Bonwick family set to depart from Dew Drop Inn pub

The Bonwick family have thanked all their ‘loyal and supportive guests’ as they prepare to hand over the Dew Drop Inn to new custodians. 

Highly acclaimed chef Simon Bonwick and his wife Deborah took over the historic Hurley pub in January 2023 and have announced that the family are to depart and hand over the Honey Lane venue to new custodians.

Mr Bonwick said: “It’s now on its new Iron legs and the new tenants to be confirmed are ready to run with the baton into a beautiful sunset.”

Following 18 months at the venue, Simon and his son, chef de cuisine Charlie Bonwick will be cooking their last food service on Sunday, July 14.

Simon said the family has ‘loved’ being in Hurley, but this is a story which has reached its ‘natural conclusion’ for them.

He said: “We’ve had a great time and ready for change.

“Rebuilding a pub as old and as demographically lost as the Dew Drop has been a rewarding challenge.”

During the family’s tenure the pub has accumulated several accolades and achievements.

Simon said one of his highlights at the pub was being recognised in The Michelin Inspectors’ Most Memorable Dishes of the Year 2023-2024.

Other achievements have included being named in the Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland and being recognised by the Good Food Guide with an award.

The venue also made it into Estrella Damm’s Top 50 Gastropubs list and was also in the UK National Restaurant Awards Top 100.

“[I want to say] thank you, the new and old [customers] have become firm friends for the future, Simon added.

On the future, Simon said he is open to opportunities and is also looking to finish is second cookbook entitled Completely Luxurious Pub Cookery.

Simon added that the new custodians of the Dew Drop Inn are to be announced.