Welcome

Alan and Wendy welcome you…

Originally from Woodley, Alan Oxlade studied a two year, full-time, City and Guild's Catering Course at Thames Valley University, Slough.  Two years later he returned to take the Hotel and Catering International Management Association's Professional Certificate.  He opened his own establishment, The Greenwillows Restaurant in April 1998 and has just celebrated ten years of business.  Wanting to expand his small business he moved to the Shoulder of Mutton in August 2000 and has never looked back.

As head chef and proprietor Alan has maintained a commitment to quality and has refined the menus year on year.  Using locally sourced supplies he can guarantee the use of fresh ingredients and take pride in the fact that most of his food is home-made.

Alan and Wendy met in June 2001 and they married 2 years later.  Previously a successful jeweller, Wendy had already made her mark, doing amongst other things, a private commission for the Wine Label Circle's Millennium label, which can be seen in the Victoria and Albert Museum and Goldsmiths Hall.

Wendy’s artistic background is evident throughout the pub, ensuring both continuity and attention to detail.  Her friendly smile, warm greeting and personable presence all helps to create a warm environment.

...The Shoulder of Mutton at Playhatch

Refurbished in October 2007 the Shoulder of Mutton offers customers the choice of either relaxing in a traditional, cosy country pub or admiring the garden from within the chic, contemporary new-look conservatory.  The open fireplace makes the bar inviting, whilst the spaciousness of the conservatory makes it ideal for private functions.  (Also see facilities page)

In 2007 the Shoulder of Mutton was the only pub to be recognised in the 2007 Pride of Reading Restaurant Awards and were Highly Commended Finalists.  In May 2005 they joined the Mutton Renaissance Club to become a pub specialising in Mutton dishes.  This year the Shoulder was featured on BBC1’s ‘The One Show’, making a mutton pie for their article.