Boys' trip suggestions

[thejonesey]

I have four days with a few mates on board coming up soon. We will be starting from Shiplake and will be looking for good food, decent beer and a bit atmosphere. Any suggestions? I was thinking of heading towards Marlow but am unsure after that!

 

[byron]

Why not come upstream to Goring loads of Pubs and Restaurants or if you really want nice food moor at the Beetle & Wedge at Moulsford.

 

[Chris_d]

How about the Bounty at Bourne End first stop its great to just step off the boat into the bar, then Windsor loads of life and choice there, back to Marlow, then BBQ on the Shiplake Islands to finish. Done all those on boy's cruises before and you can't go wrong

 

[watson1959]

Hi Jonesey....

Depends what you have in mind: last summer we took a 2 day trip to Windsor from T&K, however food and liquid sustenance was aboard. Left around 8.30am......tea all the way to Shiplake )) then the first beer as we passed the George & Dragon; stopped for a single swifty at the Angel in Henley then a delightful lunch with wine on the islands below Cliveden. It was a long day but we reached Windsor Racecourse for around 5.30pm. Dinner & libations in Windsor for the evening (the ale pub right in front of the Castle entrance is very pleasant as was the food there). Next day we did the reverse with lunch at Marlowe.

With four days, depending on how much distance you want to cover, you'll have a cracking time.

I havent read what the signs say, however when we walk to the dogs from Sonning to Shiplake its clear that messages of some kind have been posted on the islands just upstream of the college. Don't know if mooring has been stopped or what, but apart from a couple of long-ish term liveaboards I've seen nobody there for a while. As that's your patch....can you enlighten us?

 

[thejonesey]

Thanks for the suggestions! So much choice... it is what I love about the river! Regarding the Islands at Shiplake, we ran a couple of weeks of adventure training and wanted to warn boat owners that they might have 50 teenagers spoil their peaceful weekend. All finished now so fill your boots! (Unless someone else has put up signs!)

A couple of years ago the boss put up signs asking people to take their rubbish home....they lasted less than a week! Hopefully we will meet soon?

 

[BrendanS]

The Flower Pot - just after Hambleden Lock- and a short walk up the lane, is an absolute gem of a traditional country pub, that does decent food and good beer. Not cordon bleu food, but has game in season etc, and quite an extensive menu, and reasonably priced.

 

[Gavi]

Oi, sssssh. That is where we are.

 

[BrendanS]

did I mention the fantastic beer garden, and the quirky decor?
Ooops, sorry, I'll post more quietly in future!

 

[thejonesey]

Decisions...decisions!