The Stag & Huntsman relaunches with Sika Inns

The Stag and Huntsman, a country pub and restaurant with rooms in Hambleden Valley, will relaunch in January 2024 with a new Michelin-starred chef and revamped rooms with Sika Inns. 

The spot, on the Culden Faw Estate just outside Henley on Thames, has been taken over by the newly formed Sika Inns who also look after the Bottle and Glass Inn and the Hart Street Tavern in the area.  

The scenic spot is often used as a film location – Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Sleepy Hollow, The Avengers, Nanny McPhee and 101 Dalmatians have all been filmed in the village, while it’s also been the backdrop to many television shows including Band of Brothers and Midsomer Murders.

While the team behind Sika Inns has good form – David Holliday and Alex Sergeant are two former general managers of Fulham’s The Harwood Arms, London’s only Michelin-starred pub, and Holliday was head chef at The Pot Kiln, the Harwood’s sister pub – they will also be welcoming Dom Robinson to work across the three sites from January. 

On the new addition Holliday said: “The Stag and Huntsman is a gem of a pub, with its position nestled in the stunning Hambleden village on the Culden Faw Estate. With nine rooms and cottages it’s the sort of pub that anyone with a background in game and country hostelries would give their eye teeth for a chance at running. 

“Our hopes are to give the locals a pub they adore while also cooking food that people are willing to travel and stay the night for. It’s beautiful as it is: we’re just adding our hospitality and will be updating the accommodation offer.”

The pub features nine rooms, all of which will be receiving a makeover in time for the new year. Modern touches will be added alongside the existing William Morris wallpapers to create a fresh yet traditional countryside feel. 

In addition, there will be a new family-friendly suite too and some rooms will welcome canine guests. The two self-catering cottages (sleeping 4-6) adjacent to the inn will follow suit with a restyle and will be ready from Spring 2024.

Robinson is classically trained and has worked alongside Anthony Demetre and Tom Aikens, he’s previously held a Michelin-star at his own pub, The Blackbird in Berkshire, and was most recently group executive chef at Claude Bosi. 

Diners at The Stag and Huntsman can expect creative menus that feature the best of the local ingredients directly from the estate on which the restaurant sits, and produce from suppliers nearby. 

Of his new role, Robinson said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be coming on board with David, Alex and the Sika Inns team. They have a reputation for excellence and three beautiful sites which I can’t wait to be involved in. All exude hospitality and warmth and I felt instantly at home walking into each of them. I’m very excited for what the future holds.”