Pub’s dinner  among UK’s best 

The Plough in Shiplake Cross has ranked in the top 50 Best Sunday Roasts in The Good Food Guide, announced on Wednesday last week.

They said: “The kitchen delivers when it comes to providing a stylishly traditional Sunday lunch, while service is polite, friendly and attentive.

“Drinks are a forte too, with well-chosen Old World wines, including fizz from a local vineyard, augmented by cocktails and Rebellion beers.”

The pub’s lunch offering was described as having “top-notch hospitality” and “fabulous service” by customers who rated the venue.

Owner Jill Sikkens re-opened the pub in 2022 following a refurbishment.

The pub, which dates back to the 17th century, was previously owned by Ryan and Liam Simpson-Trotman, who run Orwells Restaurant in Binfield Heath.

Mrs Sikkens, 45,  said: “I was on the train when I found out and I nearly burst into tears.  The team have been working so hard on everything from how we do the potatoes to working with our meat suppliers to really making the roast the best it can be because for the team and for so many people, the Sunday roast is such an emotional meal.

“It has so many memories and family meaning. As a small independent pub that’s only been going for two years, to have been recognised in that way, I was truly overwhelmed.

“We understand that customers don’t necessarily have the money to eat out all the time so these awards do make you feel good.”

This is the first time Mrs Sikkens and the team have been formally rated for an award since taking over the pub. She said crafting the roast dinner was a “priority” for the business.

Mrs Sikkens added: “The prep for the Sunday roast starts on Saturday morning already. There’s a whole process to getting the potatoes ready and slow-roasting things and a lot of work goes into that.”