The Crooked Billet, Henley-On-Thames

A pub with a small 'p' as there's no bar. You have to get a staff member's attention and order a drink and they'll ferry it to you - fine if the weather's clement, perhaps difficult if not, and would also negate Al Murray / The Pub Landlord's 'glasses back to the bar' mantra. It's an attractive whitewashed building which is accessed on a tight country lane and nice weather affords al fresco drinking and dining as many were during my sojourn, and along with French-style jazz muzak makes quite a nice ambience. As it was three-and-a-half years ago, Oxford Gold was the only ale option (£2 for a half). March 2013 (from BITE) Not a pub per se despite the Brakspear signage out front. Rather disconcertingly there is no bar, so at the time of my arrival (roughly 6pm on a weeknight) I was slightly confused as to where to go. Found a member of staff and requested a drink - they only do Oxford Gold, which I presume is served from cask out the back (no bar, remember). No bar snacks, but she very kindly offered me a plate of homemade pork scratchings which eased the imparting of £4.00 for the pint (and put the £4.80 for a packet of crisps and a drink at The Cherry Tree into the shade). Photo of George Cole and Dennis Waterman above the fireplace and caricature of John Mortimer on one of the walls. Definitely one for the foodies.

Official site of the Crooked Billet, contains menu and wine list - www.thecrookedbillet.co.uk

Official site of the Crooked Billet, contains menu and wine list - www.thecrookedbillet.co.uk