Orwells chefs save Oxfordshire pub from demolition

01-Jul-2021 - Last updated on 01-Jul-2021 at 09:53 GMT

Chefs Ryan and Liam Simpson-Trotman, who own Oxfordshire fine-dining restaurant Orwells in Henley-on-Thames, have saved a disused Shiplake pub from demolition and now plan to relaunch it early next year.

The Plowden Arms, which dates back to the 1774, was closed in 2019 and had since become the subject of a planning application to turn it into six homes while retaining a smaller version of the pub.

However, having rescued the site from the clutches of property developers and certain demolition, Ryan and Liam are now planning to reopen the pub under its original name, The Plough at Shiplake.

It will be the first pub venture for the pair, who will bring their trademark commitment to ingredients and strong focus on sustainability to the project.

The Plough at Shiplake will 'retain many of the much loved qualities of a British pub', offering informal all-day dining.

With regards to the food, the pub's overall philosophy will mirror that of Orwells, which serves a 'sustainable and entirely seasonal' menu, with up to 75% of fruit and vegetables grown by Ryan and Liam themselves in their own small holding.

The Plough at Shiplake will be both family and dog-friendly, and open seven days a week for everything from a quick drink and snack to a three-course meal.

Ryan and Liam opened Orwells in April 2010. The restaurant holds a four AA rosette ranking, and is listed in the Michelin Guide.