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Picture source: Movement80
The Shoulder Of Mutton is now used as a private dwelling. Purchased by the Weller Brewery in 1819, the building is now in residential use.
Source: Robert Osborne
I visited and stayed at the above pub on a number of occasions in the mid-seventies. At that time, it was owned by a couple who had previously lived on Canvey Island (he was a civil engineer) and they bought the pub. During Edward Heath’s years in office as PM, the pub was designated a ‘safe house’ by the security services. Mr. Heath wanted a small pub, close to Chequers, where he could escape for a quiet pint. The owner built an extension with rooms and many important meetings (cabinet, TUC) were held there. It was also used as a quiet day for a State Visitor (The Emperor of Japan was one, I believe). As soon as Heath left office, it was no longer used for that purpose. I had many most interesting conversations with the landlord when he described how he was first approached and how, over a period of time, he became more and more trusted and he preserved the ‘safe house’ status with no leaks. I am sorry to hear that I will not be able to pay a return visit.
John Jewiss
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Name Dates Comments Beverly Bell 1968/1969 Don was the publican had such happy times there. Super scampi and chips Nathaniel Grouille 1988/1990 Worked as a waiter, kitchen hand, occasional barkeep whilst at school. My sister also worked there and did the same, plus sometimes babysat for Steve, the owner and his wife. Dr Christine Simons 1970s I was to take my parents to Sunday lunch. On arrival I was told that Harold Wilson and his wife Mary and son Robin were having Sunday lunch, and so the restaurant was closed. I explained my father had been very ill and this was passed on to the PM, who said he would be delighted if we joined them for lunch. My mother, a staunch Labour supporter, dined out on this story for years.
Other Photos
Date of photo: 1989	Image taken from the Sharing Wycombe's Old Photographs website www.swop.org.uk, and shown with the permission of the copyright holder HIgh Wycombe Library