The best restaurants serving British food in Shiplake South Oxfordshire South East

What an exceptional restaurant. It was our first visit on a special occasion and the greeting at the door was warm and friendly. The co owner Ryan came to our table and with a real sense of warm professionalism talked us through the food options. Although many around us were choosing the ‘taster menu’, we decided on a la carte. The restaurant was intimate but spacious, with only 20 covers in an area that would easily of managed 40. The food was sublime, well designed and created and a pleasure to eat. To summarise a magnificent restaurant and a truly memorable evening.

Recientemente celebramos una celebración familiar, en el Hombro de Mutton, por los cumpleaños 16 y 18 de mis nietos. La comida (el almuerzo del domingo) era excelente, Nuestros vegetarianos estaban bien atendidos, y el personal era amable, alegre y acogedor e hizo todo lo posible para que el día fuera un éxito. Teníamos el conservatorio para nosotros, lo que era una ventaja. Sé que estuvo muy ocupado ese día, pero no puedo agradecer lo suficiente a todo el personal por su arduo trabajo. Tuvimos una celebración maravillosa.

Having been let down by a nearby pub (they didn't read or answer my email reservation, then told me when I phoned they were fully booked for a large party) The Crown kindly agreed to take us at short notice. My wife and I dined with 2 friends. My friend had the lamb roulade, his lady partner had the fish, and my wife and I had the Bobotee, a South African dish which we enjoy. All the food was superb and freshly cooked (it is not "Fast Food") and worth waiting for. The waiting staff, ably led by Dani D, were cheerful and attentive despite being rushed off their feet by so many customers. The Crown is one of the few local pub/restaurants open for lunch on Monday and Tuesday, so is very popular. My wife and I have been to The Crown several times and it continues to be run to a very high standard.

19 of us arrived on Christmas Eve to be told they had no booking for us !!! Quite honestly it was simply unbelievable. How on earth to you mess up a booking for a party of this size despite a chain of email messages!!. After the initial shock we asked the useless and incompetent manager if he could at least feed the children and indeed this was dismissed as impossible. What kind of establishment does not have the food in to feed six small children - what a joke !! Would you not think that the useless manager could have at least offered to cover our drinks at the bar as a small compensation but no he just kept blaming everyone else and was extremely unaccommodating. Never, has this happened to us before and I cannot tell you how awful it was for me to have to take all these people back and feed them!

The Packhorse is great. The building is lovely with the open fire. The choice on the menu always leaves me in a quandary of what to order but more often than not it's the wonderful fish pie with huge chunks of fish and prawns. The staff are amazing - always extra helpful, happy and attentive. However, I was a little surprised/disappointed when the desserts ordered by all my dining companions came beautifully presented and the double scoop of ice cream I ordered had no decoration at all. It looked very poor by comparison (it tasted lovely though!). My friend put the cherry and sprig of mint from her dessert on my ice-cream and it was instantly transformed! Little touches make all the difference....just saying. I still love the Packhorse x

Enjoyed meeting old friends in this warm and welcoming pub. Food was delicious and customers/ staff really friendly.

Went with family for wife’s birthday. She had a brilliant Beef Bourgignon at The Pack Horse recently so was pleased to see it on the menu here. What a disappointment! Overcooked chewy beef. She sent it back - no apology but a-replacement meal offered. She had fish & chips. Fish nice but batter below par. Chips lovely. I had turkey which was nice if a bit small. Son pleased with his linguine. Grandsons had hotdogs. No complaints but not good value at at £8 worth £5 at most for small kid’s portion. Good beer. Will be sticking to Pack Horse in future not back to Pack Saddle