Over 630 years ago, around 1390AD, our enchanting and cosy pub offered the weary traveller a refreshing beverage, a heartfelt meal and a tranquil place to rest; and we're proud to keep that tradition going! Here at The Dog & Badger we humbly pride ourselves with what we do.
Nestled in the heart of The Chiltern Hills in a unique position, a short way from the colourful towns of Marlow and Henley-On-Thames, we invite anyone and everyone to visit our wonderful part of the world!
With a rich historic background and idyllic location, a-stones-throw from the river, The Dog & Badger has been host to many eccentric characters over time, including the infamous Dashwood family of The Hellfire Club; themselves intrinsically linked with the area through Medmenham Abbey and helping restore the pub in 1860.
Medmenham is the only remaining riverside village in Buckinghamshire and has an intriguing Anglo-Saxon origin which is represented proudly by the newly decorated village sign by the parish church which was founded in 650AD, rebuilt around 1150 and much of it restored in 1844. The early 16th century tower contains three bells (two dated 1624 and 1691) and legend says that the fourth bell was sold to help ransom Richard I in 1189. As late as 1899 the Medmenham Parish Clerk used to announce the banns of marriage in The Dog & Badger before they were published in the church. The village pump is still in the front garden of 17th century Gillman’s, by the crossroads. Lodge Farm, just behind The Dog & Badger, was rebuilt in 1750 and holds a commanding position northwest of the crossroads and the main road itself was built in 1766 by the Hatfield Road Trust on the line of and old track. The history of the village spans over 4,500 years with its first recognisable settlements in the form of a dagger found dated to the bronze age and an iron age hillfort known as Guilleman's Wood; which is where our hotel's namesake comes from, translated down through the ages, just as many English locations, to Gillman's Cottage - named after a priest who lived in the area known to be a French-speaking hermit – “Guilleman" being the ancient French word for a hermit. There is unfortunately now no trace of the Saxon settlement from 550AD when Medmenham was in the ‘Hundred of Desborough’ which was one of the ‘Chiltern Hundreds' for which MPs apply when they wished to resign.
Our accommodation, Gillman’s Cottage, resides in a quaint and beautiful cottage over 550 years old, having been an ale house many moons ago it now houses 6 spectacularly comfortable and glamourous rooms amidst the modern fixtures and ancient wooden beams. Being such an old building we have rooms of varying size, some luxuriously spacious and others more historically quirky; mind your head as people used to be a lot shorter 600 years ago!.
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Didn't stay in room, so unable to comment on them, but the bar was very welcoming after a dog walk. We didn't eat either, but the menu offered a wide variety, and the smells and food coming from the kitchen were certainly appetising.
Absolutely the best pub / boutique hotel in the Marlow and Henley area. The food is delicious, the duck confit was one of the nicest I have eaten. Having stayed a few times now it’s lovely to see new dishes on the menu to choose from. The bedrooms are quirky, beautifully clean and the beds really comfy! The pub is extremely well presented, has a lovely log fire to sit in front of and a nice selection of drinks to choose from. Mike and his team are very welcoming, super friendly and look after you really well! Which makes a pleasant change, as it is so often forgotten. A perfect place to stay when traveling on business or for a little break away! Wish it was my local! Looking forward to seeing the Christmas decorations up and a glass of mulled wine!
Phenomenal roast. I love pubs that pay proper attention to all the veg, not just the meat. No boiled broccoli in sight here, everything on that plate was delicious, including the gravy. Will definitely be coming back!
I had the pleasure of having a late lunch here today and I thought it was wonderful at a fair price. I had the steak & Stilton pie and I will definitely return in the near future for more. The service was great, especially a gentleman named Mike. I highly recommend a visit to this cosy historical venue, est circa 1390!
What an absolute gem. I've been staying locally whilst on business and decided to try this place due to the positive reviews, and I was not disappointed. Atheistically, it's great inside and out, and the parking is decent. The only downside is that it's a destination visit that needs to be driven. That said, I wish I had found it earlier in my trip. The staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming, the food was decent, and the prices were fair. I would absolutely visit again if I am back down this way. It's the best pub/restaurant I have been to in Marlow.
(expired). House spirits and mixer for £5 (double up for £8) 175ml house wines for £5 Pint Stella £5 Pint Rebellion IPA £5 Every Monday to Friday 5pm-7pm
(expired). Book now for Fathers day here at The Dog & Badger. All dads will receive a signature Old Fashioned cocktail. Sunday 18th June.
Opening Times
| Mon | Closed |
| Tue | Closed |
| Wed | 12:00 – 22:00 |
| Thur | 12:00 – 23:00 |
| Fri | 12:00 – 23:00 |
| Sat | 12:00 – 23:00 |
| Sun | 12:00 – 20:00 |
Our accommodation, Gillman’s Cottage, resides in a quaint and beautiful cottage over 550 years old, having been an ale house many moons ago it now houses 6 spectacularly comfortable and glamourous rooms amidst the modern fixtures and ancient wooden beams. Being such an old building we have rooms of varying size, some luxuriously spacious and others more historically quirky; mind your head as people used to be a lot shorter 600 years ago!.
Aston, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 
