding and we play 14 other local pubs in a league spanning September - April. Call in and let us know that you would like to join. Monday evenings 5-30 to 7.00 is our practice night and darts proper is on Tuesdays starting at 8.30." - John, December 2006

"You really should check the Flowing spring out NOW!! the beer is still excellent, Most pubs in the Thames valley area are not biker friendly. But for once I have found a landlord who is not only likable but has one of the most modern up to date pub who still serves proper beer??, since the Spring's modernisation you would expect prices for food and beer to go up but not the spring. TOP PUB, Top Beer and Top Landlord ( Steve)" - Anon, October 2000

"Nice little pub, suffers from an unfortunate location (right on the busy and narrow Henley to Reading Road (A4155)) which makes it difficult to get out of, and has occasional flooding of the pub garden! Bar area is small and they always keep a good pint of Fullers. Worth a visit. Had some great soup and wonderful beer on my last visit. The new landlord (who had a really nasty skiing accident last year) has made a real effort to tidy up the garden and hold 'special' events such as a mini-beer festival and live music days." - Nick, June 1998

"Paid a visit to this little establishment Sunday lunchtime. It has changed hands recently but has not changed in any way that I could see. I gather that the previous landlord has moved to Tenerife or thereabouts. The Fullers London Pride was excellent and I also sampled a glass of Porter which I presume to be a recent addition to the Fullers range. Quite nice. My one regret was not ordering any food as it looked and smelled delicious." - Vincent, March 1997

"Fullers pub, The Flowing Spring on the Reading Road. (Now run by a mad Irishman and an excellent pint of Fullers!)" - Martin, November 1996

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Satwell

Satwell is a small village approximately 3.5 miles west of Henley. There is no easily described route to the village and the one outlined here is longer than 3.5 miles. Take the A4130 north from Henley. At the roundabout near Nettlebed (approximately 5 miles from the centre of Henley) take the first exit on to the B481 to Highmoor. Pass through the village of Highmoor (Dog and Duck pub, Brakspears. Approx. 1.5 miles from the roundabout). Follow the B481 for about another mile and the village on Satwell is on the left.

The Lamb (Brakspears)

"The restaurant manager, William, is an absolute fool. He is rude, arrogant and disparaging. I was served a dish in which the potatoes were still frozen. I was asked by William the presumptuous manager "I don't know if you do fine dining but I used to work at L'Ortolan...." also "Did you eat all your food, did you enjoy it", "The cook is Polish" and the top remark "How cold is it outside". The potato was frozen, you are in a pub and its end of March!!! No wonder he is no longer in L'Ortolan with that kind of attitude." - Martin, April 2007

"After a succession of poor landlords Th Lamb was taken over in November 2003 by a Glenn & Debbie Walker who turned the place around and made it really special, they moved in October 2004 to take on a larger place nearer there home. There followed a further succession of poor operators who undid all the good work, untill Brakspears sold it to AWT. It is now back as it should be with quality food & drink." - Brian, July 2006

"Heart broken! No other way to describe it! Went in to the pub over Xmas 1998. First visit since the fire. The pub is just not the same. Looks like the Lamb but is not quite right. Basically they have tried to replace the burnt out inside but of course failed. It was an impossible task. On the plus side, the beer was good, on a negative side, the landlord did not know what Twigglets were!!!" - Nick, January 1999

"A beautiful classic country pub. I first went to this pub in the early '80's when it was run by 'Larry' (as in, Larry the Lamb! Such wit and humour!) and his wife Beryl. You could always count on Larry for an 'unfriendly/rude' welcome; a better landlord you could not wish for. The pub had real character, big open fire place with 'You can poke anything in this pub except the fire' written over the top, chickens on the window ledge and Jack Russels running around your feet. The pub is over 400 years old (1520, owned by Brakspears for 100 years) and has the typical low ceilings. If you are over 5 ft 10 in you will have to duck and stand with your head between the beams! Beer garden even had a beer drinking goat to which many a pint was lost! That was the good old days! Since 'Larry' left to set up a farm in Devon the pub has had several landlords and undergone several rounds of 'improvements'. On my last visit the back bar looked more like a restaurant than a pub! Recent sad news according to The Standard (31st January 1997) is that a 'chimney fire raged out of control' and that 'firefighters battled for five hours to save the building'. The pub is to be shut for several months for repairs and there is talk of extending the pub! A great shame!" - Nick, February, 1997

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Shiplake

Shiplake is a small, but what seems quite a scattered, village on the main road (the A 4155) running south from Henley to Reading.

The Plowden Arms

"Mira's reputation for serving the best beer in the area has resulted in her receiving the "Best Beer & Cellar" Pub of the Year 2006 award from Brakspear at the recent annual awards ceremony. This follows on from winning the "Newcomer of the Year" award last year." - Jonathan, April 2007

"This Great Pub now has a new website www.theplowdenarms.co.uk" - Jonathan, March 2007

"The proprietor Mrs Mira Baeman is rightly proud of the pubs reputation for fine food.
Now has a web site at The Plowden Arms" - Tony, September 2006

"Landlord John has just retired to Norfolk after 18 years at The Plowden. We wish new landlord Don good luck.....he's got a hard act to follow." - Barty, October 2001

"Landlord John's grumpy demeanour hides a very dry sense of humour. Smokers beware in the dining area (nice log fire), but you're OK in the Public. Food good,but basic. Family room cold and horrible.

And the beer.....

A group of us go out on a 'survey' twice a year (longest day and longest night). Every year for the last five years John's Brakspears has been best every time." Barty, November 2000

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Skirmett

Skirmett is a small village approximately 5 miles northeast of Henley and 2 miles north of Hambleden. Take the A4155 from Henley to Marlow, at about 3 miles there is a turning to the right in the village of Mill End to Hambleden. Skirmett is about 2 miles north of Hambleden (don't go in to Hambleden village).

The Frog

"Excellent, excellent pub with brilliant food but well worth a visit regardless of whether or not you want to eat. Big log fire in the winter; great beers (London Pride is very dependable); dogs and walkers welcome. Try the cod & chips which is usually on the menu - best I've had for years. Irish couple runs the place and are very friendly. Good mixture of locals (populating the bar) and visitors (mostly eating)." - Tim, June 2000

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Stoke Row

Stoke Row is a small village approximately 5 miles west of Henley.

Crooked Billet (Brakspears)

"Went to the Billet for a few beers and a meal with some friends. Had a great time.

The pub hasn't changed much over the years. The layout of the bars is still the same and a lot of the old character has been retained. However, the pub is now a restaurant and not like the pub in Nobby's day.

Had a very nice meal and the beer, still served from a doorway and barrels in a back room, was in very good order. One surprise on the menu was Stoke Row Water Buffallo. I asked the waitress about this, and even tried some, and she assured me that the animals were raised on a nearby farm. Is this true?" - Nick, December 2002

"If there were a 100 points to be earned for being the best pub, 'The Crooked Billet' would be up there scoring it.

In the 1970s Nobby ran this establishment in a chaotic but suprisingly efficient way.

It had two bars, one with an open fire and the other with a stove. Various cats used to settle in the settees and chairs and Nobby would instruct people to throw them off.

In his later days Nobby used to snooze in front of the open fire and trust customers to not only serve themselves from the barrels in the cellar but to leave the correct money on the hideously garish formica worktop in the kitchen.

The Crooked Billet had 'cult status' with the beer fans of Reading in those days. Nobby didn't mind. He called everyone 'brother' and then took himself off at a ridiculous age to some sort of bliss with his Canadian girlfriend.

His legacy is a 'hard-to-find' pub that's actually a restaurant which caters for London people who live in the Stoke Row area.

Pretty good food, they do their best and probably make a decent profit to boot.

I took the photos for a friend's wedding there a few years ago, then heard that Kate Winslett re-arranged the deckchairs of her private life shortly afterwards. Ah, well..." - Peter, November 2001

"I think this place deserves a word or two in its defence.

As a pub it's a total non-starter, except perhaps for a drink outside in the summer, but judged as an informal restaurant or traditional dining inn, it really is very good. Don't expect bar snack prices though!" - Barty October 2001

"I can confirm that this place is no longer keeping up any pretense of being a pub. We visited with some friends lately and the draught beer selection was Carlsberg or Guinness. And that was it. The food is also (I think) over-priced - dinner for four could easily set you back £100 which, considering that the building, furniture and decor are still essentially pub-standard, is a rip-off. We definitely won't be going back again." - Tim, June 2000

"You have to wonder about this place! I see from a recent addition of the Henley Standard (15 Jan 1999) that not only did the pub recently host Kate 'I have a sinking feeling' Winslet's wedding reception but it is also listed in The Good Food Guide, AA Best Pubs and Inns Guide, The Which? Good Food Guide, and The Good Pub Guide. Also, it was voted 'Best out of London' in Time Out's Eating and Drinking Guide. What is this place? A pub or a restaurant?" - Nick, January 1999

"There was a disturbance the other week when Kate 'Titanic' Winslet held her wedding reception at the Crooked Billet, Stoke Row. According to press reports there were many complaints from local residents about the noise created. Fireworks were dispatched to the heavens whilst the guests (all but few presumably thespians), tucked into their bangers 'n mash. Seems that the landlord is in trouble. I thought that the place was supposed to be a Public House, but there you go, Brakspears is not what it used to be. In her defense the press reported that she and her next of kin had been using the 'Pub' "for yonks". Seeing as she is 23 years old and the Billet ceased to be a 'Pub' 9 years ago, I think that that is a bit rich. Me thinks I'll check it out soon." - Vincent, December 1998

"This is a fine pub that I haven't been to for 5 years or so but is well worth the visit. It's really hard to find so it keeps the tourists out. There's a fancy restaurant as part of it nowadays." - Tina, March, 1997

"This was another classic country pub see (see The Lamb for another example!) which in my opinion was ruined by 'improvement'. It is an old little pub tucked down the back of a narrow lane in Stoke Row. When I first went there in the early '80's it had an old untouched feel to it. Nobby (Noddy? I think that was his name (It was Nobby Saunders, according to Vincent)) the Landlord seemed to run a fairly relaxed pub which, as I remember it, had only two rooms, one with a large fire place (to the left as you walked in), and the beer was served from a doorway. On my last visit in 1995 the place had been 'transformed' in to a 'pub-cum-restaurant', a 'bar' had been constructed in the doorway, and the person serving seemed surprised that I only wanted beer! A large room to the right of the pub, which I didn't know existed, had been opened up as an additional seating area. The pub has featured in several films and television dramas and photos of some days filming and actors involved can be seen on the walls." - Nick, March 1997

Tel: 01491 681048

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Wargrave

Wargrave is a small village some 3.5 miles south of Henley on the A321.

The village now has its own web site.

The Bull (Brakspears)

Location: High Street, Wargrave

"Here's a small update from the folks at wargrave.net : The Bull has a new landlady as off the end of January 1998. It is believed her name is Jane Worral. This of course means I will have to visit the pub again for a new review! I have been to the pub, but not for a few years. I have never seen the ghost, although the story is quite well known. I have eaten at the pub on several occasions and the food is usually pretty good." - Nick, February 1998

"This used to be a quaint old place with a built in ghost that some visitors claim to have seen after hours in the bar area. The current hosts are a little uppity, which is surprising when you them talk with what used to be referred to as working class accents. Not altogether very friendly, and a little overstated." - Bill, September 1996

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The Greyhound (?????)

Location: High Street, Wargrave

"A real local, with real locals. Two bars and a parking area. Ask to be shown the original old smithy (a place where a blacksmith worked) that operated well into this century. Good beer, darts and a friendly atmosphere. Nice place for a good pint and a chat. Prices best in the village." - Bill, September 1996

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The White Hart (?????)

Location: High Street, Wargrave

"The food is OK and the bar is pleasant and of higher tone than the Greyhound. Nice place to go for a weekend lunch. Parking in the rear." - Bill, September 1996

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The George and Dragon

Location: By the river (Thames) in Wargrave

"St. George and Dragon, Wargrave, in no longer a Harvester pub. We made a long diversion to this pub expecting one their suckulent steaks. The food at the pub now, with the accompanying view, is good, in the summer sun." - mlloyd, August 2005

"This was Wargrave's pride and joy, and a wonderful place to sit and look out over the river and watch the boats go by. Now it is one of those places with numbered tables and forgettable food. Still, on a nice day, get a pint, go outside on the patio or sit an any of several riverside tables and take in the scenery. For that alone it is worth a trip. Good parking, and a place nearby you can rent boats if the mood catches you. Run by Harvester, the rooms are no longer to let, something to do with fire regulations." - Bill, September 1996

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Witheridge Hill

Witheridge Hill is a small village approximately 4 miles from Henley. There is no easily described route to the village and the one outlined here is longer than 4 miles. Take the A4130 north from Henley. At the roundabout near Nettlebed (approximately 5 miles from the centre of Henley) take the first exit on to the B481 to Highmoor. Pass through the village of Highmoor (Dog and Duck pub, Brakspears. Approx. 1.5 miles from the roundabout) and at Highmoor Cross turn right (this is the first right after the Dog and Duck). The village is about 0.25 miles down the road.

Rising Sun (Brakspears)

"Went to the Rising Sun for dinner (one of the few pubs in the area that serves dinner on a Sunday evening). Had a reasonably pleasant meal. One worry was that when the waitress was asked what beers were available (and remember that this is a Brakspears pub) the waitress said 'Foster, Becks....'. Bit worrying really. The pub interior has been significantly altered from when I first visited the place in the earlier '80s. The bar has been changed and there is now an extension on the building and a whole new area has been opened up. Although now under a new landlord it still really is a pub to eat in rather than drink in!" - Nick, May 2001

"Barry, the Landlord, has now moved on." - Nick, April 2000

"This looks like a classic English country pub, and was until a few years ago. It is a small cottage that has been converted to a pub. The current landlord, Barry (formerly of the A.E. Hobbs), is a nice friendly chap but he has changed the Rising Sun from a country pub to a restaurant. On a recent Friday night the pub was doing a great trade. Very busy. Unfortunately we could not eat as we didn't have a reservation. This I found ridiculous. Is it a pub or a restaurant? The strange thing was that during the time we were there there were a number of 'open' tables that we could not sit at due to 'reserved' signs. We could have easily eaten a snack and drunk our beers at one of the tables. Beer served was OK. No Brakspears seasonal ales. Only two beer pumps. The landlord was drinking wine. Personally I find a landlord that doesn't drink his own beer a worrying sign!" - Nick, September, 1998

An Editorial Note: I really dislike this current trend for the conversion of classic English country pubs to pseudo-restaurants (i.e. table reservations, fancy menus, but not wait-person service). I understand the landlords need to make money, but if they want to run a restaurant they should open one, and not ruin a pub!

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