Harden's survey result
For 25 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. This year diners have submitted over 60,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK.
Summary
Paul Clerehugh “has really found the formula to please his customers” at this “tucked out-of-the-way” gastropub “down the narrow country lanes” of the Chiltern Hills, between Reading and Henley, where “there is always a friendly smile and something delicious on the menu”. “I’ve been coming here roughly once a fortnight over 15 years, and it never fails to please!”
Summary
“Tucked away in the Chiltern Hills between Reading and Henley”, Paul Clerehugh’s “wonderful, out-of-the-way pub/restaurant” is “still a favourite after many years”. The food is “gorgeous”, staff are “very friendly and cheerful” and the oak-beamed interior is “just lovely” (there’s also “the option of eating in the secret garden area” at the back). Top Tip – “great music nights”.
Summary
“Tucked out-of-the-way (thankfully otherwise it would be mobbed)” – this “unbeatable” oak-beamed rural favourite is, for fans, “the benchmark for casual relaxed dining”, with “a romantic ambience in both rooms” and “always reliable” cooking.
Summary
The food at this “friendly” and “quirky” oak-beamed rural “gem” has been even “better” of late – this is simply an “exemplary” pub-with-food, and one which “really is worth the drive”.
Restaurant details
The Crooked Billet Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Enjoyable evening but prices are too high ."
"I first discovered the Crooked Billet about 20 years ago, and have visited many a time, albeit not in recent years. So I was very pleasantly surprised to find that nothing had changed and that standards are as high as they ever were. There are not many establishments that can claim this. From the first mouthful I was delighted with the food. Duck followed by baked Alaska. Service was discreet. The setting and ambience a delight. Mains prices are higher than the average but worth it. Bread, Mains, dessert and glass of wine £40."
"Yet another annual visit to this rustic-looking (inside as well as outside!) gastropub. Optional bread (£3.20 for 2) was very nice and came with hummus, pesto, oil and balsamic vinegar, and butter. Starter of scallops (£10) was small but wonderful - scallops to die for, samphire, and far better than usual chorizo; fish soup (£8) was lovely though the rouille could have done with more garlic. Main of venison and haggis (£22.50; we always seem to order this!) was excellent - tasty, rare venison and some of the best haggis we've ever tasted. Belly pork (19) was also very good. Too full for dessert (oddly the desserts are relatively inexpensive compared to starters, mains and wine), and anyway coffee comes with some fudge. Chilean carmenere (£24) was ok but overpriced. Service was quick, cheery and excellent."
Newlands Ln, Stoke Row, RG9 5PU
Opening hours
lunch noon - 2.30 pm, dinner 6.30 pm - 10 pm, all day Sat & Sun
Last orders: 10 pm, Sat 10.30 pm
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