The Plough, Long Wittenham

The Plough Inn at Long Wittenham has recently changed hands (November 2012) so the negative comments that have appeared here may not apply now. Definitely worth a visit to witness the modest changes made to the decor so far and the major changes made to the menu under the new proprietors and their chef. More emphasis is being given to supporting local breweries, too.

28 Nov 2012 15:29

The Barley Mow, Clifton Hampden

The Barley Mow featured in Jerome K Jerome's humourous account of a Thames boating holiday, "Three Men In A Boat" (1889). There are parts of the building that Jerome may still recognise if he could visit it today, but the newer parts have been given the standard Chef & Brewer "Olde English" look, complete with fake plastic beams and junk from the attic.

It is a popular venue with reliable food and beer. A recent makeover has provided the front garden with heated canopies for smokers (in advance of the 1st July smoking ban in enclosed public places), while the rear garden is a smoke-free zone. All internal areas are already smoke-free.

15 Jun 2007 06:49

The Railway Inn, Culham

The Railway Inn spent some time as "The Jolly Porter" and was a bikers pub for a while. In its current guise as The Railway Inn it became a pub, restaurant and guest house. It has recently become an Asian restaurant, and initial reports about the food have been good. The restaurant looks smart and the separate public bar has been retained for use by the locals. Cask Ales are available, including those from the Loddon Brewery.

15 Jun 2007 06:34

The Machine Man, Long Wittenham

The Machine Man has been closed for long time (2001?). It was a fine village pub with excellent ale and food but was bought by a speculator who ran it as a private B&B establishment for several years until he successfully had it de-licensed and then sold it for redevelopment as housing. A great loss.

15 Jun 2007 06:24