Crooked Billet Stoke Row

It may be squirrelled away down a windy back lane in the unexpectedly rural hinterland between Henley and Reading, but there are plenty of reasons why the wonderfully “quirky” Crooked Billet gets packed to the gunnels with grub-seekers and metro-rural types. For a start it’s a photogenic hot property – we’ve spotted it in countless TV adds, crime dramas and movies. It also “has something for everyone” with music nights, special events and more besides – not to mention a freewheeling kitchen dedicated to “top-quality food” with eclectic overtones. There’s nothing too recherché about the vast menu, but it covers a lot of ground from home-smoked pheasant with beetroot, pickled red cabbage and parsnip crisp or a basket of shell-on prawns with mayo to Moroccan spiced lamb with harissa and barley couscous. For afters, there’s a cracking cheeseboard loaded with local varieties plus a roll-call of rich, rollicking puds such as baked Alaska. Also check out the springtime ‘guinea pig’ menu, when the chef trials new ideas at a special price. Meanwhile, a charming brigade of cheery, efficient staff keeps things rolling along nicely. 

Tucked away in the Oxfordshire village of Stoke Row, The Crooked Billet is one of those rare gastropubs that manages to feel both deeply rooted in its surroundings and consistently destination-worthy. Set within a charming period building surrounded by rolling countryside, it has built a longstanding reputation for ambitious cooking, warm hospitality and a fiercely independent spirit.

Owned by restaurateur Paul Clerehugh, the pub champions a philosophy built around quality ingredients and meticulous attention to detail. Much of what appears on the plate is made in-house, from breads and ice creams to stocks, sauces and the restaurant’s well-known homemade fudge. The kitchen’s approach is unapologetically ingredient-led, combining modern British cooking with crowd-pleasing bistro favourites to create menus that feel refined without losing their sense of comfort. Seasonal produce from British suppliers features heavily, although the team takes a refreshingly open-minded approach to sourcing, incorporating standout ingredients from further afield when quality demands it.

The menu changes regularly, reflecting what is available throughout the year, but diners can generally expect generous, flavour-driven dishes that showcase strong technical cooking and a respect for classic combinations. Whether it's expertly prepared seafood, carefully aged meats or indulgent puddings, there is an emphasis on substance as well as style.

Inside, the atmosphere strikes a fine balance between rustic charm and polished dining. Exposed beams, cosy corners and an inviting bar create a traditional country pub feel, while attentive service and thoughtfully presented plates elevate the overall experience. The front-of-house team is personable and professional, helping to create the relaxed yet special atmosphere that keeps regulars returning.

Popular for everything from leisurely Sunday lunches to celebratory dinners, The Crooked Billet remains one of Oxfordshire’s most enduring dining destinations. Combining accomplished cooking, generous hospitality and a picturesque countryside setting, it delivers the sort of gastropub experience that continues to set the benchmark for the genre.