A Little Local Gem Worth Discovering 🌿🍽️

I thought I’d share a little recommendation for anyone who perhaps hasn’t yet discovered The Plough at Shiplake — especially as we’re so lucky to have some wonderful places to eat and drink right on our doorstep.

We are, of course, incredibly fortunate to have our own village pub within walking distance, and it’s lovely to have a local place where people can meet, have a drink and enjoy the village atmosphere. ❤️

But sometimes it’s rather nice to venture just a little further afield and discover somewhere different — and The Plough at Shiplake is absolutely worth the short trip.

It really is more than simply going out for dinner; it feels like an experience and a destination.

The garden is particularly beautiful. It has been so thoughtfully designed, with an abundance of plants and shrubs creating a wonderfully relaxed, almost holiday-like atmosphere. Sitting there on a beautiful summer evening, surrounded by greenery and away from the hustle and bustle, you could almost imagine you were somewhere much further afield. 🌿☀️

And the food is exceptional. I have to say, their Fish & Chips are quite possibly the best I’ve had anywhere locally — and I’ve even put them above some I’ve had in Cornwall! 😂🐟🍟

I also tried their homemade focaccia recently, and it was genuinely outstanding. As someone who loves focaccia, makes my own and travels to Italy quite regularly, I’m probably a little more particular than most — and theirs really impressed me. 🇮🇹

The staff are another huge part of what makes the place special. The service is warm, attentive and friendly, with lovely attention to detail, without ever feeling formal or stuffy. It has that wonderful feeling of being somewhere special while still feeling completely relaxed.

I know there can sometimes be a perception that places like The Plough are expensive, but having visited several times, I honestly don’t find the pricing out of step with other local options — and I think the overall experience, setting and quality of the food make it very good value.

So, rather than always sticking to the same familiar places, I thought I’d put this one out there for anyone who fancies trying somewhere different.

We’re actually very lucky to have both a lovely local pub and some fantastic places like The Plough nearby. It’s rather nice to have a choice. ❤️

If you haven’t been yet, I’d definitely recommend giving it a try — particularly on a warm summer evening when you can sit outside and enjoy that beautiful garden.

Sometimes the best local discoveries are just a few minutes down the road. 🌿✨

Posted by: Claudia Limburger | 14/08/2026 8:59 pm