Our Story
Nestled in the heart of the countryside village of Crays Hill, The Shepherd & Dog is a pub with over 300 years of history — and a family at its heart.
Since 2019, our family has been proud to call this beautiful pub our own. What started as a passion project has grown into something truly special — a place where great food, warm hospitality and a genuine love of what we do comes together every single day.
We are a proper family-run pub in every sense of the word. From the moment you walk through our doors, you’ll be welcomed by the same familiar faces who care deeply about every aspect of your experience — from the food on your plate to the drink in your hand. This is more than just a pub to us — it’s our home, our passion and our pride.
Award-Winning Food
We’re proud winners of Come Dine with Me: The Professionals — a title we earned by doing exactly what we do every single day. Owner Rebecca’s daughter, Molly headed to the screen to show the nation what The Shepherd & Dog is all about, and the result spoke for itself.
That same passion and commitment to quality is on your plate every time you visit. Every dish is homemade, cooked fresh to order using locally sourced ingredients — and we’re proud to hold a 5-star food hygiene rating to match.
Owner Rebecca, trained at the prestigious Leiths School of Food and Wine in London, is a constant presence in our kitchen, pouring her heart into everything that comes out of it. There’s rarely a day she isn’t there.
More Than Just a Pub
Whether you’re settling into our cosy public bar, dining in our restaurant, or soaking up the sunshine in our stunning beer garden, there’s something for everyone at The Shepherd & Dog — and we’ve thought of everything to make sure you feel completely at home.
Our beer garden is a particular labour of love — beautifully maintained by owner Rebecca, and filled with flowers and gorgeous furniture that feels more like sitting in someone’s private garden than a pub. We have parasols for the sunny days and cosy blankets for when there’s a chill in the air, so you can enjoy being outside whatever the weather. And for the little ones, our very own play trail means the kids are entertained and happy while the grown-ups sit back and relax. It’s the kind of place you come for a quick drink and end up staying all afternoon.
Inside, we boast an extensive bar with a carefully curated wine list and a beautiful selection of cocktails, alongside a range of local ales and classic pub drinks. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, catching up with friends, or simply unwinding after a long week, we have everything you need for the perfect visit.
