The Shoulder of Mutton in South Oxfordshire

We recently held a family celebration, at the Shoulder of Mutton, for my grandchildrens’ 16th and 18th birthdays. The food (the Sunday Lunch) was excellent, Our vegetarians were well catered for, and the staff were friendly, cheerful and welcoming and did all they could to make the day a success. We had the conservatory to ourselves, which was a bonus. I know it was very busy that day but I cannot thank all the staff enough, for their hard work. We had a wonderful celebration.

This beautiful family run pub is a little ‘gem’! It is cosy and welcoming and we held my father-in-law’s funeral reception in the lovely conservatory, which was perfect for 30 people. Alan and Wendy organised everything, which meant we didn’t have to worry about anything. The buffet was delicious including home made quiche and sandwiches and the service was excellent. Thank you Amy and Anais for looking after us all. You helped turn a sad day into a joyful family get together! Thank you Alan and Wendy.

We enjoyed a wonderful 80th birthday for my Dad, seated in the conservatory. Food was excellent and the service we received was brilliant. Hats off to the staff and kitchen who were the stars of the show. It's not often we're all able to get together as a family but this occasion was made all the more special for us.

Visited The Shoulder of Mutton with some friends for lunch recently. We sat in the conservatory and enjoyed a delicious lunch. The staff were very friendly and didn’t rush us. Lovely food. We will definitely be back. Thank you.

Lovely Pub, plenty of parking. In a great location. Excellent staff very friendly. The food was very good. I will defiantly visit again.

Great food, not the run of the mill. Service and wine list complement the food. It's really worth shouting about. Forget the chains and short order chefs. This place deserves to be full every night! Try it!

We hale my Mum's wake here after her funeral and they were lovely and welcoming and provided an excellent buffet with a brilliant vegetarian and gluten free selection of things. Really nice ambience - both old school old English pub and new very light and spaciaous conservatory

5 stars is not enough to express how much I love this venue. I have been to the Shoulder of Mutton several times for dinners or lunch and had a great experience every time (which is why I keep coming back!) The servers are always lovely and the food is top notch, all set in a lovely location which is easy to get to but feels cosy and private once you’re inside. It’s also reasonably priced, which can be hard to find in Reading. The venue is really versatile and perfect for date nights, midweek meals, big events, and everything in between. My husband and I like it here so much that we even asked them to host our wedding reception (partly because I could think of nothing better than eating their melt-in-the-mouth mutton dish on our wedding day), and if I thought the service had been good previously then they really took it to another level for the wedding! The owner/manager Wendy was incredible and met with us several times to lay out all the details and make sure everything was exactly as we wanted. In the run up, she helped our family set up all the decorations and added some gorgeous finishing touches of her own, like having flowers in the servers’ hair that matched our table decorations, that we never would have thought of ourselves. Chef Alan’s custom dishes for our wedding menu were every bit as delicious as the normal menu and every single guest loved their food, right down to the pickiest of eaters. He is as skilled in the kitchen as Wendy is in front of house. I have always heard that no matter what, something will go wrong on your wedding day and that you should not dwell on these, so I was fully prepared to make some compromises and was pleasantly surprised that I did not have to. Every member of staff worked exceptionally hard to ensure we had the best day possible, reserving a plate of canapes just for my husband and me, changing plans quickly to serve dessert in the garden instead of at the table when speeches ran over, and making sure I always had a drink to hand when I needed one! Their efforts really contributed to the most perfect day we could have imagined. I have so many good things to say about this restaurant, but I will end with this: The Shoulder of Mutton has always been one of my favourite restaurants in the area and it is even more so now. I thoroughly recommend it to everyone I know and, if you’re reading this, to you as well.

A big thank you for the splendid show you put on yesterday. You now have nine committed supporters of The Shoulder of Mutton!

On arrival we were told to sit in the conservatory as inside they couldn’t cope with 6 people at one table where we were bombarded by wasps. We were then told that ‘the shoulder of mutton’ the pubs main was not available, also we were told that no ham was available and was being replaced with bacon. Service and food arrival was very slow though the waitress was lovely. For dessert, ordered creme brulee and once again not available. We were a group of pensioners with limited income out to celebrate the birthdays of a 83 and 79 year old. We will definitely not be going back to this establishment.

I very rarely write bad reviews. It is always better to deal with problems face to face. However, we didn't get past the booking stage. I tried to ring the pub to book a table but when there was no reply I decided to go with the second option on their website and emailed them with a booking request. Having not heard back by the next day, my husband rang and spoke to someone at the pub about our request. There was no record of our email, apparently, so the booking was then made over the phone and we thought nothing more of it. Not long after this conversation, my husband received a call from the person he perceived to be in charge. She was quite abrupt with him and said there was no email. We must have emailed a different pub of the same name. Then said' we don't like people emailing us' and that it was quite clear on their website that this was not their preferred choice. My husband made the point that that was not the case and that the onus was on them to change their wording on the website if that was how they felt. Again, the booking was confirmed and we thought nothing more of it. Today we got an email cancelling our booking due to them being busy!! Fine...but then insinuating that my husband had been very rude and had lied about the website wording. The whole attitude of the lady in charge has been most unpleasant and we would not dream of returning as customers in the future. A very strange attitude to customers! I have emailed the pub with a screenshot of their website, for their reference in the future. VERY DISAPPOINTING

Apologies for not writing our review sooner! We had the pleasure of The Shoulder of Mutton hosting our child's christening reception back in March. We had over 40 people so for quite a small venue they done absolutely fantastic, spot on with the food and general hosting. We cannot express how pleased we were. The venue itself is beautiful and a good, cosy and personal size. The gardens are beautiful. Inside is clean and welcoming. They have a new fire as you walk in which makes all the difference! Very friendly owners and staff. Food arrived all at the same time HOT and amazing buffet choice. Once we had run out of a dish, new food was bought out and it was baking hot. We also had some additional dessert treats bought out for us such as cream and strawberries on scones (I think it was). This was a beautiful touch- thank you. Food that Alan cooks is faultless and delicious. After the christening we had so many compliments from family and friends on the venue and food. The few waitresses they had working on the day to help us were absolutely spot on, could not fault at all. Helped us bring our presents to the car without us having to ask them. They handed around prosecco all the time to our guests. They also cut the cake for us and handed out to everyone. They were so friendly also- real gems to the place! Brilliant place for a reception or party especially if you want something personal like we did. Would rate you guys 10+ if we could- thank you honestly so much for a wonderful day and for accommodating us all!!

The Shoulder of Mutton was recommended to us by several people for a family gathering after a funeral and they weren’t wrong. The ‘limited’ menu offered to large groups was way more than adequate, considering we included fussy vegetarians, a vegan, and my own severe food allergy. The owners and staff were wonderful; they’d been dealing with a broken freezer and a poorly little boy but still managed to be totally accommodating with a great sense of humour, and the food was absolutely delicious - the desserts were beautiful! I can genuinely say that it provided a really nice closure to a very sad day and I’m looking forward to returning - maybe for the famous Sunday Lunch - in happier circumstances.

Went to this pub after a funeral, excellent refreshments and sandwiches, very pleased . Recommended , I’m going to try the pub menu next . Thanks to the staff at the Shoulder of mutton .

Cold entrance and meal took a while and cold when waiting as a four. Ales good, give it a go and see

Unpretentious pub with charming wait staff and delicious food. As we spilt 2 dishes in sequence, they plated it out for each of us without asking. Very scary Halloween decorations too.

One of the best Sunday roasts I’ve had in years. All the food tasted home cooked. Lovely cuts of meat and vegetables that retained their texture. Staff were really friendly and service was excellent. Can’t recommend highly enough

Wendy and Alan got quite a surprise last Wednesday lunchtime when 10 of us turned up unexpected for a cooked lunch. But after their initial shock we were welcomed in and they gave us delicious home cooked food. The slow cooked marinated pork Shoulder with a delicate spicy manderin, coconut and soya sauce was absolutely delicious, cooked to perfection accompanied by perfectly crispy sautéed potatoes and ‘real’ vegetables. My pudding was Eton Mess with a delicious homemade sauce. Wow! You did us proud, and all served with a smile. We will definitely come back for more, but next time will remember to book first. Thank you both for putting up with us.

This delightful pub, stuck away from the main drag, offered wonderful surprises. From the car park, you enter into a lovely garden with picnic tables for dining. Inside is a very clean pub for tasteful indoor dining. There is a quite decent menu the star...

I regularly visit this pub for a lunch time meal. The food is high end, tasty, fairly priced and very well presented. The staff are very welcoming and attentive. This week's treat was a very tasty Prawn Bruschetta followed by an exquisite Eton mess. Highly...

The Shoulder of Mutton is a lovely little pub, extending into a conservatory and pretty garden. We had my mum's funeral wake there, for about 20 people at lunchtime. The setting, the food, the helpful and personal service were all excellent. It helped so much...

A huge thank you to Alan & Wendy for a fantastic evening on Saturday. Wendy was so accommodating from the start & when 4 unexpected guests arrived it was dealt with & sorted within minutes. I received numerous comments throughout the evening as to how...

My wife Sarah saw the Brown Sign on the way to a client meeting and we dropped in for lunch on the way back. Outstanding food! I had the duck and Sarah had the mutton. Food of the highest order all freshly cooked. I also...

Six of us grown men, a lock keeper and his five volunteers, dined at The Shoulder of Mutton last evening Thursday) - and a great time was had by all! Yes it was quiet with just 4 tables occupied apart from ours, but the place...

Really excellent take-out Sunday roast. Lovely lamb with excellent (and plentiful) sides, well packaged to keep warm. Great service and great experience. Will return! Thank you

We held our Lovely Mum's funeral wake at The Shoulder of Mutton this week. Alan and Wendy were so accommodating from the moment we asked for their availability. They helped us with food choices ( even making some last minute changes for us.) The venue...

Six of us chose from the Christmas Menu last night which was excellent. Room was very warm and comfortable and the service was first rate. Thankyou for making a very enjoyable evening.

The Shoulder (as we affectionately call it) is our "go to" place for some down time and great food. We always feel so welcome, even when we call last minute to try and get a table, as we did on Friday evening. - (Sunday Lunch...

I have never, ever had a roast dinner to takeaway, never needed to either being a vegetarian! We had guests for lunch on Sunday and I knew how to impress them ! I couldn't be bothered to cook a Turkey, but I knew that The...

Been loving the Shoulder if Mutton since 2007 - excellent and just the best. Did not go during lockdowns and prior to double vaccination+Booster, so went for the first time this Saturday and it really was awkward. Only 3 couples at lunchtime on Saturday. Another...

Staff very welcoming and had spacious table for 6 in the Conservatory. Excellent meal enjoyed by all especially the alternative mutton dish which had a great sauce. We really enjoyed our visit and will definitely come again. Thanks to the trainee server who took a...

Excellent food, by far the best I have eaten in a pub for a very long time. Service was friendly and good with a lovely spiced ale for Halloween. The whole.place is clean and well maintained and was decorated for Halloween

We just had my husband’s 50th birthday party in this pub with lots of family, friends and children. We went for a hot buffet and it was great. The nibbles were so tasty and served in a reception style which was so nice. The buffet...

This pub is amazing! They have the post- lockdown safety measures down to a fine art. The garden is delightful and full of colour. The recent refurbishments look modern and unique- not following a trend, but standing out as a one-of-a-kind independent establishment. Prices are reasonable. Staff are sweet and well trained. The menu is balanced, well written and every dish sounds tempting. The food was extremely fresh and served piping hot. We all agreed- 10 out of 10 across the board. We will certainly be back again.

Had a family Sunday Lunch here, first time as our normal choices all full.

He probado este lugar antes por un tiempo de almuerzo Burger durante un paseo de perro y el jardín y la comida era encantador. Sin embargo, en esta última visita el restaurante tenía 3 mesas lleno y nosotros, pero el aperitivo de básicamente en pan tardó una hora! Luego nuestros platos principales, bistec, estaban bien, pero no tienen mucho gusto. En general, fue una experiencia muy regular en siento decir.

Me googled este pub después me lo recomendó un amigo y el sitio web me aseguró que estaba abierto los lunes. Llamé y dejamos un mensaje para reservar el almuerzo para 6 personas. Nos presentamos y estaba cerrado con sillas en las mesas, aunque la señal fuera claramente las horas de apertura como en el sitio web. Si en vacaciones, por favor deje ese mensaje en el answerphone y mencionar en el sitio web!

Excellent food, service and atmosphere all at a reasonable price. I will be visiting many more times at least until I have sampled the complete menu.

Encontramos este pub encantador por almuerzo necesitaban de oportunidad antes de llegar a Henley. Era un hermoso día, así que pudimos aprovechar el jardín y observar las Red cometas encima mientras disfruta de una comida ligera. Buena relación calidad-precio y personal agradable. Si estamos en la zona de nuevo sin duda parar.

Estábamos en otro pub local, pero parado aquí para tomar una bebida por la tarde después de un largo paseo, sábado en el hermoso jardín de la cerveza, el personal y los propietarios eran muy acogedores es un pub tradicional del pueblo sin pretensiones, sin duda volvería si en la zona.

Lovely food with a lovely atmosphere, a great place to unwind with family, friends or as a party booking, Alan and Wendy make you feel at home

We enjoyed the location and the service was very good but the starters seemed store bought. The mains were OK, but nothing out of this world and our friends who eat there must be confused.I'd eat a lot of places before there. It's a very nice pub, but that's it.

Used to visit this pub years ago (in the days where you had to book weeks in advance) and thought we would return for my Fathers Birthday.Service was pleasant, but food rather bland and disappointing (we all had carveries). A lot of potential, but needs some TLC and attention to detail.

Went on a Sunday and had a delicious Carvery, lots of mutton - delicious a very pretty pub worth a visit.