Despite its bucolic name, The Harrow isn’t some timeless local pub, but a full-blown country restaurant in a secluded village on the Kennet & Avon Canal. Serious ambition is confirmed by an array of awards & testimonials from Michelin to Robert Parker, & the interior affirms its classy credentials with muted modern shades, high-backed leather chairs & crisp white linen in the recently refreshed, unstuffy dining areas. The accomplished modern cooking is driven by high-quality seasonal ingredients – with day-boat catches from Brixham showing up strongly. Starters are occasionally jazzed up with oriental flavours & ingredients (sashimi of lobster with Japanese salad), & there are useful by-the-glass suggestions for each course: Glaetzer Bishop Shiraz 2006 with grey partridge, savoy cabbage & apple sauce, say. The full wine list is an oenophile’s delight, with bottles from serious growers around the globe at very fair prices. 5 Stars

The Owners

Sue Jones

Running the family and the restaurant, the pressure is on Sue, but she has succeeded in developing The Harrow over the last 11 years into a pretty smooth operation. Sue excels at ensuring that the service is both efficient and friendly, and has also trained up many ‘green’ managers onto greater things.  Sue is also a School Governor, and a supporter of many charities.

Roger Jones

Michelin Star Chef Roger combines his kitchen duties with his love of wine. Roger sits on The Decanter World Wine Awards, representing Australia, and is a member of the Decanter Tasting Panel as well as a judge on Imbibe’s Sommelier Challenge. Roger also consults and advises numerous companies including The Hakkasan Restaurant Group.

Roger is a Fellow of The Master Chefs of Great Britain, and works with Swindon and Westminster Catering Colleges as well as visiting schools all over the South. He also manages to cook at numerous charity events, as well as taking students into The Harrow kitchen for training.

General Manager 

Ross Dixie

Originally from Ladybrand, South Africa, Ross is now firmly settled in the UK. He previously worked at Bowood Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort. Ross joined The Harrow in January 2010 as Head Bar Man and then became General Manager in May 2010 when Heather left to join The Fat Duck.

Head Chef

John Brown

Johnny boy joined us 10 years ago from school as a Kitchen Porter, and is still here, now of course an expert on champagne, burgundy and Michelin Star cooking. Supports Arsenal, and enjoys playing soccer every Sunday for the local team. His sense of humour, knowledge of all aspects of country life and produce, matched by his sheer hard work and enthusiasm make him an invaluable member of The Harrow’s kitchen. 

Kitchen Apprentice

Jaillin Argent

Jaillin started working for us whilst she was only 14 and is fast becoming a star, she become full time when she turned 16 and quickly got into the Competition scene, flying through many rounds of competitions to get to the final of the Davyd Lyell Young Pastry Chef twice, and wining The Jacquart Champagne Rising Stars Competition, whilst still only 16. She is on a 3 year placement at The Harrow and wants to become Britain’s youngest female Michelin Star Chef.  

Kitchen Porter/Manager

Paul Bicknell

Paul joined us in March 2010 and very quickly blended into the team, his maturity, humour and hard work ethos makes him a very important asset to the kitchen.   In his spare time likes to sky dive.

Head Waitress

Clare Smith

Clare completed her NVQ3 Hospitality Course at Swindon College in June and having worked part time for 10 months became full time in July 2010. Clare won Star Student of The Year this year and came 2^nd in the Chef of The Year competition in her first year at College. Quite a multi talented young lady especially as she is also is one of the youngest netball umpires in the UK, which has taken her to far away places such as Dubai.