Five Horseshoes

Came here a few weeks ago. This pub is in the middle of nowhere, but on a main road. Don’t be fooled by your GPS telling to turn off somewhere to the left coming up the hill. Keep going and you’ll come to the pub on the road shortly ahead. The car park is across the road. They open at 630pm for food so don’t worry if it looks closed; it won’t be for long. This is an old fashioned pub with wooden beams and tables. There is a lovely open fire and the staff and their dog are very friendly and accommodating. There is a lovely cosy warm feel to this place. To the food: tremendous. The Tuscan bean soup was lovely and then the roast chicken with cream, mushrooms and bacon was incredibly tasty. We tried a couple of other dishes for research purposes only, and they were equally good. So pleased to have found an establishment worthy of 5 stars in this area!

A lovely old pub on the crest of the Chiltern Hills with absolutely stunning views; what a pity the food and service isn’t better. I sampled two lunches over the course of a week staying nearby. The first with an old friend wasn’t bad. A simple roasted tomato soup to start with and then a very ordinary beef stroganoff. with rice instead of noodles. The second lunch was supposed to be cold rare loin of pork sandwiches on sourdough bread with fresh greens and french fries on the side. After a couple of bites we realized that the bread was ordinary white not sourdough and asked the waiter to correct it only to be told that they had no sourdough bread just white and wholemeal. We asked for the latter and our sandwiches came back with the original filling, less what we’d eaten just put between slices of wholemeal! Plus the pork was tough and not very flavorful. Oh, and the french fries were old stale and reheated. The pub changed hands a few years ago and it seems that the new owner doesn’t much care about people, no real eye contact and not much acknowledgement. Maybe this isn’t the right business for him. Go for the view not the food.

A picturesque hidden gem hidden from the beaten track perched ready to feast diners with views of the Chilterns as well as with generous portions of well appointed dishes. We heard of this place via word of mouth and unless you read the Michelin guide this may be your only chance to hear about the establishment due to its secluded location. This is by no means a detractor and they do not suffer from a lack of custom, perhaps a clue to repeat custom and high recommendations. Booking is almost a must at peak times but can be done well in advance online or last minute by phone. The facilities are numerous and highly child friendly in a relaxed but disciplined surrounding. The website is thorough and well presented, you do not suffer information overload or left wanting for finer points, everything has been thought of down to the Lat/​Long for sat navs. If you are a young family in need of a Sunday lunch which reminds you of that time before children when all was elegant and silent, this maybe the closest one can get without hiring a nanny. Long suffering families need never consider the indignity of a low rent chain pub ever again. I was indecisive on four or five stars but my wife swung the vote by saying that she had the best Sunday Roast she had ever tasted whilst in a restaurant when we departed. I shalll be returning.

This is one our favorite places. The location is amazing with superb views. The food is usually fantastic with a good range of English and French classics. Venison is one of their specialties and their Sunday roast is delicious. They also do BBQ’s in the summer.
They have a play house which the kids love and keeps them quiet!

This pub boasts an absolutely astounding location on a ridge overlooking the Chilterns. Kites and Buzzards soar overhead and the peace and tranquility is unbroken by traffic or town noise.
The beers are beautifully kept and the quality of the food has rightly caused the pub to receive numerous awards.
Because of it’s fame, it’s not a cheap place to eat, but you will be impressed by the quality of the ingredients and the finished produce.
It can be reached via a circular walk from Henley — if you’re feeling fit (about ten mile loop) — and is reached by a lung bursting ascent up the side of a steep valley.
If you’re in the Maidensgrove area, then this is a must to visit.