www.thedotdots.com

 

This page is dedicated to my local Pub called "The Plowden Arms"... for me it is barely 2 minutes walk, but for those carefully driving there is a reasonable sized car park at the rear of the Pub building. Located in Shiplake Cross near just about 3 miles from Henley-on-Thames or about 5 miles from Reading along the A4155 (Reading Road), Jon & Mira Bateman provide the most exceptional service in this picturesque area of the Thames Valley. Outside the car park are bus stops for either route to Henley or Reading, so there are no excuses if you need to have a drink or three!

There are extended facilities to a bookable function room and a delicately manicured garden proudly maintained by Mira, where you can sit and enjoy this countryside retreat with a refreshing glass of goodness... I have found Mira to be most polite, professional and with great humour as an artisan of all courtesy and respect.

There are 2 bars that both are set out for eating, but one is designed for the more drink consumers, while the other has a traditional and warming log fire (when needed), which adds to the pleasantries.

The cuisine has a broad selection of a fine menu that is served fresh each day from a set board or the ever-changing "Specials" ... You will find Mira & Jon will add some Polish dishes to the menu at times and I can personally recommend them all!

Drink-wise; Brakspear's Brewery is the supply of beer and used to be brewed in Henley until just a few years ago, but has now moved a little further out of the County.

The Plowden Arms has a long history and is detailed in wall hangings around the pub, but as for me; I have lived in this area all of my life and can say that I do remember the "Porter" family when I was young (very young!)... I recall pitching a tent in our back garden with my sister and in the late afternoon, would go down to what used to be an off-sales door (now the main front bar entrance), where would be able to buy tins of fruit and bottles of coke and returnable bottles of lemonade that were lightly brushed off the top with Mr. Porter's snuff ridden hanky... those were the days!!! ... Later when John & Sheila Mills were at the helm, I was late teenage friends with their eldest son and used to practice guitars and keyboards in the old barn that is now a modern function room... I remember the rickety old barn and the amplifiers being cranked up in the afternoons while the pub was taking an afternoon rest sometimes in the summer... heck, I am really feeling old now!!!! ... Oh, and yes, quite distinctive for the authentic worshippers out there... An old fashioned, genuine and working RED telephone box is still located along the roadside in front of the function room!!!!!!!

Anyway... What I would recommend anyone to do while in the area, or even come over especially, is  to take your own experience and judge for yourself ... make some history of your own you too can reflect on and be charmed by Mira's wonderful charisma.

The Plowden Arms

 

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