The Flowing Spring in Playhatch, Oxfordshire, nestles on the edge of the Chilterns on the Henley Road just minutes from Reading, Caversham, Sonning, Shiplake and Henley-on-Thames. It is a friendly, cosy, traditional country free house. It serves fresh, home-made food, including a wide range of meals suitable for vegetarians, vegans and those with intolerances to gluten, dairy and various allergens. It's also well known for its high standards of live music that takes place all year round.

MULTI-AWARD WINNERS
We're so proud to have been awarded gold in the Creme de la Creme category (the top award) at the FreeFrom Eating Out Awards 2018 at the ExCel in London. This is a massive achievement for our little pub. In 2017 we were awarded gold in the pub restaurant category and in 2016 we were awarded silver place. Read more here. 
In November 2015 we were presented with an award by PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) for being in the top ten vegan-friendly pubs in the UK - further recognition of our continuing efforts to cater for people with dietary needs. 
We were absolutely flattered to have been voted South Oxfordshire CAMRA's Pub Of The Year 2018. This follows awards for South Oxfordshire CAMRA Summer Pub of the Season 2017 and Winter Pub of the Season 2018. We are proud to be listed in the 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025 CAMRA Good Beer Guides: that's 13 years running!

ABOUT THE PUB

The 18th century pub, owned by Nick and Hazel who have run it for over 14 years, is on a slant with almost a foot difference from one end of the bar to the other! At the rear is a huge garden with the ancient Berry Brook running around two sides. As it passes under the Spring Lane bridge, water from the spring joins it, wending its way to the Thames at Shiplake. Find out more about the pub and its history here. There is an abundance of wildlife and great walks.
 
Unusually, the pub itself is on the first floor with an excellent covered balcony overlooking the garden. It is important to note that access to the pub itself is via an outside staircase.
 
There is plenty of car parking space, a toilet on car park level for disabled customers (with baby changing facilities) and Wi-Fi. It is popular with walkers and was featured in the Christmas 2015 edition of the Sunday Times for one of our magnificent circular walks. Please ring us in advance if you plan to park here to go for a walk.
Runners, cyclists, bikers and dogs are very welcome, as are children but they must be supervised at all times.

We allow campervans and motorhomes to stop over for the night when booked in advance, but not on a Sunday or Monday evening. Please call us to check availability on 0118 9699878.

EVENTS
Exciting and original events happen throughout the year, both inside and out, from our Gigs in the Garden series of top quality concerts  throughout the summer, supporting professional musicians, to our monthly classic car and bike meets in the garden (April to October), singalong nights, monthly unplugged nights, slightly plugged nights, murder mysteries, games nights, magic circle nights and charity fundraisers. All events are listed in the What's On page.

REGULAR DATES

Quirky Corner Unplugged Nights: first Tuesday of the month

Classic Cars and Bikes Meet: second Sunday of the month, 9:30am to 11:30am, April to October.

Slightly Plugged Nights: Last Friday of the month, 7:30pm. Up to 8 acts performing mic'd up in the bar (not June, July or August)

Sing-along-a-Nick Trio Singalong nights: 3/4 times a year.

Outdoor Gigs: from May to September in the garden. See our What's On page

Acoustic Lounge Events: from October to April. See our What's On page