The Bow: New Pub Opening on 5th October 2024

In the heart of Waddesdon, The Bow has been reborn as a lively, welcoming pub, offering a fresh take on the classic village experience. More than just a place to eat and drink, The Bow is a true celebration of community spirit, top-tier quality, and locally sourced produce.

Known as The Bell in the 19th century, and after that The Long Dog, the pub has been renamed The Bow in tribute to its older sister establishment in the village, the Five Arrows Hotel. The Grade II listed building first opened as a public house in 1863. Before that, it housed the bell room for the adjacent 800-year-old St Michael’s and All Angels church.

Head Chef Anthony Skeats, formerly of The Punter, Oxford and with over 25 years of culinary experience, has crafted an inventive, seasonal menu to highlight fresh ingredients, where possible sourced within ten miles, with meat from nearby farms and vegetables from the surrounding Waddesdon Estate, Eythrope Walled Garden and local farms.

Expect dishes that burst with flavour, including signature smashed burgers, delicious modern pub classics and wonderful desserts, such as a brioche sticky toffee pudding. The kid’s menu features fun and nutritious options and favourites like homemade jellies and ice cream. Families are warmly welcomed, with a secure play area in the garden, making it easy for everyone to relax and enjoy. It’s also a perfect spot from which to explore the beauties and landscape of Waddesdon Manor and its Estate, just across the road.

The welcome news of The Bow’s renaissance comes after TV star Jeremy Clarkson was lauded for his purchase of The Windmill pub overlooking the Windrush Valley in the Cotswolds. Although, when it opens The Bow won’t be serving its own beer – a la the former Top Gear presenter’s Hawkstone brewery – it will be supporting local producers, such as the Boobytrap microbrewery based a couple of miles away in Westcott.

The Bow is here for you from breakfast through dinner. Start your morning with freshly baked bread, pastries, and local jams, paired with artisan coffees, teas and locally sourced juices and smoothies. There’s a range of delicious lunch options and for those seeking something stronger, an adventurous selection of beers and ales offers something for every taste, from traditional favourites to new flavours. There is a bold wine list catering for all palettes – including a range of Rothschild wines – from the old to the new worlds.

The Bow carries forward the tradition of excellence established by its sister establishment, The Five Arrows, which is just a short stroll away. Both venues are committed to exceptional quality and service, ensuring that every visit leaves a lasting impression.

The Bow is more than just a pub; it’s a place to connect. We are offering an exclusive membership programme with access to the pub’s upstairs rooms which are designed for today’s needs, offering quiet, comfortable, collaborative spaces with desks, free WiFi, and cosy seating—perfect for remote workers, freelancers, or anyone seeking a change of scenery. For social or business meetings, there is also a private dining room available for members’ parties of up to twelve guests.

Holly Saunders, Director of Hospitality. “Whether you’re meeting with friends or dialling into a work call, The Bow will be your go-to spot for both social and virtual connections. We’re so excited to be bringing this lovely pub back where it belongs to the heart of this vibrant community and are dedicated to offering delicious food, quality drinks, and a space where everyone feels at home—all at reasonable prices. Join us for our grand opening week and discover why The Bow is set to become the new local favourite. We can’t wait to welcome you!”

To find out more, head to www.thebowwaddesdon.co.uk  or call to book a table on 01296 653628.