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Orwells

Orwells, Shiplake Row, Binfield Heath

4.9
RESTAURANT RATING: 
EXCEPTIONAL
4.9 out of 5 (137 Ratings)
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0.9 miles Reading Festival
About Orwells
The Spotlight on Orwells

Upscale British Dining with a Rustic Twist Near Henley

Set in a charming 18th-century country pub building near Henley-on-Thames, Orwells offers an award-winning take on modern British cuisine. Located in the peaceful village of Binfield Heath, it’s just a short drive from Henley’s popular live music venues, making it a convenient and memorable stop for concert-goers. The vibe is relaxed yet refined, with a focus on sustainability, seasonal ingredients, and thoughtful presentation.

Why Concert-goers love it

With its countryside setting just minutes from Henley’s event scene, Orwells is a great option for a pre-show dinner that feels special without being stuffy. The service is known for being efficient and friendly, and the set menu options allow for a timely meal before heading to a show. The restaurant’s peaceful location also makes it a great place to unwind before the energy of a live performance.

Who this Restaurant is great for

  • Groups of friends looking for a relaxed but elevated meal
  • Solo travelers wanting to treat themselves before a show
  • Couples making a romantic weekend of it in the countryside
  • Fans wanting a calm, stylish space to kick off their night
  • Budget-conscious music lovers who appreciate value in a set menu

What People Say

Diners rave about the creative, seasonal British dishes and the attention to detail in both food and service. The atmosphere is often described as welcoming, intimate, and unpretentious, with a strong commitment to sustainability and local sourcing. Many reviewers highlight the tasting menu and the wine pairings as standout experiences, and the rustic country setting adds to the charm.

Areas for Improvement

Orwells isn’t the closest option if you're short on time—it’s a short drive out of Henley proper, so plan accordingly. Some guests note that the menu may not suit very picky eaters, and the fine-dining style means it’s not the cheapest choice—but excellent value for the quality.

The Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a memorable meal with relaxed country charm before a concert in Henley, Orwells is worth the short trip.

Average Price
£41 and over
Cuisine
British
Dress Code
Casual Dress
Opening Hours
Lunch
Wed-Sat 12:00-14:00
Sun 12:00-15:30
Dinner
Wed-Sat 19:00-21:00

Orwells Customer Reviews

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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

Orwells Restaurant is #1 of 1 things to do in Shiplake

5 of 5 stars5 out of 5
By: Creditspree
Sat 3 May, 2025
l We love this restaurant. Service is amazing, food brilliant and restaurant is beautiful. We had the lobster which looked like a painting on a plate beautifully decorated, the halibut was equally as...

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4 of 5 stars4 out of 5
By: saramaddison, London, United Kingdom
Sun 27 Apr, 2025
l We had a very nice evening at Orwells. It is an experience, and we waited a significant amount of time between being seated, being given a food menu and then between eating each of the three courses...

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5 of 5 stars5 out of 5
By: Brian M
Thu 30 Jan, 2025
l A great experience. Taste to rock your boots. The langoustine and Pork belly are amazing. The scollops are best I have ever tasted ( And I love scollops). The lamb with haggis was great and the...

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Orwells Shiplake Row, Binfield Heath