Anyone buying at Beechcroft’s Manor Gardens in Shiplake will certainly find plenty on hand. Set in beautifully landscaped gardens, just a short walk from Shiplake station, Manor Gardens is a development of 24 new, two, three, four and five-bedroom houses available on the open market to homebuyers of all ages. So, what can home buyers expect to find in the local area?
A recent report by Which? magazine revealed that being close to shops and services took third place in a list of the 10 features buyers are looking for in a new home. Easy access to local facilities is even more important for retired home buyers keen to reduce their reliance on cars.
In the best village tradition, Shiplake has its own family butcher’s shop – Shiplake Butchers.
Established over 30 years ago and run by Keith Whiting, the shop supplies traditional beef, local pork and lamb, fresh poultry, game and venison, home-made sausage, beefburgers, kebabs, pies and, for Burns Night, haggis.
In 2020, Keith Whiting was the recipient of a Community Charity Awards at an event run by the Henley Herald for his contribution to the local community which included cooking a festive meal at the Christ Church Centre for those who otherwise wouldn’t have one.
Visit the Shiplake Butchers Facebook Page >
Every village needs a local shop and post office and in Shiplake that’s exactly what the shop is called - The Corner Shop and Post Office.
Located in the heart of Shiplake, near the railway station and Shiplake Butchers, the Corner Shop and Post Office is run by Mark and Carol. Open from 7.30 am to 5.30 pm from Monday to Saturday and from 8 am to 11 am on Sundays, the shop sells a whole variety of locally sourced products including excellent local bread, cakes and pastries, milk, eggs and dairy produce, flour, honey, bacon and beer along with locally-made quiche, canned and boxed staples and magazine – in fact, everything you need on a daily basis. The shop can be contacted on 0118 940 2932.
Visit the Corner Shop's Facebook Page >
There’s also the locally run Binfield Heath Post Office and Stores in the local area.
At the time of writing the shop is open from 7 am to 7 pm, Monday to Thursday, 7 am to 8 pm on Fridays, 7 am to 1 pm and 2 pm to 8 pm on Saturdays and 7 am to 2.30 pm on Sundays. The post office is open 9 am to 5 pm on weekdays and on Saturday mornings.
Visit the Binfield Heath Post Office Website >
For supermarket shops, there’s a branch of Tesco on Reading Road, just right off the roundabout heading north into Henley.
At the time of writing, the supermarket was open 8 am to 9 pm weekdays, 7.30 am to 9 pm on Saturdays and 9.30 am to 4 pm on Sundays. Of course, there’s a branch of Waitrose on Bell Street, Henley on Thames.
Meeting friends for a drink or dining out? Of course, in Henley-on-Thames, you’ll find a wide range of places to eat and drink from coffee shops and tea rooms to upmarket chain restaurants like the Giggling Squid and popular independents such as The Shellfish Cow but you don’t have to leave Shiplake to find a choice of venues.
Set in a huge garden, flanked by streams, the 18th century Flowing Spring pub, is a friendly, cosy, country pub serving fresh home-made food including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free options and holding events from live music evenings and games evenings to stand-up comedy and astronomy nights.
Visit The Flowing Spring's Website >
The Baskerville Arms is a charming, family and dog-friendly pub just a few minutes from the River Thames.
The pub was recently taken over by three local families and has undergone a huge renovation project. Now, contemporary, stylish, interiors welcome walkers, dog walkers, locals and people from further afield. The pub offers the best local produce from farm-fresh Oxfordshire food to local craft beer, fine wine and Henley distilled gins. There’s an enclosed garden with a purpose-built outdoor bar for outdoor dining. Events include themed evenings and quiz nights.
Visit The Baskerville's Website >
The Plough Shiplake, newly restored and renamed, is a gastropub with a homely, modern atmosphere, an open fire and food cooked by an enthusiastic and passionate chef.
At the Plough there’s the Table 10 Lunch Club which gives friends and neighbours a place to get together for an enjoyable lunch. The pub also runs the Flight Club with special events featuring tasting menus for those who love surprises – and being spoiled. These evenings include canapes and bubbles, a five-course tasting menu and wine and cocktail pairings.
Orwells Restaurant in Binfield Heath, named after famous local resident, George Orwell, boasts an outstanding tasting menu, a la carte menu and traditional Sunday lunches, Run by Ryan and Liam Simpson-Trotman, Orwell’s offers ‘sensible cooking with a modern approach.’
Every meal celebrates British ingredients with a strong focus on homegrown and locally sourced produce as well as the best seasonal ingredients and fresh produce from responsible producers across the UK. Liam is responsible for the vegetable growing and for the management of the apiary at Orwells.
Beauty Revived is a mobile Beauty & Massage service covering Henley-on-Thames and surrounding villages.
Female clients are able to book luxurious treatments in the comfort & privacy of your home. The service is available Monday to Friday from 9 am to 8 pm and by arrangement at weekends and out of these hours. There’s a list of beauty treatments, massage treatments and pamper party treatments online.
Visit The Beauty Revived Website >
For centuries, Chinese medicine has offered a natural, holistic and lasting solution, unique to individual health challenges.
At the Marina Danilova Clinic in Lower Shiplake, the goal is to restore the balance, strengthen the body and recover the body’s innate power to heal itself. It can improve sleep, optimise energy levels, address digestive issues, balance mental and emotional health, improve hormonal health and ensure speedy and proper recovery following illness.
Visit Maria Danilova's Website >
Located in Lower Shiplake and led by Debbie Sayer, Nudefeet offers foot, hand and facial reflexology treatments alongside Reflexology Lymph Drainage.
Debbie holds a Level 3 Diploma in Reflexology and trained with The London School of Reflexology under the tuition of Louise Keet, one of the UK's foremost Reflexology practitioners and author of The Reflexology Bible.
Debbie is a passionate practitioner and enthusiast in promoting the full benefits of Reflexology and is delighted to offer Foot, Hand and Facial Reflexology at her practice alongside Lymph Drainage Reflexology and Fertility and Maternity Reflexology. The business is open Monday to Friday and the occasional Saturday when there is demand and she also works from the PureStretch Studio in Henley on a Friday morning.
Find out more on the Shiplake Villages Website >
If you’ve overdone the workout or sporting session, the Good Life Sports Injury Clinic is on hand in Shiplake.
Run by Emma Davis, former professional triathlete and Olympian who is a certified Sports Injury Practitioner, the clinic offers injury assessment, comprehensive, effective treatment and long-lasting pain relief from sporting or occupational injuries.
Whether you need repairs, a service or an MOT, Shiplake Motors is an independent family-run garage which prides itself on providing a friendly and professional service to all customers.
The garage has been in business for many years and appreciates its many loyal customers.
Discover Beechcroft's new homes for sale in nearby Shiplake, the perfect location with excellent restaurants nearby.
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