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The Downgate Location Park Street, Hungerford, RG17 0ED t: 0844 625 1693 w: www.thedowngate.com e: info@the-downgate.co.uk
WB
The Downgate is every bit the quintessential British country pub. Set on the edge of Port Down Common, The Downgate’s decor is sympathetic to its stunning setting, retaining handsome original features and pairing these with a light and airy feel that ensures diners feel at home from the moment they arrive. The pub’s lush natural surrounds create a relaxed backdrop and owner Lauren Weir and partner Dennis Andersson have taken plenty of cues from this, establishing an easy-going and unpretentious atmosphere where everyone is made to feel welcome – especially friends of the four-legged variety.
£10 to
£20
Daytime visitors can expect to tuck into light bites and hearty lunches such as generously filled sandwiches, fish and chips, and the Downgate beefburger. Evening menus mean traditional British dishes prepared with care. The pub’s seasonal fare Open: consistently leaves smiles on faces thanks to carefully sourced quality produce and Tues-Sat 11.30am-11pm; skilful execution. Think beef stew Sun noon-9pm with warm French stick and butter, and smoked haddock with poached egg, new potatoes, wilted spinach and Hollandaise sauce. The Downgate’s stellar Sunday roast is a surefire way to please the whole family and the range of on-tap tipples available is certain to impress ale aficionados. Supplied by Arkell’s, the breadth and quality of real ales available has earned The Downgate a feature in both the CAMRA Good Beer Guide and the Real Ale Guide, as well as Cask Marque accreditation. Traditional
The Cross Keys Location Church Road, Pangbourne, RG8 7AR t: 0844 625 1961 w: www.crosskeyspangbourne.com e: info@crosskeyspangbourne.com
WB
A popular country inn boasting an inviting atmosphere, smartly appointed interior and superb traditional fare, The Cross Keys in Pangbourne has rightly earned its position as a community cornerstone serving first-rate food and drink. Inside, countryside charm abounds. The exposed wood and brick masonry adds to The Cross Keys’ rustic appeal while comfortable furnishings and splashes of artwork establish a pleasant, cosy ambience that’s well-suited to all kinds of gatherings.
£15 to
£25
The Cross Keys’ menus feature a range of crowd-pleasing traditional British fare. Think starters of chicken liver parfait served with red onion chutney and wholemeal toast, and Loch Fyne mussels cooked in white wine, shallots and cream. For the main event, you might take hand-battered cod Open: Mon-Sun 11am-11pm served with chunky chips and homemade tartare sauce, or grilled Cajun tuna accompanied by sour cream, salad and fries. Supporting the pub’s winning fare is a top-notch wine list, curated to offer unrivalled breadth of choice and varietals from around the world. Hosting a summer event? The Cross Keys’ new outdoor barbecue grill and kitchen means that you can take full advantage of the season’s fair weather. The gazebo can seat up to 100 guests for summertime shindigs and the team has devised several set menus that are perfectly suited for catering en masse. 58
Berkshire Guide 2018-2019