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Cuff Communications is delighted to be working with Ryan Simpson and Liam Trotman, chef owners of Orwells (http://orwellsatshiplake.co.uk/), a restaurant within an 18th century pub serving serious food in the relaxed rural location of Shiplake Row, just 5 minutes from Henley-on-Thames and 10 minutes from Reading. The chefs combined experience includes Winteringham Fields, Maison Troisgros, Bovey Castle, 60 Hope Street, Pierre Gagnaire, Guy Savoy, The Elephant and The Goose; where the latter was awarded a Michelin star and The Good Food Guide ‘Up and Coming Chef of the Year’. Soon after launching Orwells in 2010 Ryan and Liam were acknowledged by all the major guides, including winning The Good Food Guide Reader Restaurant of the Year in 2012 and awarded three AA Rosettes. Proud members and three star Gold Sustainability rated with The SRA, Orwells also produces up to 75% of the restaurant’s fruit and vegetables, and Liam has been an avid and very successful beekeeper since 2013. Orwells is open for lunch and dinner five days a week, Wednesday to Saturday, and for Sunday lunch only.
Set amongst farmland in South Oxfordshire, just on the Berkshire border, Nuneaton born Ryan and Liverpool raised Liam found that the charm and history of Orwells and its grounds was the ideal setting to make a name and home for themselves and their Beagles, Remi and Truffle.
Says Ryan; ‘We’ve had the most amazing experience working for incredibly well known and multi-Michelin starred restaurants. But the dream was to cook at the highest level, combining it in a relaxed setting, free from frippery and fuss where families, friends and colleagues can all feel equally at home whilst maintaining our sustainable approach to cooking. Stiff formal dining never appealed to us and our warm and homely welcome has paid off attracting both local residents and guests from all over the UK.’
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The chefs have put their classic training to good use, adding modern touches and creating their own style and bold flavours; however the emphasis remains on bringing out the best of each and every ingredient. Ryan and Liam work heavily with local suppliers, only use sustainable produce and Liam tends to their small holding which produces up to 75% of Orwells seasonal fruit, herbs and vegetables. Keeping it in the family, front of house is headed up by Liam’s brother Kurt, who also takes care of the extensive wines, cocktails, spirits and impressive selection of gins.
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Orwells offers an A la Carte, Tasting, Sunday Lunch and Lunch & Evening menus. Ryan works mainly across starters and mains, whilst Liam takes care of desserts, pastry, bread and tends to the kitchen garden and bees. Only a selection of key ingredients are printed on the menu, so that there is always an element of surprise when the dish arrives. Expect starters such as Pork cheek with butternut, cauliflower and brown sauce; Crab, tomato, sweetcorn, fritter; Beef Tartare with mustard, fungi and charcoal; and Mackerel & smoked eel with bacon, beetroot, horseradish and apple. Moving on to mains find Suckling Pig with celeriac, spring onion, broccoli and potato; Turbot with leeks, cauliflower, radish and verjus; Hare with onions, cèpes, hazelnut, turnips and kale. Desserts are a must and include Trio of chocolate, peanut butter; Liam’s Mill Lane honey, caramel sponge with honeycomb and vanilla ice cream; or Raspberry mille feuille with pistachio ice cream and white chocolate. The six course tasting menu is £65 per person and £40 with matching wines. A three course Sunday Lunch Menu is offered at £29.95 for two courses and £34.95 for three. Orwells also offers a two and three course lunch menu at £15 and £18.50 respectively and a two or three course mid week evening menu at £19.95 and £24.95. Just 45 minutes from West London, and neighbouring the likes of The Hand & Flowers, The Fat Duck, Hind’s Head, The Kingham Plough, The Woodspeen and Le Manoir aux’Quat Saisons; Orwell’s is another serious player in one of the most exciting and burgeoning culinary regions in the UK.
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Kitchen Garden
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Accolades to date
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3AA Rosettes
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6/10 Good Food Guide
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Reading Restaurant of the Year 2012
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Readers Restaurant of the Year 2012 (Good Food Guide)
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3 Star Gold Sustainability Rating with The SRA
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89th Best Restaurant in the UK 2015 (Good Food Guide)
Useful information
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Address: Shiplake Row, Binfield Heath, Henley on Thames
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Reservations: Tel: 01189 403 673 or eat@orwellsatshiplake.co.uk
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Covers 50
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Opening days & times. Wednesday - Saturday Lunch 11.30 - 15.00 // Wednesday - Thursday Dinner 18:30 - 21:00 // Friday - Saturday Dinner 18.30 - 21.00 // Sunday 11:30 - 15:30pm
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Six course tasting menu £65 per person & £40 with matching wines
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Three course Sunday lunch menu £29.95 for two courses and £34.95 for three
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Two and three course lunch menu at £15 and £18.50
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Two and three course Evening menu at £19.95 and £24.95
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Nearest stations: Henley, Marlow and Reading
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By car: 45 minutes from West London and only 30 minutes from other key dining destinations such as The Fat Duck and The Hand and Flowers
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Things to do around Henley: Mill Meadows & March Lock, The Old Fire Station, Town Hall and Friar Park, Henley Regatta Course, Hire a boat at Higgs Boat Yard, River & Rowing Museum
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Key Henley Events: Christmas Market, Monthly Farmers Markets, Henley Royal Regatta (June/July), Henley Literacy, Food & Drink and Fringe and Film Festivals
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Places to Stay: Hotels:www.redlionhenley.co.uk,
www.thestagandhuntsman.co.uk, www.hotelduvin.com/locations/henley-on-thames, www.phylliscourt.co.uk, B&B's: www.robhillbandb.co.uk, www.tatianasflat.co.uk Campsites: www.swissfarmcamping.co.uk, www.caravanclub.co.uk
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Good Food Guide 2016 - Elizabeth Carter - 'Menus Sparkling with Culinary Fireworks'
AA Guide 2016 - Simon Numphud - 'A menu fizzing with creative ideas and exciting combinations'
Giles Coren - The Times Magazine. Score 7.87 out of 10. The artichokes with blue cheese and almonds were a favourite and ordered twice!
www.orwellsatshiplake.co.uk
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