This gem of a pub describes itself as “a little pub in the woods” hidden away in the Hurley Forest.
Michelin-star chef Simon Bonwick and his family took over Hurley's Dew Drop Inn, the 16th-century pub between Maidenhead and Henley in January 2022. Simon Bonwick earned his Michelin star, as well as a special Michelin award for service, just a few miles down the road at The Crown at Burchett’s Green.
The Dew Drop Inn is described as a “homely house” with a “tiny bar.” It is situated near some stunning walks and bridle paths and it is even reported that it was used by the infamous highwayman Dick Turpin and his horse Black Bess.
Simon’s son Charlie Bonwick also sometimes helps in the kitchen serving a menu that has a French classical accent. It showcases well sourced seasonal ingredients, mostly from France, as well as from some of the UK’s best independent suppliers.
Dishes on the menu start with items such as bill's smoked eels with beetroot and wild horseradish and majtec pickled herring, potato salad and dill. The famous fillet of Highland deer with a rather nice rowanberry sauce is on the main menu along with other dishes such as buttered gnocchi, spinach, mascarpone, and pumpkin chutney and black Angus beef braised for ages and popped in a pie.
The Dew Drop Inn has already received a raft of accolades and positive reviews and was given the award of Good Food Guide ‘best local 2023’. It is also listed in Michelin Guide 2023 and was in the UK National Restaurant Award Top 100.
The pub is also available for private hire, film settings, small weddings and events such as anniversaries and birthdays. Children over 12 are allowed in the dining room but everyone is welcome in the garden, including the dogs.
