The Baskerville

A traditional red-brick inn built in the 1930s, The Baskerville fits in well to its villagey location (a minute's walk from Shiplake station) near picture-postcard Henley-on-Thames. A charming interior of fireplaces and rustic ceiling beams make for a traditional rural atmosphere, while on sunny days an enviably large beer garden is much appreciated by locals for eating outside. 

The pub has a significant pedigree, winning numerous awards such as The Oxfordshire Restaurant of the Year Award in 2016. The seasonal menus mix classic and contemporary British cooking and use ingredients sourced from local suppliers where possible. Highlights include a wood-pigeon breast served with baby carrot, bok choy, butternut purée and toasted hazelnut, with a drizzle of red wine jus, and the Oxfordshire pork belly with chorizo puy lentils, sage dauphinoise potato and savoy cabbage. Decent vegetarian options meanwhile take in a gnocchi sorrentina, and Yorkshire blue cheese and mushroom tagliatelle.

Puddings include all the traditional British home comforts such as pear and blueberry crumble, and a sticky toffee pudding with salted caramel and caramelised pecans. Sunday roasts – 30-day aged rump of Oxfordshire Aberdeen Angus Beef, leg of Chiltern lamb or orchard-reared pork – are another highlight of a local favourite well worth a look from diners coming from further afield.