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The Crooked Billet
Selling: Home-Cooked Dishes
This very characterful pub stands in lovely, remote setting off the beaten track. The kitchen is virtually self-sufficient, as much of the produce for the imaginative and very varied menu, including Aberdeen Angus, Jacob sheep, poultry, guinea fowl and eggs, comes from its own nearby farm.
Address:
Newlands Lane
Stoke Row
Henley on Thames
Oxfordshire
RG9 5PU
Tel: 01491 681048
Email: sharon@thecrookedbillet.co.uk
Website: www.thecrookedbillet.co.uk
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Latest Reviews
View all reviews (30)Having seen the chef finish second on local food heroes on UKTV Food I was hoping for great things on my recent visit. Reports of poor service seemed to have been ironed out and staff were both friendly and attentive. I am though disappointed to say that the food didn't match the hype. A starter of tuna sashimi was buried under a mountain of rocket and was bland. My partner’s main of duck with stir fry vegetables, seaweed and spring roll was poorly executed. The addition of a huge spring roll filled with duck and vegetables smothered by Szechuan pepper was inedible. This addition to the meal showed a lack of thought for what was being presented to the customer in the way of fried components. The seaweed was soggy, as was the duck skin. Schoolboy errors that should never have happened. My own main of mixed game platter was ok, however the meat was barely sealed let alone cooked (be warned). The meal was however extremely salty with smoked bacon and the reduced wine sauce. The final nail in the coffin came in my partner’s Cranachan desert. Served in a tall glass came four inches of cream, a tot of whisky and fruit puree at the base. The separation of the whisky from the other components did nothing for the dish and begs the question, who is carrying out quality control over what exits the kitchen? I really wanted to like the Crooked Billet and the setting, service and waiting staff didn't disappoint. However for £65 for two with 2 glasses of average wine, the food is just not good enough. Less hype about good causes and more thought about the menu and attention to detail is what is needed. Until then I’m afraid to say there are others much better for the cost and with less hype!
Excellent relaxed atmosphere in which to enjoy good food.
The Crooked Billet has been a place for family celebrations for years. The experience is unsurpassed. Food to die for, great wine and excellent service. The atmosphere of the pub is cozy, warm and welcoming. My daughter's wedding reception was held there. Guests are still talking about it, and it was over two years ago! I hope Paul wins this competition. He is committed to excellence. His service to Stoke Row School should not go unrecognised!
I love the food and relaxed atmosphere at the Crooked Billet and always make a point of visiting during their annual Lobster Festival. My husband and I are so devoted we are already making plans to take our unborn child there when she is old enough! The schoolchildren of Stoke Row don't know how lucky they are - i wish i could eat Paul's food everyday.
Having been to the Billet for many years we loved the place so much we had our wedding reception there. My wife loves Paul Clerehugh almost as much as his food.
Had the pleasure of attending the wedding reception of my wife's nephew (Peter and Holly), the fare excellent and in particular the suckling pig out of this world the range of salades wonderful
An absolutely magical restaurant with every aspect of your dining experience catered for; ridiculously exceptional food, attentive and friendly staff (especially the gorgeous GM - Louise) and a wine list that tickles the tongue tempestously. A complete must for anyone with a mouth, stomach and head. Go now and enjoy this culinary paradise!
Its one of the best place I VE ever been!!!! Geeate atmosphire, greate service...simply THE BEST
what can i say,great atmosphere,great food and great service all down to the staff,great french head chef(gordon ramsay doesn't need to go to this place as this tall french fella knows how to run a kitchen and has definitely great cooking skills and menu ideas)you can sometimes see him talking or greeting customers...if you haven't tried it,it's a must...
Interesting, broad menu, locally sourced produce, excellently prepared, great atmosphere, one-of-a-kind
Huge and varied menu, very supportive of local products... makes menu interesting as well.. normally a great inexpensive house table wine.. different places within the establishment to sit depending upon season and mood. We use it regularly and have seldom been disappointed... CB
I think Lulu4 must be refering to another Crooked Billet perhaps? I certainly don't work there, I run a company in Stoke Row and I take my staff for lunch there once a week. The food is always fantastic, the service brilliant and friendly, I would recommend it to everyone !
The Crooked Billet is a magical place, we sat outside last night for an outstanding performance by Pete Lincoln, the food (as always) was excellent and I loved the Venison dish ! The service was faultless - thanks to the whole team !
The Crooked Billet is a great place for kids too, I recently took my family there for lunch and we were offered a very creative childrens menu and the kids loved it. The service was excellent and the staff were very attentive towards the children. We'll be back !
My wife and I recently attended one of The Crooked Billets music evenings, fantastic atmosphere, The Ding Dong Daddios were outstanding and of course the food was to die for! Thanks
Excellent place, excellent food and top class service.
Superb food, all fresh local ingrediants, Paul Clerehugh will swap a free lunch for your spare fresh produce
Paul Clerehugh is an exceptional chef and proprietor. The menu is varied and executed perfectly.
Paul and his staff offer the most brilliant food and service in the South East - Possibly in the whole country :-) Who thought one would ever feel envious of school meals ?(the children at Stoke Row Primary School's lunches are provided by the Crooked Billet !) The children will have a lifelong appreciation of good food.. True commitment to the local area. The surroundings are superb too, and the music evenings are as varied and as brilliant as the menu.
The quality of the food and service is superb. The school meals that they cook for the local children is an amazing attribute to the community.
their commitment to providing meals for the local school and supporting local producers is outstanding brilliant menu great food best bangers and mash in the world
The food here is superb, as are the surroundings. It's a great place to enjoy great company. The food they supply the local school is also great. Many children now know what good food is...
Great value for money, will definetely come again and again!! EXCELLENT!!!
Consistently fantastic food and amazing staff!!!
Stoke Row Primary School lunches are provided by the Crooked Billet. The children at our school have the opportunity to try new, exciting, unusual and tasty food (as well as some old favourites). All of Paul's team work hard to deliver an outstanding service to the school. There is constant communication and exchange of ideas on the menus. We are the envy of most other school in the area. Thank you to all the fantastic people at the Crooked Billet who have brought such a dramatic change to lunchtimes
On my first date with my future wife, we walked to the Crooked Billet. We got completely lost, but when we found the pub, the food was so good, we had a great day.
Naturally, we used the Crooked Billet for our wedding reception.
Really great food in generous portions. Amazing value for money. Superb wine list at reasonable prices. Lovely character. The music evenings are pretty good too. Why go anywhere else?
It has a lovely atmosphere, we have never had a bad meal and everything that can be sourced locally is.
The Crooked Billet is a very special place to work and I love it there! We have a fantastic team, great customers and amazing food and wine - all thanks to Paul !
I really enjoy going to the Crooked Billet. It is off the beaten track and a half hour drive from us but well worth the journey! The food is always excellent, including plenty of local produce and seasonal dishes but what really makes it special is the service. I had my wedding reception there three years ago. Paul Clerehugh and his staff went out of their way to tailor the day to our requirements unlike so many other venues that we looked at.
They also have regular music evenings - we have been to several and they have all been great fun.