Harden's survey result
Summary
“Wonderful out-of-the-way” gastropub “down the end of a winding lane” and with “an amazing indoors with a dining room plastered with intriguing old photos”, which still “sets standards others struggle to meet” (listen up pop pickers, it’s owned by ex-Sweet and John Otway rock guitarist Paul Clerehugh, who set up here in 1989). “Never had a bad meal, course or service: it always delivers with taste, charm and pizzazz”. “A handwritten daily changing menu is always a joy to hold – other pretenders take note”.
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.
Restaurant details
The Crooked Billet Restaurant Diner Reviews
"On a very warm, cloudless summer evening the magic of sitting outside this country pub blunted the edge of the very slightly too-high prices. Food ranged from interesting to excellent; there's sometimes a tendency to not quite live up to the inviting descriptions. Starter of crispy duck was pretty good and generous but duck was a bit dry and could have been spiced up a bit. Risotto balls with mozzarella were nice but the advertised wild mushrooms were not very obvious. Main of venison with haggis and pear (we ALWAYS have this) was as good as ever. Persian frittata was interesting, though again some advertised ingredients weren't very obvious. Shared a nice baked Alaska for dessert, and good double espressos came with fudge. Drank the cheapest red wine, a French carignan at £22 - quite pleasant. Service cheery and helpful, though we had to remind them that we'd ordered a bottle of wine after our starters arrived."
"the menu choice was excellent. the flavours of the chosen dishes delightful. An excellent hidden away place to visit"
"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."
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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