The Crooked Billet

The Crooked Billet in Stoke Row is now one of England's finest and most traditional country inns. It is hidden well off the beaten track, down a narrow winding lane, and nestles between beech and oak with a backing onto meadowland.

Built in 1642 ...
It was once the hideout of notorious highwayman, Dick Turpin, who was romantically attached to the landlord's daughter, Bess.

It is operated as a smallholding, selling locally produced ale from its tiny cellar. The original cellar is still a feature today.

Paul Clerehugh took over The Crooked Billet in 1989 and quickly gained a reputation for providing excellent food. Paul, a self-taught chef, has not changed any of the original features that give the pub its unique character and charm. Inglenook fireplaces, low timbered ceilings, flagstone floors and old, scrubbed, pine tables all remain and there is still no bar - beer is drawn directly from casks in the cellar.

Many food guides recognise The Crooked Billet; with entries featured in the Good Food Guide, the Which Good Food Guide, the Good Pub Guide, AA Best Pubs & Inns Guide. 'Time Out' have just nominated it their favourite dining pub out of London.

Waitrose Food Monthly voted The Crooked Billet Britain's favourite foodie pub. Time Out have just voted it 'Best Out of London'

The Crooked Billet also enjoys a modicum of media fame, having been chosen as a location for big screen movies including Patriot Games and Landgirls, as well as numerous television programmes and commercials. It also hosted Titanic star Kate Winslet's wedding reception.

Waitrose food magazine recently nominated it their favourite foodie pub.  Observer food monthly voted it 'Best Sunday Lunch' and in last weeks Sunday Times, a poll of the 100 best things to do this summer put lunch at The Crooked Billet, Stoke Row, Top Ten, surpassed only by celebrating the Queens birthday, fishing, gardening and swimming.  Lunching with chef Paul Clerehugh deemed more popular than Madonna and Take That tickets, The World Cup, Wimbledon, Notting Hill Carnival and The Summer Ball in Berkeley Square.  Dinner at world suprimo restaurant elBulli scoring a miserly No. 95 in the chart.