Orwells chefs save local pub from demolition with plans to relaunch it next year

Ryan and Liam Simpson-Trotman, chef-owners of Orwells restaurant in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, have saved a local pub from demolition and will relaunch it early next year.

The Plowden Arms, which closed in 2019, will reopen under its original name, the Plough at Shiplake. David Morris and Karen Rackham bought the freehold of the pub from Brakspear and operated it for 18 months before closing it for personal reasons. The freehold interest of the site was being marketed off an asking price of £450,000.

The venue has a history stretching back to 1774 and when it is reopened by the Simpson-Trotmans it will be a classic British pub with a sustainable and seasonal menu, with up to 75% of fruit and vegetables grown by the couple on their smallholding.

The Plough at Shiplake will be both family and dog-friendly and open seven days a week for everything from a quick drink and snack to a three-course meal.

The Simpson-Trotmans are known for Orwells, their four-AA-starred restaurant, which opened in 2010, and have also competed on BBC TV competition Great British Menu.