The Bateman Arms In Shobdon — Restaurant in England

A Foodie Revival in Shobdon Pure Passion on a Plate!”

We visited the Bateman Arms on opening night under the new dream team Vanessa and her brother Simon—and wow, what a transformation! There’s a real buzz in the air: new chef, fresh energy, and food made with serious love. You can taste the passion in every bite.

This isn’t your average pub grub it’s local, handmade food, with not a microwave in sight. Each dish arrives like a masterpiece, carefully plated with pride. I ordered the beef burger and chips—sounds simple, but don’t be fooled. What I got was a towering, hand-crafted burger made with real beef (none of that processed nonsense), layered with thick-cut smoky streaky bacon, juicy fresh beef tomato, crisp lettuce, and just the right kick from a few bold slices of gherkin.

The burger came slathered in the chef’s own handmade “baconnaise” sauce his secret recipe, and honestly, it tastes like angels whispered it to him. I could bathe in it.

And those chips? Handmade heaven. Golden, chunky, like your mum used to make before air fryers were a thing.

Every bite was an explosion of flavour honestly, a food orgasm (no better way to put it!). A proper feast for the eyes and taste buds.

Best of all, it was served with warmth, smiles, and genuine pride by the owners themselves locals who understand and love village life and are passionate about all things Shobdon.

This isn’t just a pub meal it’s a celebration of Herefordshire hospitality at its finest. If you haven’t been yet, go hungry and prepare to...

A Food Revival in Shobdon, Where Passion Meets the Plate!”||We went to the Bateman Arms on opening night under the new ownership of Vanessa and her brother Simon, and let me tell you. Shobdon has officially got its flavour back!||There’s a buzz in the air, a real sense of something special brewing. A new chef bursting with ideas, full of energy and heart you can feel the love in every dish. This isn’t your average pub meal. This is local, handmade food with soul not a microwave in sight.||I ordered the classic beef burger and chips, but don’t be fooled by the name. What landed on my plate was nothing short of a masterpiece: a handmade mountain of real beef, topped with thick-cut smoky streaky bacon, juicy beef tomato, fresh crisp lettuce, and slices of gherkin that added just the right zing. The hand-cut chips? Golden, chunky, and straight out of a childhood memory like your mum used to make.||And then… the sauce.||The burger came slathered in the chef’s own handmade baconnaise a secret recipe so divine, I’m convinced angels whispered it to him. I could honestly bathe in it.||Every bite was a feast for the eyes and a party for the taste buds. Served with a smile, and with such pride from the owners themselves it felt personal, warm, and proudly Herefordshire. They’re not just serving food they’re celebrating village life and everything Shobdon stands for.||A must-visit. Come hungry,...

The Bateman is back!

With it's welcoming, family, local village pub vibe rejuvenated, it seems refreshingly focussed on what it's village needs and what local pubs could and should once again be.

A selection of genius, simple basket meals and main menu options, alongside brilliant real ales and a great selection of drinks, the Bateman have already nailed a few of the key components.

Finding a way of welcoming everyone isn't always easy, particularly in terms of affordability for those who'd like to get out and support their local pubs with friends, but can't due to cost and being priced out. This place is cleverly proving otherwise.

The bottom bar with pool table and darts is the perfect place for a drink and a catch up, a quick bite too. The top bar and restaurant with cosy comfortable eating spaces and then the ample beer garden where kids unexpectedly meet up with school, village mates and new ones they just meet, whilst parents keep a watchful eye.

Just getting started really, but already seeing great things here. Keep up the...