Haddenham Classics' restaurant reviews
Touring in your classic and need a lunch stop? Wondering where to go for a Sunday afternoon drive?
We are starting to put together some reviews of eateries you may wish to visit in your classic vehicle. Please feel free to email us reviews of places you have visited at haddenhamclassics@gmail.com and we can put them on here.
Gilks Garage Café
words by Ian Copham
photos by Ian Copham and Gilks Garage Café
I discovered Gilks Garage Café, in Kineton, during the lockdown period, when restrictions were beginning to ease and we could finally get out to a few events and collect takeaway food. My son and I had booked tickets for a drive-in movie at Warwick Castle, so we started looking for somewhere to pick up dinner on the way. That’s when we came across Gilks Café.
Their normal opening time was a little too late for us, but I sent them an email to see if there was any chance they could help. They couldn’t have been more accommodating. Keith, the owner, very kindly opened early so we could collect a couple of pizzas and still make it to the film on time. That small act of kindness made a lasting impression, and ever since then we’ve become regular visitors and have been lucky enough to get to know Keith, his family, and the wonderful team who make everyone feel so welcome.
These days, Gilks Café has become the regular starting point for our road trips around the Cotswolds. The food is consistently first class, with excellent coffee and drinks to match, making it the perfect place to begin a day out.
We used to live in Wooburn Green, one of our close friends travels from Cuffley, and another drives over from Stratford-upon-Avon – and we all happily meet at Gilks because the breakfasts are that good. We now live in Ickford, so it’s much closer and easier to visit, which is definitely a bonus!
If you’re planning a visit to the British Motor Museum at Gaydon, Gilks Café is only around five minutes away, and is well worth adding to your itinerary. It’s a popular meeting place for classic car enthusiasts, motorcyclists, cyclists and walkers alike, and there’s almost always something interesting to admire in the car park.
The café itself has a fascinating history. It has been owned by the same family since 1904. Long before it became the welcoming destination it is today, the site was home to a Rootes Group dealership, selling and servicing marques such as Hillman, Humber, Singer and Sunbeam. That automotive heritage is still very much alive, with the adjoining workshop continuing to always have something going on, giving Gilks a unique character, and making it a fitting meeting place for anyone with a love of motoring.
A few years ago, Keith set himself the challenge of driving or riding in 60 different cars before his 60th birthday. With the incredible variety of classic, sports and specialist vehicles that regularly visit Gilks, fellow enthusiasts were only too happy to help him achieve his goal. In fact, thanks to the generosity of customers and friends, he smashed that target in no time at all, which says a lot about the fantastic community that has grown around the café.
One thing to know before you visit – don’t expect a huge, greasy builders’ breakfast. That’s not what Gilks is about. Instead, you’ll find beautifully prepared, high-quality food made with care. The Full English is excellent, there are great vegetarian and vegan choices, and I can thoroughly recommend the chorizo hash. They also offer an extensive lunch menu, which is definitely on our list to work our way through on future visits.
For us, Gilks Café is much more than somewhere to eat. It’s a place with genuine character, a rich motoring history, fantastic food, and some of the friendliest people you could hope to meet. It’s somewhere we’re always happy to return to, and one we’re equally happy to recommend to anyone passing through the area.
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Verdict
Gilks has won several awards, including best café and coffee shop 2025, best family-run cafe 2022, Tripadvisor Travellers’ choice award 2021, just to name a few. So, if you’re passing nearby, it’s definitely worth a visit. Even if you’re not, it’s well worth making the trip, whether it’s for a fantastic breakfast, great coffee, or simply to soak up the atmosphere. Better still, it’s the perfect place to meet friends and start a road trip.
Haddenham Classics rating
5/5
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