Harden's survey result
Summary
One of the UK’s first wave of modern gastropubs (est. 1989, pipping the Eagle in Farringdon by a couple of years), this Chilterns village boozer serves an “imaginative menu which changes daily” in a “great atmosphere”. But there’s more to it: founder Paul Clerehugh is a former guitarist with 1970s glamrockers The Sweet, and organises “great music nights” in the pub’s heated marquee, attracting an eclectic line-up of performers (George Harrison in the early years; last year, Nigel Kennedy, the Bay City Rollers and Geno Washington).
Summary
This “fabulous” and “colourful” Chilterns gastroboozer “consistently delivers” – even well into its fourth decade in business. “Look out for the music nights” combining “imaginative pub food” with “live performances by artists far beyond what you’d expect from a rural pub” – but then again, this isn’t just any pub: it’s famously run by chef-proprietor Paul Clerehugh (ex-of glam rockers Sweet), and Kate Winslet hosted her wedding breakfast here.
Summary
“Great food, great live music and great attention to detail” add up to “a perfect venue” at this country pub, run for 35 years by former rock musician and self-taught chef Paul Clerehugh (ex-Sweet). It’s a “lovely building with great décor and a nice atmosphere”, and if the “portions are way too big” – most guests are very happy with that.
Summary
“Food is the star” at this country pub, owned since 1989 by former musician and self-taught cook Paul Clerehugh (ex-Sweet et al) – although the “outstanding roster of live music” runs a close second and “a handful of people still go there just for a drink outside”. The “heavily carnivorous menu” features “well-cooked seasonal French and English food”, “served in vast portions”.
For 34 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at The Crooked Billet?
Newlands Ln, Stoke Row, RG9 5PU
Restaurant details
The Crooked Billet Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Very tasty main (sea bream and accompaniments) those portion size small, in retrospect should have taken a starter as well. Chocolate mousse good, but not outstanding, accompanying shortbread too sweet. Prices: £28 for 1 course, £39 for 2, £43 for 3. Good atmosphere in the oldest part of the pub. Surprisingly empty for a Sunday lunch time - sign of the times for an establishment under the same management for 30+ years and a solid local reputation? Service good but the foreign maitre de could do with a little more tact. "
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lunch | £30.00 |  |
|
|
Traditional European menu
| Starter | Main | Pudding |
|---|---|---|
| £16.00 | £43.00 | £8.00 |
| Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £24.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £3.00 |
| Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Service | 10.00% |
Newlands Ln, Stoke Row, RG9 5PU
Opening hours
| Monday | 12 pm‑2:45 pm, 6 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑2:45 pm, 6 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑2:45 pm, 6 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑2:45 pm, 6 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑2:45 pm, 6 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑9:30 pm |
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