Haddenham Classics' restaurant reviews
Hall & Woodhouse Taplow
by Lee Jones
If you’re looking for the perfect excuse to take your classic out for a spin, we’ve found just the destination. Hall & Woodhouse Taplow opened in 2023 following a whopping £6 million investment from the renowned brewer and pub company.
Perched directly on the banks of the River Thames, it boasts an extensive outdoor terrace with stunning south and west-facing views that catch the sunshine all day long.
Drive out
We took the scenic route from Haddenham, via Thame, down to Lewknor, up to Stokenchurch, across to Lane End, down to Marlow, along to Bourne End, round to Cookham, and over the bridge at Maidenhead. We then arrived at the stunning two-storey, state-of-the-art building, with striking architecture and a warm, enticing interior.
Food
Whether you’re a meat lover or vegetarian, there’s a reasonably-priced menu to suit all tastes, from small plates and toasties, to home comforts and Sunday roasts. The kids are well catered for too.
Practicality
Parking is extensive and free. It’s dog-friendly and wheelchair accessible. Speaking from experience, book in advance for inside – it gets busy, especially on sunny days. Outside tables are non-bookable, so arrive early if you want a outside riverside spot.
Verdict
For club drive-outs, it’s ideal – ample parking, great food, and unbeatable riverside views. A perfect stop for classic car enthusiasts.
Haddenham Classics rating
4.5/5
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The Old Fisherman
by Lee Jones
We recently held a Haddenham Classics club drive-out that started at The 7 Stars in Dinton and finished at The Old Fisherman – and what a fantastic venue to end an evening. It's an ideal spot for classic car enthusiasts, with plenty of character and a lovely welcome.
We didn't eat on this particular visit (though I've eaten here before, so I can confirm the food is good, gastro-pub fare). Their menu features gourmet burgers, succulent steaks, hearty pies, and delicious desserts, with a good vegetarian range too. They also have a dedicated kids' menu with options like mini corn on the cob, mac and cheese, and even rump steak for little ones – perfect if you're bringing the family.
The absolute highlight is the beer garden – genuinely delightful, sitting right beside the River Thame. Kids can paddle in the shallows under supervision, and there's an outdoor play area too.
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Events
The pub runs seasonal events throughout the year – St Patrick's Day, Mothers’ Day, Easter, Halloween and Christmas. They also host live music, from acoustic garden sets to their Untapped music competition, and shows live sports.
History
This place has real depth. The pub sits on the site of a medieval watermill, recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, valued at 10 shillings. It was known locally as The Mill, and by 1825 it was already called The Fisherman on Bryant's map. The oldest part of the current building is 17th-century timber-framed. The pub even featured as a filming location for Midsomer Murders.
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Practicality
Parking is adequate but fairly limited – on a busy summer evening, spaces can be tight.
Some outside tables have umbrellas, but many don't, so sun cover is a bit hit-and-miss. Also, a few of the chairs are a bit rickety – fine for most, but probably not ideal for older or less steady guests.
The pub is wheelchair accessible and welcomes well-behaved dogs.
Verdict
All in all, a charming riverside pub with loads of atmosphere and centuries of history. A brilliant way to round off a Haddenham Classics club run – we'll definitely be back.
Haddenham Classics rating
4/5