Welcome to our guide to the best restaurants in and around Shiplake, Oxfordshire, where a fantastic range of dining options awaits you. From cosy pubs to Michelin-starred restaurants, and family-friendly spots to popular chains, there's something to suit every taste. Whether you're a foodie or just looking for a great meal, Shiplake's diverse culinary scene makes it an excellent place to settle down.
Featured image: Danesfield House Hotel
Named after novelist, George Orwell, a former resident of Shiplake, Orwells Restaurant is located in an attractive 18th century building just outside the village.
As the seasonally creative menu reveals, co-owners Ryan and Liam Simpson-Trotman, are committed to sustainability and this approach has earned the restaurant numerous accolades.
Since Orwells opened in 2010, it has achieved 4 AA Rosettes, a listing in the Michelin Guide and 3 Gold Stars in the Sustainable Restaurant Association as well as a number of other awards.
Meat is locally sourced, and fruit and vegetables are largely grown on the owners’ smallholding. The restaurant has 40 covers and no second sitting, so you’re able to relax and enjoy the experience.
The Plough in Shiplake reopened in 2022 following extensive renovations and the former Plowden Arms offers stunning décor, a log fire that’s welcoming in winter, and a landscaped garden with a firepit for al fresco dining on summer evenings.
In addition to a seasonal menu including Sunday lunches and traditional favourites with a ‘twist,’ there’s a regular ‘flight club’ where a five-course tasting menu, paired with wines and cocktails, is served.
The Plough also offers lunch specials on certain days, a Saturday Brunch Club and an a la carte menu from Wednesdays to Saturdays.
Another dining option in Shiplake is The Baskerville Arms, an award-winning family and dog-friendly pub close to the River Thames.
Since being taken over by three local families the Baskerville Arms has also undergone a huge restoration, and the result is a contemporary stylish interior.
There’s an enclosed garden and a purpose-built outdoor bar for outdoor dining, the Hound Bar for spring and summer lunches and dinners and the pub restaurant.
Serving local produce including craft beers and Henley Distilled Gins as well as fine wines, the restaurant is popular with locals and visitors alike.
The St George & Dragon, Wargrave serves traditional, well cooked, pub food and a range of real ales, lagers and wines every day of the week.
Open for brunch, lunch or dinner, with lots of car parking, The St George & Dragon is also child friendly.
Menus include all day, lunch, wine and dine, special events, vegan, Sundays, dine at home and desserts – and there’s also a children’s menu.
Visit The St. George & Dragon's Website >
The Bottle & Glass Inn, Binfield Heath is a charming, thatched pub but as it’s in the Michelin Guide expect the food to be something special.
There’s a cosy, traditional bar and a stylish restaurant serving both a set and an a la carte menu featuring British cuisine with a modern twist.
If you fancy a burger or a pizza, head out to the Barn where the menu also includes smoothies, grilled cheese on sourdough and a children’s menu.
There’s a whole range of dining options in nearby Henley-on-Thames.
Stylish chain restaurants include The Giggling Squid on Hart Street, which celebrates the culinary landscape of Thailand and Cote Brasserie, just five minutes’ walk from Henley railway station, which serves contemporary French cuisine for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. Italian cookery is particularly well represented in Henley – the most popular chains include Pizza Express, Zizzi and Piccolino.
The Shellfish Cow Restaurant & Bar is owned and run by two local restaurateurs offering a menu focused on the freshest British shellfish.
There’s a quirky bar serving cocktails, ales, lagers, wines and artisan gins. The restaurant and bar are open from noon, Tuesday to Saturday serving lunch and dinner.
Visit The Shellfish Cow's Website >
Villa Marina on Thameside, Henley-on-Thames was first opened in 1996 by Fabio Terrinoni and his wife, Jennifer.
Today, this Italian restaurant still serves traditional pasta dishes, fresh seafood and Italian delicacies. There’s a three-course lunch menu and an a la carte menu and a choice of daily specials.
The Bistro at the Boathouse has a fabulous, decked terrace, overlooking the River Thames and providing a panoramic view of Henley.
The menu includes a fabulous range of breakfasts and brunches – including breakfast baps and burgers, full English breakfasts and vegetarian options along with waffles, smoked salmon and toast toppings such as smoked salmon and poached eggs or crushed avocado and tomato. From 12 noon, the menu includes lighter and hearty options along with a Sunday roast.
In Lower Assendon, about 1.5 miles north-west of Henley, The Golden Ball is another Michelin-listed restaurant run by Chef Ben Watson and his wife, Priya, who worked in some of London’s most celebrated restaurants before arriving at the Golden Ball in 2022.
The restaurant offers an a la carte menu, a set lunch, a tasting menu, Sunday menu and mouthwatering collection of desserts.
If you’d like to add ‘something extra’ to an evening out, head to The Mill at Sonning Theatre – the UK’s only dinner theatre.
Pre-dinner drinks are available at the Riverside Waterwheel Bar, which opens at 12 noon for matinees and 6 pm for evening shows.
When you are ready to eat, you head upstairs to the buffet and, having filled your plate, you’re taken to your table where your theatre tickets await.
The waiting staff serve drinks, dessert and coffee at the table and take interval drink orders. After lunch or dinner, you’ll take your seats in the auditorium – and enjoy the performance you’ve chosen.
At The Square Restaurant and Cocktail Bar in the Market Place, Henley, you’re able to enjoy a taste of Portugal.
The restaurant was opened by owner and head chef, Nuno Rosada in August 2013 and you can expect an excellent range of fish and seafood as well as meat and vegetarian options.
In pleasant weather, it’s possible to sit outside and relax over a glass of wine and a plate of oysters.
The Banana Tree in Henley is one of 21 restaurants across the UK which bring the flavours of South East Asia to the UK.
The in-house chefs select the best dishes from Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam and Malaysia – from soups and salads to wok-tossed noodles, stir fries and curries as well as desserts and cocktails.
Visit The Banana Tree's Website >
Bijans Kitchen, in the heart of Henley, serves Persian cuisine and delicious breakfasts.
There’s indoor and outdoor seating and a takeaway service. The restaurant opens at 9 am and serves English breakfast until 4 pm and, between 11 am and 11 pm, serves Persian dishes.
At Danesfield House Hotel & Spa in Marlow, you can expect seasonal English ingredients and simple local produce to be transformed into the best of modern British cuisine by executive chef, Matthew Edmonds and his team.
Afternoon tea is served in the Orangery from 1 pm to 4 pm from Monday to Sunday. There’s the option of Cream Tea, the Danesfield Afternoon Tea, the Tattinger Brut Champagne Afternoon Tea or the Tattinger Rose Champagne Afternoon Tea – as well as a Kids Afternoon Tea menu.
If you prefer to dine at Danesfield, the restaurant is open daily for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner and the three dining areas are used at different times of the day and according to the season.
Breakfast is served from Monday to Friday from 7 pm to 10 am and from 7.30 to 10.30 on weekends. Lunch is from 12 noon to 6 pm from Monday to Saturday and from 12.30 to 2.30 pm on Sundays, dinner is served from 6 pm to 8.30 pm, Monday to Saturday.
Visit the Danesfield House Website >
Hotel du Vin, Henley on Thames offers an afternoon tea that combines sweet and savoury all washed down with tea infusions specially created for Hotel du Vin, although, if you prefer, there’s a champagne option.
The restaurant at Hotel du Vin serves classical French dishes with a modern twist from long standing classics to seasonal dishes and specials.
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