Berkshire Food & Drink Guide 2019 - 2020

15th

annual edition

BERKSHIRE

A comprehensive guide to eating out in Berkshire Restaurants • Cafés • Bars • Pubs • Hotels

Welcome Welcome to the Berkshire Food & Drink Guide 2019-2020. On the following pages you’ll find a wide range of options for eating out in the region. To help you make your selection, each review features a coloured tab to denote the restaurant’s location – just reference the map and key below.

Marlow

Nettlebed

WB

Woodcote

Chieveley

Pangbourne

Lambourn

Henley-onThames

Maidenhead Slough

Twyford Reading

EB

Windsor

Wokingham Bracknell

Hungerford Newbury

RW

Thatcham

Crowthorne

£25 to

£30

Food & Drink Guide 2019-2020 Canningford House 38 Victoria Street Bristol BS1 6BY t: 0117 927 7167 e: editor@foodanddrinkguides.com w: www.foodanddrinkguides.com Editor Hannah Burton-Grieve Senior Editorial Assistants Robbie Masters, Tori Sharpe Editorial Assistants Oli Bishop, Ella Fisher, Kate Avetoomyan, Celia Rowland

Highclere

WB West Berkshire

Berkshire

Reading & RW Wokingham

EB East Berkshire

Many of the reviews include a price tab. This is the typical cost per person you can expect to pay for two courses from the à la carte menu, plus a drink (unless otherwise stated).

This is for guidance purposes only and prices may vary.

Restaurants featuring this symbol have both disabled access and a toilet suitable for wheelchair users (this information has been provided by the restaurants in question and should be confirmed prior to visiting).

Restaurants featuring this symbol have accommodation.

You’ll notice that some restaurants in the guide have an 084 telephone number. Calls cost 5p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge.

Just like the weather, ownership, opening times and prices are subject to change throughout the year. Have a look at our website – www.foodanddrinkguides.co.uk – to see reviews of restaurants nationwide and to request other regional Food & Drink magazines.

Contents Foreword.......................................2 Fine Dining ...................................3 Modern British..............................9 British.........................................20 Modern European........................26 Brasserie.....................................36 Gastropub....................................37 Italian.........................................43 Polish..........................................44 Mediterranean.............................45

Bar & Restaurant.........................45 Farm Shop & Deli........................52 Farm Shop & Café.......................52 Café.............................................54 Traditional...................................54 Thai.............................................67 Indian..........................................67 Chef Profiles................................70 Index...........................................72

Graphic Designer Jess Porter Photography Paul Matthews (www.paulmatthewsphotography.com), Greg Thurtle (www.blandfordstudios.com) Contributors Ian Burton, Sue Creed Project Manager Joe Packer Advertising Sales Matt Brentley, Simon Northcott, Paul Balshaw, Sam Terrett, Tim Hall Published by Food & Drink Guides Ltd Publisher Sam Collins Managing Director Robin Fry

The cost of producing this guide has been met by advertising revenues from the restaurants featured within. We only include restaurants that we know, from either experience or recommendation, provide a quality service, and our journalists review the majority of the establishments. However, some reviews are supplied by third parties, and no review in this guide should be taken as a direct recommendation by Food & Drink Guides Ltd. Printed December 2019.

Berkshire Guide 2019-2020

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Foreword

Tom Clarke We couldn’t wish for a better location for L’Ortolan than the spot we have in the charming village of Shinfield, just outside of Reading – the green fields are perfect for local game and foraging, and are home to local cheese-making farms, wineries and breweries. Berkshire boasts a wealth of alternative sources for great British produce, which makes chefs’ lives much easier.

This year, L’Ortolan has celebrated its 18th birthday and in order to promote such a special occasion I decided to participate in lots of local food events. I therefore spent my summer hosting cookery demonstrations during Wokingham Festival, The Great British Food Festival, and Goring and Streatley Food and Drink Festival. As well as a great chance for me to see what other chefs in the region are up to, it was another great occasion to showcase and highlight the quality of the produce in our local area. I will always champion keeping strong relationships with our local suppliers.

I’m at my most relaxed when walking through the Berkshire countryside with my children and dog, when I can momentarily take my mind off the day-to-day challenges facing our industry and enjoy the fantastic local area, which is rich with heritage. In terms of the challenges we’re facing, recruitment in particular is always tough. I like to recruit young, passionate chefs willing to learn the tricks of the trade, and train them personally to become the new generation of professionals.

The food scene in this country is developing very quickly, and it’s becoming more varied and looking even more exciting every single day. Given the inevitable shift we may be in for after Brexit, we are constantly researching the most efficient ways of sourcing even more great ingredients from our homeland, which has a rich offering waiting to be discovered and utilised. This year’s Berkshire Food & Drink Guide shows some of the best kitchens in the region already doing just this, and gives you the chance to explore many hidden gems in the county. I of course look forward to welcoming you to L’Ortolan soon.

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Berkshire Guide 2019-2020

L’Ortolan

Fine Dining

 Location Church Lane, Shinfield, Nr. Reading, RG2 9BY t: 0844 625 5521 w: www.lortolan.com e: info@lortolan.com

RW

Surrounded by beautiful grounds in the elegant setting of a former vicarage, L’Ortolan is secluded yet easily accessible, being only five minutes from Junction 11 of the M4. Under the leadership of newly appointed, charismatic restaurant general manager Marco Nardi, the front-of-house team will provide you with an unforgettable dining experience. The restaurant has proudly held its Michelin star since 2003 under Alan Murchison, who later passed the command to Tom Clarke, who was rewarded for his culinary skill with his very own Michelin star in 2015. Head chef Clarke trained with Raymond Blanc, Jean-André Charial and Alan Murchison, and all of their influences reflect in Tom’s creative blend of classical French flavours and modern techniques. His creative flavour combinations are perfectly represented in starters such as seared scallops with bacon jam and textures of artichoke. Main course options include roast fillet of beef served with smoked pomme purée and bone marrow jus and, for dessert, you can look forward to dark chocolate pavé with banana and lime. L’Ortolan is always keen to cater for any dietary requirements – such as vegetarian, gluten- and dairy-free diets.

The dishes are all presented with precise, artistic delicacy, making a meal at L’Ortolan an experience to remember. You’ll be in good hands when it comes to libation, too, as this fine establishment featured on the AA’s Notable Wine List for 2017-2018, and for good reason. The selection includes biodynamic and organic options, and the sommelier is on-hand to select wine to perfectly accompany each course. Furthermore, L’Ortolan offers a variety of seasonal tasting menus, as well as a rich selection of dishes on the à la carte. The iconic tasting menus start at £49.50 for a delicious six courses, and include a seven-course Gourmand and ten-course Discovery menu available for lunch and dinner. There are numerous other tempting ways to dine at L’Ortolan, such as at the chef’s table or the cook and dine experience, as well as cookery masterclasses and various wine tasting events. The restaurant has been refurbished and all dining rooms have recently been fitted with draught-free air conditioning. The three stunning private dining rooms can be hired exclusively for parties from eight to 22 with menus from £49.50, and private hire of the restaurant is available for up to 60 guests, making L’Ortolan the perfect destination for business entertaining or special occasions.

£39 to

£105

Open: Tues-Sat noon-2pm, 7pm-9pm

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Fine Dining

The Cliveden Dining Room  Location Cliveden House, Taplow, SL6 0JF t: 0844 625 1714 w: www.clivedenhouse.co.uk e: reservations@clivedenhouse.co.uk

EB

Precisely executed and exquisitely presented dishes are what guests at The Cliveden Dining Room can expect. Situated in the beautiful Cliveden House and overlooking stunning National Trust gardens, visitors are surrounded by grace and grandeur as they enjoy a dining experience to be remembered for all the right reasons.

£55 to

£89

The tremendous talent and irrepressible drive of the team at Cliveden, with executive head chef Paul O’Neill at the helm, is evident throughout the dining experience, from the harmonious atmosphere in the kitchen to the immaculate finishes and innovative dishes. This extends into the restaurant space itself, where princely decor and attentive service create a truly incomparable dining setting.

Steered by the availability of seasonal produce, the well-conceived à la carte and tasting menus are a gastronomic tour de force of outstanding English produce.

Though both offerings change frequently, a sample à la carte might list starters of black truffle risotto with Parmesan and chives, and twice-baked cheese soufflé with apple and walnut. For the main event, diners might sample the likes of a fillet of halibut with wild mushroom, Jerusalem artichoke and chard; Longhorn fillet of beef Wellington with roasted Roscoff onion and frisée salad or roasted cauliflower with gnocchi, pickled onion and goats’ cheese.

Food Served: Mon-Sat 6.15pm-9.30pm; Sun 12.30pm-2.30pm, 6.15pm-9.30pm

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Berkshire Guide 2019-2020

Completing an already-alluring picture, Cliveden House’s luxurious rooms, enticing afternoon tea offering, informal dining option of The Astor Grill, and elite private dining facilities offer up yet more compelling reasons to investigate this one-of-a-kind venue on the Berkshire-Buckinghamshire border. The setting, architecture and interiors all speak of wonderful extravagance and extraordinary sophistication. There’s an instant sense of history from the moment you sweep down the driveway and step through the entrance into The Great Hall, with over 350 years of the house’s illustrious past having been dedicated to the pursuit of pleasure, power and politics.

Whether you’re staying overnight or dining with us for a special occasion, a meal at The Cliveden Dining Room is an experience not to be missed.

The Bull Inn at Bisham

Fine Dining

 Location Marlow Road, Bisham, SL7 1RR t: 0844 502 3065 w: www.bullinnbisham.com

EB

Buckinghamshire and Berkshire are laden with gastronomic jewels; while some come and go, the standard bearers remain thanks to their remarkable consistency. Among those illustrious few is The Bull Inn at Bisham. Today The Bull Inn is a reflection of one family’s passion for culinary excellence.

£15 to

£25

The Lopez family, boasting over 40 years’ experience in fine dining, works tirelessly to provide the shire’s culinary elite with a truly exceptional dining experience that revolves around a classic French menu with certain Spanish influences. This establishment offers a choice of dining options – you can choose either The Restaurant or the less formal Bisham Bar, or even enjoy a private family or business dinner in The Private Room. Those dining in The Restaurant are first led to the private cocktail lounge, where they are invited to sip a pre-meal aperitif while reading the lavish menu. Dishes feature the finest ingredients from Smithfield and Billingsgate markets. Offerings from the sea include the freshest selections of Dover sole, skate, lobster and rock sea oysters, while the vast meat selection ranges from T-bone steak to rack of lamb.

In the dining room, flames from the flambées being prepared light up the room and the bouquets emitted from some of the finest vintage wines, which are decanted by expert sommeliers, really accentuate the theatre of the experience.

The immaculately presented team conveys a sense of occasion while being very friendly and attentive. Once the main course is finished, the sweet trolley is steered towards the table, having resided up until this point in the centre of the dining room. The anticipation is now over and guests are free to make impulsive selections from an impressive array. Alongside the sweet trolley there is also an impressive collection of Champagne, Cognac and Port to choose from. This establishment is a rare example of a dying breed – one that upholds those time-honoured practices that are essential for a traditional fine dining experience. A simple yet focused ethos of retaining the simplicity of the food allows the ingredients to shine, and it is clear the Lopez family have a very special rapport with their clients. These unique personal touches make The Bull an exceptional dining venue, worthy of the acclaim it continues to receive.

Open: Mon-Sat 11.30am-2.30pm, 5.30pm-10.30pm; Sun noon-2.30pm, 7pm-10.30pm

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Fine Dining

The Vineyard  Location Stockcross, Nr. Newbury, RG20 8JU t: 0844 502 2984 w: www.the-vineyard.co.uk e: reservations@the-vineyard.co.uk

WB

The Vineyard is a five-star hotel and spa, renowned for its impeccable service, stylish restaurant and award-winning 30,000-bottle wine cellar.

‘...a work of art on the plate...’

*

£29 to

Executive chef Tom Scade’s (chef profile page 70) food is elegant and clean, with each dish presented as a work of art on the plate, prepared and presented with engineer-esque precision. His philosophy focuses on using the finest ingredients, locally sourced where possible, but he isn’t afraid of searching further afield for higher quality ingredients. When dining at The Vineyard you can choose from the à la carte or seven-course tasting menu, which can be paired with exquisitely selected wine from the hotel’s team of expert sommeliers.

£89

Tasting Menu and À La Carte Served: Tues-Sat noon-1.45pm, 6.30pm-9pm with your dinner.

As one of the top wine hotels outside of London, The Vineyard is dedicated to providing guests with an unforgettable wine experience, whether you are a connoisseur, a novice or simply love a fine vintage

*£29 represents the cost of the three-course lunch menu; £89 represents the cost of the seven-course Judgement of Paris menu – add paired wine per course from £75.

Fine Dining

Fredrick’s Hotel  Location Shoppenhangers Road, Maidenhead, SL6 2PZ t: 0844 625 6435 w: www.fredricks-hotel.co.uk

EB

Inside the elegantly decorated Fredrick’s Hotel is its two-AA-rosette-awarded restaurant, which holds a reputation for serving exquisite British food with a modern French twist. The team of talented chefs prides itself on crafting only the finest plates for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. At the centre of Fredrick’s Hotel is the cosy bar, where you can relax and enjoy a drink from the fine selection of wine and gin from all over the world, as well as a light bar snack.

*

£35

The Wintergarden and dining room are perfect for those wishing to sample the evening à la carte menu in a spectacular setting. Salt-baked celeriac with a smoked egg yolk, truffle and hazelnuts; breast of guinea fowl served with confit Open: Mon-Fri 7am-10pm; thigh, truffled Savoy cabbage and artichoke, and peanut butter cheesecake Sat & Sun 7.30am-10pm with banana sorbet and marshmallow are just a sample of the immaculately presented dishes you can expect to see on the menu. Struggling to find the perfect wine pairing for your chosen course? Each dish is matched with a suggested grape, including a Tekena sauvignon blanc from Chile and a bold Cullinan View shiraz from Western Cape, South Africa. What’s more, the hotel is only 11 miles away from Ascot Racecourse, so why not stay the night and indulge in an evening of fabulous food and drink before you head off for a day at the races? *Price represents the cost of a two-course meal from the à la carte menu.

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Berkshire Guide 2019-2020

Caprice Restaurant & Terrace

Fine Dining

 Location Wharfedale Road, Winnersh Triangle, Reading, RG41 5TS t: 0844 625 0046 w: www.hireadinghotel.com e: reservations@hireadinghotel.com

RW Caprice Restaurant & Terrace is the epitome of gourmet dining, located in the exceptional four Silver Star Holiday Inn Reading M4 Junction 10. This two-AA-rosette-awarded restaurant serves exquisite modern British dishes alongside £30 to a delicious authentic Indian menu. During summer, the beautiful terrace is ideal for £45 al fresco dining and at night the hotel is transformed, with music from the gifted resident pianist. The talented head chef delights guests with his innovative creations, and all dishes are presented with precise artistic delicacy. Guests are spoilt for choice with a seasonal à la carte featuring the finest local ingredients and a set menu priced from only £25.95. For dessert, pâtissiers prepare an array of tempting treats. For a truly relaxing experience, indulge in a pampering spa treatment or two beforehand at The Esprit Spa and Wellness Suite, followed by a relaxing visit to Monty’s Lounge Bar. There you can enjoy a fine selection of light bites and peruse the stunning cocktail menu. If you’re stopping by between meals or for a special Caprice Restaurant Open: occasion, treat yourself to a superb Mon-Sun 6.30am-10pm afternoon tea. Flexible dining Monty’s Lounge Bar Open: options are available on request, Mon-Sun 7am-11pm and include private and corporate banqueting accommodating up to 260 guests. With complimentary Wi-Fi, secure underground parking and a warm welcome for both residents and non-residents, this spectacular hotel has everything you could ever need. Caprice Restaurant is an experience not to be missed.

Newbury Racecourse

Fine Dining

 Location Racecourse Road, Newbury, RG14 7NZ t: 0844 502 2089 w: www.newburyracecourse.co.uk e: hospitality@newburyracecourse.co.uk

WB For a touch of class during your day at the races, the award-winning Hennessy restaurant at Newbury Racecourse offers panoramic views over the winning post and the chance to watch the racing in an unrivalled location. Executive * head chef Darren Fairminer brings 30 years of experience to create a menu £25 that focuses on high-quality seasonal produce, detailed preparation and to £119 mouth-watering flavour combinations, with everything cooked to order.

To start, the woodland mushroom and wild pheasant terrine with beetroot and horseradish relish is full of flavour and bound to get you in the racing spirit.

Follow this with the roast partridge breast with a duck leg croquette, baby turnips, braised red cabbage and a duck fat fondant to fully indulge in the finest quality experience. The vegetarian pumpkin and ricotta cannelloni with baby ratatouille, black olive tapenade and red pepper sauce has ingredients that contrast and highlight each other perfectly. For a fruity finish to this Open: please see website great British menu, opt for the for details blackberry and mango Eton Mess with shortbread fingers, or the lemon and lime gin fizz cheesecake.

For a more relaxed dining experience, head to the Brasserie, famous for its fish and chips and handmade burgers. This is a popular race day dining option with an informal atmosphere. Brasserie breakfasts are served until 12.30pm and are the perfect fuel for race day. *£25 represents the average cost of two courses and a drink at The Brasserie; £119 represents the starting price of The Hennessy package.

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Fine Dining

Stoke Park  Location Park Road, Stoke Poges, SL2 4PG t: 0844 502 2086 w: www.stokepark.com e: info@stokepark.com

EB

*

£68

Open: Thurs-Sun 7pm-10pm

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Berkshire Guide 2019-2020

Set in leafy Buckinghamshire, amid 300 acres of glorious parkland, lakes and gardens, Stoke Park is a leading hotel, spa and country club conveniently located just 35 miles from London and seven miles from Heathrow. Here you’ll find the award-winning Humphry’s restaurant, steered by head chef Chris Wheeler (chef profile page 70), serving innovative modern British cuisine against the backdrop of the estate’s rich history.

With three AA rosettes to its name, and the prestige of winning Best Fine Dining Restaurant at the Buckinghamshire Food and Drink Awards 2016, Humphry’s is no novice when it comes to wowing diners with innovative menus. From the à la carte, the seafood starters shine, with home-smoked scallops served with tempura roe, pea purée and pickled radish. The decision might be an easy one if it weren’t for the chalk stream trout flavoured with dill pollen and served with roasted red pepper, miso, cress, and mango and lime gel. There are a range of excellent fish, meat and vegetarian options, with the exquisitely presented mains expertly incorporating the best of seasonal British ingredients and flavours.

You may opt for an innovative lamb dish that sees cutlet and loin served with cinnamon-spiced lamb sweetbread, potato terrine, spring greens, black garlic purée, apricot gel and lamb jus – a celebration of this beautiful meat. Vegetarian diners can enjoy the ricotta, basil and sunblushed tomato tortellini with baby Mediterranean vegetables and tomato pesto.

With a set price for all three courses, you’d be amiss to not sample one of the superb desserts. Perhaps the delicate passion fruit soufflé with passion fruit sauce, coconut, lime leaf and lemongrass sorbet will be the perfect end to your meal, or the vanilla panna cotta enhanced by poached peach, peach consommé and tarragon oil. Otherwise, indulge in the delectable treacle tart, which comes with date and vanilla purée, citrus gel and whisky ice cream. Paired with a glass from the substantial wine list, your meal will be one you’ll want to relive time and again.

With its floor-to-ceiling windows and great vases of lilies and orchids, the stunning decor at Humphry’s honours the thousand-year history of the estate, allowing guests to relax in a luxurious ambience with panoramic views of the estate and lake. *Price represents the cost of three courses from the à la carte menu.

Donnington Grove

Modern British

 Location Grove Road, Donnington, Nr. Newbury, RG14 2LA t: 0844 625 6694 w: www.donnington-grove.com e: enquiries@donnington-grove.com

WB

Surrounded by rolling green hills, the 18th-century Donnington Grove is a Gothic treasure sitting on the outskirts of Newbury, yet seems a lifetime away from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Framed by woodland, the striking nature of its architecture and supporting scenery make it an idyllic backdrop for weddings. Prolong your stay in one of the cosy lodges overlooking the lake and surrounded by wildlife.

£25 to

£33

‘...overlooking the lake and

surrounded by wildlife...’

2018 was a momentous year for Donnington Grove as it saw refurbishments to the grounds and facilities that have amplified the hotel’s luxurious quality. Just a stone’s throw from the hotel’s bar and restaurant are the golf facilities, which now boast a covered and floodlit driving range, allowing you to practise and perfect your swing all year round.

If you’re looking to experience a day of ultimate relaxation, The Avalon Retreat will become your haven. The three new treatment and beauty rooms are designed to help you de-stress and unwind in a sanctuary from the outside world; it’s the place to be for a lazy weekend away from the city.

‘...luxurious quality...’

For foodies, the spectacular Beau’s Bar and Restaurant is sure to impress. The newly refurbished dining space was named after the famous Beau Brummel, son of William Brummel, who lived at Donnington Grove in the late 18th century. Beau was known as a dandy and a fashion icon of his time – he even introduced the fashion for wearing a shirt and cravat to the nation. The interior pays homage to Beau as well as 18th-century British fashion and tradition, and it’s this mix of style and heritage that inspires the new menus. Only the region’s finest produce – including cured fish from John Ross Jr and the highest quality meat from Thatcham Butchers – is used to create exciting dishes. Pay a visit to Donnington Grove where a day of pure luxury awaits.

Open: please see website for details

Berkshire Guide 2019-2020

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The Pheasant

Modern British

 Location Hollington Cross, Andover Road, Highclere, RG20 9SE t: 0844 502 2048 w: www.thepheasanthighclere.co.uk e: hello@thepheasanthighclere.co.uk

WB The Pheasant is a beautifully decorated cosy countryside pub. Located just moments from Highclere Castle, the home of Downton Abbey, this charming 17th-century inn with olde-worlde charm boasts exposed low beams and £19 stone-flagged floors. Warmed by the huge open fires, you can hide away in one of to £32 the nooks and crannies after a hard day exploring the surrounding countryside.

The open-plan bar lounge is the perfect spot for intimate dinners or family gatherings. The menu features small plates, pub favourites and grills, plus a seasonal specials board, so there’s a dish for every occasion.

The team at The Pheasant has a deep love of British produce and high-quality locally sourced ingredients. The beautifully fresh starters include potted shrimp served on a dill crumpet with pickled cucumber and fennel, while for the main course, the catch of the day could see you try pan-roasted stone bass with capers and beurre blanc. As well as pub classics, Open: there’s a selection of vegetarian Weds-Sat 8.30am-11pm; treats like wild mushroom and Sun 8.30am-9pm truffle tagliatelle with tarragon cream. For a modern take on an old favourite, the Biscoff bread and butter pudding with blackberries is the perfect warming dessert. Four-legged friends are also welcome in this relaxed and informal restaurant. Why not extend your stay and book in to one of the cosy rooms above the pub or the garden rooms to the rear, each named after a British tree?

The Baskerville

Modern British

 Location 7 Station Road, Lower Shiplake, RG9 3NY t: 0844 502 2839 w: www.thebaskerville.com e: enquiries@thebaskerville.com

RW The Baskerville is a traditional family-run country inn that offers unpretentious food to locals, walkers and tourists from its multi-award-winning restaurant. With an AA rosette and the title of Oxfordshire Restaurant of the Year 2016 among its £27 to many accolades, the friendly pub focuses on compassionate farming, sustainability £39 and serving local and seasonal produce. Manager Kevin Hannah took over from his parents Allan and Kate in 2010 and now runs the pub supported by a young, energetic team who put great service at the top of their priorities.

Situated directly on the Thames Path, muddy boots and soggy dogs are welcome here, making it the perfect watering hole for both hungry walkers and relaxed diners. The spacious restaurant features comfortable high-backed leather chairs, an eclectic mix of wall art and ambient oil candles to make your experience all the more Open: Mon-Sat 11am-11pm; memorable. Choose from a range of modern British and European dishes such as Sun noon-10.30pm Cornish king scallops, Chiltern lamb sweetbreads, Chateaubriand, lemon sole à la Food Served: meunière, roasted cauliflower cheese Mon-Sat noon-2.30pm, gnocchi and the famous Sunday 6pm-9pm; Sun noon-3pm roast. Pub classics also feature, so traditionalists can opt for the beer-battered cod and chips, before turning to the substantial dessert menu. If you can’t choose, go for the Baskerville sharing plate to try a range of the homemade treats. The accomplished kitchen team works tirelessly to source only the best-quality local meat, cheese, fruit and vegetables. The bread served at The Baskerville is baked just three miles away and much of the meat is reared on Oxfordshire soil.

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Modern British RW

*

£45

Food Served: Mon-Sun 7am-10pm

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Berkshire Guide 2019-2020

Cerise Restaurant  Location The Roseate Reading, 26 The Forbury, Reading, RG1 3EJ t: 0844 625 2004 w: www.roseatehotels.com e: reception.tflr@roseatehotels.com An award-winning venue, sumptuous and chic surroundings, and inspired British cuisine; the Cerise Restaurant at The Roseate has justifiably caused something of a stir among Reading’s gourmands. Effortlessly stylish, the restaurant’s namesake pink hue punctuates the contemporary interior at every turn, threaded through the plush banquette furnishings and accentuating the statement wallpaper and warm lighting fixtures. What sets the restaurant apart is the blend of sophisticated style and culinary substance that takes place here.

Rightly showered with accolades, Cerise’s menus see diners journey from near and far to sample superb British cuisine injected with contemporary style and technique. The à la carte and seven-course tasting menus are the plainest examples of the skill, care and precision with which the head chef Raj and his team execute their craft. Take confit rabbit and chicken roulade with beetroot, kohlrabi and brioche to start, or orange- and lemon-cured salmon with avocado emulsion, charred cucumber, baby fennel and caviar. Both dishes demonstrate the chef brigade’s mastery of seasonal produce. For the main event, you might opt for roasted rump of lamb or cod loin. The roasted lamb is balanced beautifully with its accompaniments of gratin potato, curried cauliflower, bok choy and salsa verde, while a mellifluous harmony of texture and flavour is achieved in the cod loin’s accoutrements of crab bon bon, green asparagus and cray fish cream sauce.

Cerise Restaurant’s seven-course tasting menu is a gastronomic tour de force of the kitchen’s skilfull cooking. Take this opportunity to sample more widely from the à la carte, before ending on a sweet note with dark chocolate and miso tart, banana ice cream, sesame and coriander, traditionally followed by tea, coffee and petits fours.

The age-old English custom of afternoon tea has been elevated to new heights by the Cerise team. Replete with finger sandwiches, fresh scones with cream and jam, and handmade pastries, you can indulge further with a glass of Champagne or sparkling wine. Relaxed dining in the Cerise Bar and beautifully appointed private dining facilities complete what is already a very desirable picture. With all occasions and tastes catered for, there’s every reason to add Cerise Restaurant to your foodie hit list. *Price represents the average cost of a three-course dinner.

The Courtyard Restaurant

Modern British

 Location Esseborne Manor, Hurstbourne Tarrant, Nr. Andover, SP11 0ER t: 0844 502 1613 w: www.esseborne-manor.co.uk e: info@esseborne-manor.co.uk

WB Amidst the splendour of the North Wessex Downs sits Esseborne Manor, a small and unpretentious Victorian country hotel. Nearby Highclere Castle provides the main filming location for Downton Abbey, so visitors to this stunning £20 countryside retreat are likely in good company. Esseborne itself is home to the to £38 award-winning Courtyard Restaurant, which offers a choice of menus in an elegant dining room that overlooks the pristine gardens and farmland beyond.

Head chef Dennis uses an extensive range of local Hampshire and Berkshire produce, including herbs from their own herb garden, to create a menu full of fresh flavours. On Sundays the ever-popular buffet lunch is the star, whilst traditional afternoon teas include the option to add a glass of Champagne for that special celebration.

Dine in style at Esseborne with pre-dinner drinks and canapés on the patio, before nibbling on freshly baked homemade bread as you peruse the menu. Tantalising starters on offer include gin-cured Open: Mon-Fri 7am-9.30pm; trout and a baked Camembert with Sat & Sun 8am-9.30pm apricot chutney and almond. From pan-fried chicken and mushroom linguine to steak served with pak choi, kimchi and French fries, there is a main dish to suit every palate.

Finish with a Bakewell tart or passion fruit cheesecake and indulge with a fine selection of wine, all finished off with coffee and petits fours in the lounge. Able to cater for parties and events, there’s no better setting in which to treat yourself with a dining experience to remember.

London Street Brasserie

Modern British

 Location Riverside, The Oracle, 2-4 London Street, Reading, RG1 4PN t: 0844 502 2869 w: www.londonstbrasserie.co.uk

RW

London Street Brasserie is a little culinary oasis on the outskirts of The Oracle shopping development in Reading. The Brasserie enjoys an enviable riverside location, with an outdoor terrace where you can sip Champagne and watch the narrowboats drift by.

£30 to

£40

Housed in one of Reading’s oldest buildings, London Street Brasserie appears charmingly drunk; lopsided and leaning towards the river. Despite its many guidebook accolades, the food appeals to a wide audience and is well priced – a popular two-course menu is just £17, and there’s an enormous à la carte choice. Expect brasserie-style food with contemporary twists on British classics and Mediterranean influences. Dishes like pink carved venison with haggis and grilled stone bass with Champagne jus are sure to impress.

At this restaurant, sexiness is everywhere – in the laid-back elegance of the Open: Mon-Sun noon-midnight decor, the wonderful service and the food. Crucially, no less attention is paid to the wine; there are 80 different bins, and 20 are available by the glass. The service is polished and friendly, and the decor includes original artwork – even the ladies’ toilets have been given the special LSB feel, with walls painted in opulent Farrow & Ball Brinjal. Chef and owner Paul Clerehugh’s passion for his vocation is evident – you might have seen him on TV’s Market Kitchen or at the BBC Good Food Show. Don’t leave LSB without sampling one of his puds – they are sensational.

Berkshire Guide 2019-2020

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Modern British

The Pheasant Inn  Location Ermin Street, Shefford Woodlands, Nr. Hungerford, RG17 7AA t: 0844 625 1955 w: www.thepheasant-inn.co.uk e: info@thepheasant-inn.co.uk

WB

This handsome historic free house and hotel has been refurbished to a standard that’s fitting for an establishment whose reputation for hospitality spans 450 years.

An eminently popular location for get-togethers with friends and family, visitors £20 to invariably return thanks to the stellar food and superb service they receive. £25 Menus represent the very best of modern British cuisine, with the kitchen team delivering contemporary, seasonal takes on age-old recipes. I began with salt-baked beetroot and heritage carrots. Enhanced by artichoke purée, pickled onions, tuiles of potato and walnut oil, this autumnal dish was pure art on a plate and tasted as good as it looked. My partner opted for baked Camembert, which was infused with garlic and rosemary, and served with toasted sourdough and red onion marmalade. Perfectly cooked mains of plaice and venison two ways followed. My Food Served: Mon-Fri pistachio-crumbed venison loin was served alongside venison shepherd’s pie and 7.30am-10.30am, came drizzled with lashings of rich red wine sauce. My partner’s delicate plaice was noon-3pm, 6pm-9.30pm; balanced with accompaniments of Sat 8.30am-10.30am, buttered kale and torched lemon. We noon-3pm, 6pm-9.30pm; concluded proceedings with banoffee Sun 8.30am-10.30am, cheesecake with salted caramel noon-5pm, 6pm-9pm popcorn and glazed bananas.

With a kitchen team this skilled, visits are entirely pleasurable. It’s therefore worth bearing in mind that rooms can be booked. A night’s stay begins at £110, but those visiting on a Sunday can stay overnight at no cost if they spend over £100.

Modern British

The Hind’s Head  Location High Street, Bray, SL6 2AB t: 0844 625 6303 w: www.hindsheadbray.com e: info@hindsheadbray.com

EB

Set in a venerable 15th-century building, the Michelin-starred Hind’s Head serves a spectacular range of classic British dishes. Vintage red lamps, green stained-glass windows, dark wooden tables and red leather seating transport you back to a time of medieval regality and elegance. As soon as you’re seated, you know you’re in for a treat – guests can expect a banquet-worthy meal fit for a king or queen.

£40 to

£60

‘…cooked with precision, skill and originality…’

The team of expert chefs cooks with both respect for tradition and contemporary sensibility, combining the best of both worlds. Expect delicious seasonal food that celebrates the best of British, cooked with precision, skill and originality. A sample offering might see diners indulge in starters such as pea and ham soup, smoked chicken liver parfait and wild mushrooms on toast.

To follow, main-course options include the likes of roast saddle of Open: Mon-Sat noon-2pm, lamb, oxtail and kidney pudding, 6pm-9pm; Sun noon-4pm roast plaice, 10oz Hereford rib-eye and, of course, on Sunday you can indulge in a sumptuous traditional roast. For dessert sample a dish inspired by history, such as the Eton Mess, cherry Bakewell tart or the celebrated Quaking pudding. You must also try the Scotch egg with mustard mayonnaise, which is crisp and crunchy on the outside with a lovely runny centre. You’ll never look at a Scotch egg the same way again.

14

Berkshire Guide 2019-2020

Riverside Restaurant

Modern British

 Location Macdonald Compleat Angler, Marlow Bridge, Marlow, SL7 1RG t: 0844 625 6273 w: www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk

EB

Macdonald Compleat Angler hotel enjoys a tranquil riverside setting, allowing visitors to enjoy local water-based activities such as fishing, boating and riverside walks that take in the surrounding historic venues. The hotel is home to the AA-rosette-awarded Riverside Restaurant, which has recently undergone an exciting refurbishment and serves deliciously fresh and sophisticated food.

£37 to

£50

‘...champions quality, local ingredients...’

Paying homage to the best of British ingredients, including plenty of specially sourced organic produce, the à la carte menu leaves guests spoilt for choice.

With starters such as pork shoulder and black pudding terrine sitting alongside the vegetarian lavender goat’s cheese mousse served with roasted beetroot, caramelised fig, aubergine purée and honey dressing, there’s something to whet every appetite. The main courses celebrate high-quality British meat – treat yourself to the delectable pan-fried duck breast with potato galette, caramelised chicory and redcurrant jus, or rib-eye steak with shallot purée, Portobello mushroom, confit tomato and hand-cut chips.

A huge amount of care and attention has gone in to every component of each dish, and vegan diners are not forgotten, with a flavoursome chilli-infused tofu dish served with aubergine caviar, baby carrots, broccoli and squash purée. On the dessert menu, the chocolate Bavarois terrine with crème fraîche sorbet and sugar crystals is difficult to resist. However, the passion fruit cheesecake with caramelised citrus segments and raspberry coulis makes for the perfect tangy end to an indulgent meal. Be sure to relax with an after-dinner drink, as the dedicated liqueur menu includes a range of digestifs, spirits and liqueur coffees for a satisfying end to the evening.

Macdonald Compleat Angler champions quality, local ingredients and the chefs only use fish caught from wild, sustainable sources. Equally, all the lamb and beef served is Scottish, and the beef is matured for a minimum of 21 days. The Sunday roast menu dazzles with fantastic options and a set price of £40.95 for two courses, or £45 for three. The chefs have paired premium flavours on a menu sure to make your dining experience extra special.

Open: Mon-Fri 7am-10am, noon-2.30pm, 7pm-10pm; Sat 7.30am-10.30am, noon-2.30pm, 7pm-10pm; Sun 12.30pm-3pm, 7pm-9.30pm

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Modern British

The Crown & Garter  Location Great Common Road, Inkpen, Nr. Hungerford, RG17 9QR t: 0844 502 2092 w: www.crownandgarter.co.uk e: crownandgarter@honestygroup.co.uk A local landmark in Inkpen since 1640, The Crown & Garter retains its old pub charm, set in the picturesque Berkshire countryside. This family-friendly venue is the perfect stop for dog-walkers, cyclists and ramblers, as well as those just looking for a cosy spot in which to put the world to rights in an idyllic setting.

WB £25 to

£39

Part of the Honesty Group, the team (chef profile page 70) here cares about good food, where it comes from and what’s in it. The Crown & Garter makes its own butter, ketchup, kimchi, jam and yoghurt, and all of the beef, lamb and pork is sourced from local producers. The menu is influenced by the seasons and celebrates the best of British produce, with all the fish coming from UK coastal waters and rivers, and the fruit, vegetables and dairy products sourced locally where possible.

Food Served: Mon-Thurs noon-2.30pm, 6.30pm-9pm; Fri-Sun noon-3pm, 6.30pm-9pm Bar Snacks Served: Mon-Sun noon-6pm

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Berkshire Guide 2019-2020

For a modern seafood spin on a classic, be sure to try the smoked haddock Scotch egg, with spinach, parsley velouté and lemon oil to start. The pan-fried loin of venison with shallot purée, girolles, cavolo nero, glazed baby beetroot and juniper jus is a stand-out main, along with the delectable homemade gnocchi with roasted butternut squash, Sheep Rustler cheese, toasted pumpkin seeds and sage butter as a vegetarian option. There is a daily changing specials board, and traditionalists will be pleased that old favourites are not forgotten, with the likes of Good Old Boy-battered fish, crushed peas and hand-cut chips featuring in the classics section of the menu. Choose from a range of creative and enticing dessert options, from the walnut tart with clotted cream ice cream to the ginger crème brûlée with lemon shortbread. All of the puddings come with a dessert wine recommendation, or you can refer to the extensive list of European wine on offer.

With the breakfast menu serving up a full English, eggs any way you like and freshly made homemade pastries, the lunch menu also offers lighter dishes during the day. For an overnight stay, the peaceful rooms are thoughtfully designed, set in a private courtyard you can wander back to – it’s the perfect way to relax after a delicious meal.

The Elm Tree

Modern British

 Location Beech Hill Road, Beech Hill, Nr. Reading, RG7 2AZ t: 0844 502 2686 w: www.theelmtreebeechhill.co.uk e: elmtreebeechhill@hotmail.com

WB

The Elm Tree lies at the heart of the picturesque village of Beech Hill and is frequented by locals and passersby alike, all of whom come for the outstanding views, well-kept real ale and exciting food. With a varied and interesting menu that draws influence from around the globe, The Elm Tree caters to many tastes while also staying true to its British roots.

£17 to

£40

‘…outstanding views, well-kept real ale and exciting food…’

Old favourites such as the signature Elm Tree pie of the day sit alongside more diverse options like duck breast served with Dauphinoise potatoes, braised red cabbage and red wine jus, and pork belly served with creamy leeks and pancetta, wholegrain mustard mash and apple purée. The team at The Elm Tree delights with accomplished, hearty fare. This is most evident on Sunday, when diners flock to this charming gastropub for some of the finest roasts in Berkshire.

Starters and desserts are equally good. Begin your meal with the locally renowned chicken liver parfait or spicy panko Brie with Port reduction, and opt to finish with sticky toffee pudding or the fig and honey frangipane tart. For a midday meal, plump for the daily catch fishcake, or perhaps the Brie, apple and walnut salad served with roasted onion bread croutons and a lemon dressing.

The wine list complements the cuisine, with everything from classics from the Old World such as Chablis and Saint-Émilion Grand Cru, to the New World’s excellent pinot noirs and sauvignon blancs.

‘…accomplished, hearty fare…’

The decking area offers fantastic views best enjoyed with a cold pint and barbecue fare in the summer. In the winter the cosy atmosphere afforded by the three open fires offers welcome respite from the cold. The pub also caters for parties of all sizes. The Elm Tree offers traditional, homemade food in pleasant surroundings come rain or shine.

Open: Mon-Sun noon-midnight Food Served: Mon-Sat noon-2.30pm, 6.30pm-9.30pm; Sun noon-5pm

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Modern British

Blandy’s at Inglewood  Location Audley Inglewood House, Templeton Road, Kintbury, RG17 9AA t: 0844 625 1738 w: www.blandysbistro.co.uk e: info@blandysbistro.co.uk

WB

Inglewood House is a peaceful and incredibly beautiful countryside retreat just three miles from Hungerford and eight miles from central Newbury, and is home to Blandy’s restaurant, bar and bistro. With all of the grandeur of a quintessentially British stately home and luxurious decor to rival the region’s finest hotels and restaurants, Blandy’s is perfectly poised to relax and enchant diners.

£25 to

£30

The stylish surroundings are echoed in the menu. Head chef Gert Pienaar has designed a fine selection of dishes that showcase seasonal ingredients and seamlessly combine classical flavours with modern techniques to tantalise your tastebuds. Perhaps you’ll start with poached fig with goat’s cheese pearls, frisée and orange salad, or be tempted by the butternut velouté, crispy cod cheek, sea aster and curried oil. Sample Blandy’s take on a classic with Ramsbury beer-battered fish accompanied by hand-cut chips and crushed garden peas, or select something that celebrates the venue’s countryside location, such as corn-fed guinea fowl breast accompanied by chervil risotto, kale and truffle cream.

Open: Mon-Sat 9am-8pm; Sun 9am-3pm Food Served: Mon-Sat noon-2.30pm, 6pm-8pm; Sun noon-2.30pm Afternoon Tea Served: Mon-Sat 2.30pm-5pm; Sun 3pm-4pm

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Berkshire Guide 2019-2020

The list of desserts presents a deliciously difficult decision with the likes of passion fruit posset with coconut biscotti and mango fruit pastel, and milk chocolate mousse enhanced by salted caramel, peanuts and a sugar doughnut jostling for your attention. If you have any dietary requirements, the staff are always on-hand to help you select a gluten-free or allergen-free option. With something to tempt every palate, the food offering at Blandy’s is second to none. There’s always something new for regulars to get excited about.

To enhance your meal, you might like to enjoy a glass of wine from the cellars of Berry Bros. & Rudd or choose to dine al fresco should the weather allow it. The beautiful sun terrace affords picturesque views of the gardens – the perfect spot in which to enjoy Blandy’s superb afternoon tea. Whether you’re treating yourself to lunch, visiting the Health & Wellbeing Centre at Inglewood House, or are looking for a peaceful spot for your next family meal or special occasion, Blandy’s comes highly recommended.

The Miller of Mansfield

Modern British

 Location High Street, Goring-on-Thames, RG8 9AW t: 0844 502 5568 w: www.millerofmansfield.com e: reservations@millerofmansfield.com

WB

Make yourself at home at The Miller of Mansfield, an inn respectful of its 18th-century coaching inn roots but boasting a 21st-century twist. Sleep in one of 13 individually and boldly designed bedrooms, after enjoying award-winning fine food in an informal setting – this is fine food but not fine dining. Pair your meal with local real ale, Miller-devised cocktails, or a glass from the hand-picked wine list.

£24 to

£27

At The Miller all appetites are catered for – pop in for a pint, have nibbles at the bar, dine from the à la carte menu, or savour a wine flight alongside a five-course dinner. There are numerous menus to choose from, and children can also be catered for. Nick, Mary and the staff at The Miller strive to accommodate all in a friendly, welcoming environment.

Nick believes that showcasing the quality of raw produce is the most important thing. He painstakingly selects his suppliers and ingredients, choosing the best he can find. Sample his cooking and savour the ingredient balance, flavour combinations and techniques that you can’t recreate at home.

Mary’s wine list has been personally tasted and selected, so each bottle has a story behind it. The list has been fully revamped this year to include more top-end vintages, and a diverse array of wine sourced from English to Argentine and Greek vineyards. You’ll also find a greater selection of wine available by the glass to suit each course of your meal.

Rooms at The Miller are boldly bespoke in their design and supremely comfortable thanks to the high-quality mattresses provided. You’ll find a blend of feature architecture with characterful and antique pieces alongside modern touches – there’s always a little amuse-bouche from the kitchen awaiting you on arrival.

If you’re into accolades, The Miller has two AA rosettes and four stars. It was the readers’ Restaurant of the Year in The Good Food Guide 2016 and Muddy Stilettos’ Best Destination Pub for 2016. The Times recently heralded it one of 30 best summer pubs at which to eat, drink and stay. Most prestigiously, it was shortlisted for Best Newcomer 2016 at industry awards The Cateys.

Open: Mon-Fri 7am-11pm; Sat 8am-11pm; Sun 8am-10.30pm Food Served: Mon-Sat noon-2pm, 6pm-9pm; Sun noon-2pm, 5pm-7pm

Berkshire Guide 2019

19

British

The Bunk Inn  Location Curridge, Nr. Thatcham, RG18 9DS t: 0844 502 3369 w: www.thebunkinn.co.uk e: info@thebunkinn.co.uk

WB

Nestled on the edge of the North Wessex Downs, a short drive from Reading, this charming village pub boasts a calm yet convenient location. Relaxation is an inherent part of every guest’s experience at The Bunk Inn. Whether you’re popping in for a leisurely drink, staying for the weekend, or indulging in a delicious meal, The Bunk Inn offers a laid-back ambience that will mean you never want to leave. With its beautiful accommodation, The Bunk Inn is a favourite stopover with visitors to Newbury Racecourse and Highclere Castle.

Each of the nine rooms has been uniquely decorated to emphasise its character and you’ll find that toiletries, tea- and coffee-making facilities, parking and Wi-Fi are all included.

£18 to

£39

The two-AA-rosette-awarded restaurant at The Bunk Inn offers an exceptional menu that’s bursting with tempting dishes. The chefs enjoy using a selection of ingredients sourced from local family-run producers and the daily specials list celebrates some of the freshest seasonal crops and the best cuts of meat. Dishes range from pheasant Kiev with fennel and apple coleslaw to braised Moroccan lamb shank, while vegetarians and vegans can choose from the likes of spicy vegetable curry and cashew-crusted halloumi burgers. There’s also an excellent selection of tipples, with something to complement any dish.

Open: Mon-Fri 7.30am-11pm; Sat 8.30am-11pm; Sun 8.30am-10.30pm Food Served: Mon-Fri 7.30am-9.30am, noon-2.30pm, 6pm-9.30pm; Sat 8am-10am, noon-3pm, 6pm-9.30pm; Sun noon-8pm

British

The Winning Post  Location Winkfield Street, Winkfield, SL4 4SW t: 0844 502 3376 w: www.winningpostwinkfield.co.uk e: info@thewinningpostwinkfield.co.uk

EB

With its stone flooring and roaring open fire, this delightful 18th-century pub has retained its historic charm. The Winning Post can be found in the tranquil village of Winkfield, but despite its rural location the pub is ideally £25 to located close to Heathrow Airport and the towns of Windsor and Eton. For £37 equine enthusiasts, Ascot Racecourse and Royal Windsor Racecourse are just a short drive away too.

Begin with a refreshing drink – perhaps a glass of one of the expertly selected wines, or a pint of your favourite lager. The kitchen team at The Winning Post focuses on delivering fresh flavours and immaculate presentation through Open: Mon-Fri 7.30am-11pm; the use of delicious, locally sourced ingredients. Stay overnight in one of the Sat 8am-11pm; ten boutique guest bedrooms and wake up with a breakfast of French toast, porridge or scrambled eggs. Those visiting for lunch can enjoy the likes of Sun 8am-10.30pm battered haddock and chips and wild boar and apple sausage with mash, while Food Served: Mon-Fri in the evening the à la carte menu 7.30am-10am, noon-2.45pm, comprises dishes such as tender 6.30pm-9.30pm; braised rabbit, Loch Duart salmon Sat 8am-10am, noon-2.45pm, and wild mushroom risotto. A 6.30pm-9.30pm; dessert is the ideal way to end your Sun 8am-10am, noon-7.30pm visit and you can’t go wrong with a classic apple and blackberry crumble. In addition to the charming dining area, the restaurant at The Winning Post provides a private function room that seats up to 20 people.

20

Berkshire Guide 2019-2020

Crab & Boar

British

 Location Wantage Road, Newbury, RG20 8UE t: 0844 502 2469 w: www.crabandboar.com e: info@crabandboar.com

WB

Whether you’re stopping by for a lazy lunch or an extravagant evening meal, the two-AA-rosette-awarded Crab & Boar provides a true taste of the British countryside. From our arrival, the decor, lighting and warm welcome from the skilled team all signalled that we were in for a great experience. There is ample outdoor seating and if you want to extend your stay, luxurious rooms are available. The bar boasts an impressive selection of wine, local ale and spirits.

I enjoyed a glass of fresh, vibrant Picpoul de Pinet before perusing the menu.

£27 to

£42

Amidst so many excellent features, the team is most proud of the quality of the food. From a menu attuned to the season and full of homemade dishes, we began our feast with a basket of herby bread and butter. My dining partner Food Served: and I sampled crab with mezzelune pasta filled with guanciale, partridge Mon-Fri 7.30am-9am, salad, and succulent pork belly. The stand-out dish for me was the gnocchi with noon-2pm, 6.30pm-9.30pm; venison ragout, blackberries and Sat 8am-10am, noon-2pm, bitter chocolate – an innovative 6.30pm-9.30pm; dish bursting with warm autumnal Sun 8am-10am, noon-3pm, flavours. The dessert menu offers 6.30pm-8.30pm chocolate delights, ice cream and a tempting selection of cheeses. We tried the vanilla rice pudding served with grapefruit sorbet, lemon curd and bitter orange marmalade. No matter when you choose to dine at The Crab & Boar, you’re sure to love this superb country pub.

The Greyhound

British

 Location The Street, Tidmarsh, RG8 8ER t: 0844 625 1594 w: www.greyhoundtidmarsh.co.uk e: talktous@greyhoundtidmarsh.pub

WB

Following extensive refurbishment, The Greyhound at Tidmarsh has been given a new lease of life with stunning new decor and an uplifting family-friendly atmosphere. Stuart and Natasha have ensured The Greyhound retains its charm, and have brought the community pub back to the village with a Great British menu and enviable range of drinks.

£20 to

£30

‘...second to none...’

Focusing on fresh, seasonal produce and consistency, the food offering is second to none. Start with the likes of smoked duck with honey-glazed pak choi, pickled cucumber and black cherries, or spiced cauliflower bhaji with tzatziki and grilled pitta bread. For a comforting main, we recommend sampling the slow-cooked beef blade atop truffle mash with Bourguignon jus. Desserts at The Greyhound are as tempting as their savoury counterparts. The white wine and vanilla poached pear tarte Tatin with salted caramel ice cream is a particular highlight.

Open: Mon-Sat noon-11pm; Sun noon-10.30pm

Perfect for family meals, lunchtime snacks, and drinks on the terrace or by the fire alike, The Greyhound is fit for all occasions. With such delightful food and friendly service, you’ll be a regular visitor in no time. The Greyhound’s combination of top-notch food, gorgeous interior and first-rate setting is hard to beat.

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British

The Catherine Wheel  Location Station Road, Goring-on-Thames, RG8 9HB t: 0844 502 2941 w: www.tcwgoring.co.uk e: info@tcwgoring.co.uk

WB

The picturesque village of Goring-on-Thames has been home to The Catherine Wheel for over 350 years. Roaring open fireplaces and aging wooden beams give the venue olde-worlde charm, and walls lined with local memorabilia tell the story of days gone by. Add to this a charming garden, a 16th-century barn and English roses, and you’ve got an award-winning West Berkshire pub that must be visited.

£19 to

£35

Open: Mon-Sat noon-11pm; Sun noon-10.30pm Food Served: Mon-Fri noon-3pm, 6pm-9pm; Sat noon-9pm; Sun noon-4pm

Local businesswomen Katrena Derricourt-Gibson and Vanessa Cooke positively jumped at the opportunity to run their own venue. Along with their charming and established staff, the team is rising admirably to the task. Starting with Cornish hot smoked mackerel salad and horseradish dressing, I was struck by the attention that had gone into pairing each element. My husband chose the creamy feta and pesto dip accompanied by pitta bread – the delightful combination of flavours worked beautifully and certainly caught us off guard.

The same attentive treatment was applied to the mains, with the highlight proving to be pan-fried sea bass served with a light and flavoursome pea and potato salad. Katrena and Vanessa have hit upon a winning formula here, with a combination of invention and pragmatism, which makes for a unique experience – we can’t recommend this pub highly enough.

British

Shoulder of Mutton  Location Playhatch, Nr. Reading, RG4 9QU t: 0118 947 3908 w: www.theshoulderplayhatch.co.uk e: shoulderofmutton@hotmail.co.uk

RW

The Shoulder of Mutton is a traditional country pub that ticks all the boxes.

Inside, an open fire, low-hanging beams and exposed brickwork create a warm and welcoming atmosphere, while the gorgeous cottage garden, sunny patio and light and airy conservatory are perfect for a spot of al fresco dining. Owners Wendy and Alan ensure every guest is treated like part of the family. It’s this personalised touch, alongside Alan’s culinary flair, that has helped Shoulder of Mutton garner much recognition, including being named one the top ten best pubs to visit in Berkshire by Berkshire Life.

£20 to

£28

On the menu you’ll find a mixture of British pub classics as well as a selection of unique and flavoursome dishes. To start, treat yourself to a crispy poached free-range egg served on a bed of fresh crabmeat salad, finished with homemade Food Served: lemon and dill tartare. When it comes to the main course, you must try the Tues-Sat noon-2pm, signature dish – shoulder of mutton, 6.30pm-9pm; slow-roasted for seven hours with Sun noon-2pm rosemary, red peppers, onions and red wine. Alternatively, opt for the decadent seafood lasagne or succulent Gressingham duck breast. On Sundays the pub offers a spectacular roast. Each prime cut of meat is marinated and cooked to perfection for maximum tenderness and flavour. What’s more, Shoulder of Mutton can cater for private functions including wedding receptions, birthdays, funeral receptions and anniversaries.

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Berkshire Guide 2019-2020

The Plume

British

 Location 113 High Street, Hungerford, RG17 0NB t: 0844 502 2115 w: www.theplume.co.uk e: info@theplume.co.uk

WB

Situated in the heart of Hungerford, an idyllic market town with a vibrant community spirit, The Plume has recently been refurbished by new owners Diggy and Fluey who have lived in Hungerford all their lives. Heading up a friendly team, Diggy and Fluey welcome locals and visitors to enjoy tasty fare in a relaxed ambience. The pub is modern and beautifully furnished, while still retaining many traditional features such as exposed beams and bay windows, all adding to the warm and cosy atmosphere within.

£23 to

£39

‘...exposed beams and bay windows...’

A welcome landmark on the charming High Street, The Plume serves the finest quality, locally sourced produce where possible, offering unique tapas and à la carte menus that diners are sure to enjoy. The Secret Smokehouse cured salmon comes with lemon, shallots and rye bread, while the comforting bubble and squeak is served with a poached duck egg, providing a satisfying start to your meal. The mains include hearty slow-cooked beef shin ragu served on pappardelle with Berkswell cheese, as well as a flavoursome Thai green curry which is available with or without chicken should you wish to plump for the vegetarian option. For dessert, the sticky toffee pudding comes highly recommended, as does the American-style baked cheesecake. A dedicated lunch menu offers a great range of options, including baguettes, sandwiches and burgers. Why not visit on Sunday and try the popular Sunday roast?

‘...locally sourced produce...’

Adding a welcome contemporary twist to the traditional offering, head chef Arek (chef profile page 71) has introduced a tapas menu that takes inspiration from all over the world. The menu is perfect for sharing and each dish is prepared using meat and fish smoked and prepared on-site every day. Try Spanish favourites such as gambas pil pil – king prawns sautéed in garlic and chilli, lemon or parsley sauce and chorizo braised in cider – the perfect pairing of sweet and spicy Spanish sausage together with the well-loved West Country tipple. For delectable food, a great range of drinks and a friendly, laid-back vibe, look no further.

Open: Mon-Sat 11.30am-11pm; Sun noon-8pm Food Served: Mon-Sat noon-3.30pm, 6.30pm-9.30pm; Sun noon-4pm

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British

The Tutti Pole  Location 3 High Street, Hungerford, RG17 0DN t: 0844 502 2841 w: www.thetuttipole.co.uk e: fiona@thetuttipole.co.uk

WB

After a leisurely barge trip on The Rose of Hungerford, what better way to regroup and refuel with friends or family than with homemade, often homegrown refreshment at The Tutti Pole? Visitors can cosy up within the confines of the relaxed, delightfully appointed restaurant – the perfect spot if you’re looking to unwind with a book or newspaper – or dine on the sun-drenched patio in the summer months.

£12 to

£22

The menu at The Tutti Pole caters to all appetites. Breakfast and brunch might come in the form of the classic full English, hash brown stack with bacon and eggs or the comforting bacon and cheese crumpets. At lunchtime, hearty homemade fare takes centre stage as diners pick from the chicken Kiev or Thai cod and prawn fishcakes, both served with chips and peas. There is also a large selection of toasty snacks, omelettes, jacket potatoes and daily specials.

On Sunday, The Tutti Pole’s roasts are particularly popular. The dessert selection includes Mövenpick ice creams and hot apple crumble.

For the truly sweet-toothed, the opportunity to enjoy a delightful Tutti Pole afternoon tea will see you tucking into freshly prepared sandwiches, homemade scones with clotted cream and homemade jam with a pot of tea. What could be better?

Open: Mon-Fri 9am-5.30pm; Sat & Sun 9am-6pm

British

 Location 5 Market Place, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 2AA t: 0844 502 2049 w: www.threetunshenley.co.uk e: hello@threetunshenley.co.uk

RW

This friendly, welcoming pub is run by Harry and Hannah Dickson and serves as the perfect hub for locals, as well as being a charming destination for new visitors.

Offering fresh food in a cosy setting, The Three Tuns is sure to delight all who visit.

£24 to

£34

The Three Tuns

The menu is helpfully split into small plates, large plates and puddings, all showcasing delicious British produce. You may start with flavoursome smoked haddock kedgeree arancini with whole mustard cream, before choosing from the Provencal fish stew or the hearty slow-roast pork belly with fregola pasta and artichokes in tomato sauce. To end things on a sweet note, try the roast fig and rhubarb crumble with vanilla ice cream, or the warming chocolate pot with toasted marshmallows and fresh strawberries. For a casual dining experience that’s bound to hit the spot, The Three Tuns offers a Open: Tues-Sat 11am-11pm; dedicated charcuterie and cheese menu. This showcases a range of air-dried Sun noon-10.30pm British meats, from Dorset beef to Somerset duck and Cornish coppa, as well Food Served: as chorizo and smoked venison.

Tues-Sat noon-9pm; The cheese and antipasti selection Sun noon-5pm is equally varied, with everything from Dorset Blue Vinny to peppered Rosary goat’s cheese. Order these individually, or build your own board with three meats or cheeses priced at £9.95, four for £12.95 or five for £15.95, all served with bread, crackers and your choice of chutney and pickles. Accompany your feast with a fine wine or real ale and relax in The Three Tuns’ delightful atmosphere.

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Berkshire Guide 2019-2020

The Old Boot Inn

British

 Location Stanford Dingley, RG7 6LT t: 0844 502 1840 w: www.oldbootinnstanforddingley.co.uk e: oldbootinnstanforddingley@gmail.com

WB The Old Boot Inn is a beautifully refurbished 18th-century inn nestled in the historic village of Stanford Dingley, serving traditional pub classics with a contemporary twist. Owners Andre and Rebecca offer a warm welcome to locals £25 to and visitors alike, as well as a great selection of local ale and fine wine. £43 This family-friendly inn has a children’s play area and welcomes four-legged visitors too. It is the perfect cosy respite spot for walkers with its real fires and comfy interiors, while the beer garden showcases stunning views of the Berkshire countryside. The menus change regularly to ensure every dish is of the highest quality, and the inn focuses on the reduction of food waste and the sustainability of its produce, often sourcing ingredients from small local Open: Mon noon-11pm; businesses. To start, you might find the likes of crispy salt and pepper squid Tues 5pm-late; or a rosemary- and garlic-baked Camembert to share. Examples of flavoursome Weds-Fri noon-11pm; mains are a duck shepherd’s pie or a venison and wild mushroom Wellington. To Sat noon-11.30pm; finish you might plump for a sticky Sun noon-9pm toffee pudding or an apple and Food Served Mon, Weds-Fri cherry crumble with custard. All noon-2.30pm, 6pm-9.30pm; dishes are made in-house and there Sat noon-3pm, 6pm-9.30pm; are vegan and children’s menus, so Sun noon-4.30pm everyone is catered for.

With many events throughout the year, from global tasting menus to lunches for the over 60s, live music and parties, you have every reason to visit time and again. ides eded kgu e drin ers n food graph to o Ph food d Photo rinkguide s graph ers n eede d

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Berkshire Guide 2019-2020

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Modern European

WinePress Restaurant

 Location Donnington Valley Hotel & Spa, Old Oxford Road, Donnington, Nr. Newbury, RG14 3AG t: 0844 502 3018 WB w: www.donningtonvalley.co.uk e: reservations@donningtonvalley.co.uk Acres of picturesque green hills and manicured parkland provide an exceptional backdrop for Donnington Valley Hotel and its flagship dining £28 establishment, WinePress Restaurant. For guests arriving here, the frenetic hustle to £50 and bustle of modern life swiftly melts away, leaving behind undisturbed charm and effortless elegance.

Donnington’s dining spaces and bar are relaxed yet sophisticated, and service Restaurant Open: succeeds in being simultaneously attentive and unobtrusive, allowing meticulously Mon-Sun 7pm-10pm sourced seasonal produce and the chefs’ skills to speak for themselves. Menus (last orders 9.30pm) at the award-winning WinePress showcase good, honest food prepared to an Bar Open: impeccable standard. The à la carte menu, designed by award-winning chef Darren Mon-Sun 11am-10pm Booker-Wilson, places emphasis on sharing dishes and small plates that can be (last orders 9.30pm) enjoyed by the whole table. Darren’s penchant for hearty home-cooking is reflected in the ‘home from home’ selection, featuring British staples such as gourmet burgers, bangers and mash, and fish and chips. Appropriately, the restaurant’s menus are paired with equally enticing dessert offerings. Think exquisitely crafted sweets such as Champagne and strawberry iced parfait.

For those craving something a little less sweet for their dessert, a delicious selection of five cheeses makes for the perfect finish. Donnington’s collection of over 400 wines is unsurprisingly world-class. Waiting staff are poised to help guests select a bottle from the cellar or provide recommendations for pairings by the glass – of which there are 40 to choose from.

Modern European

Acanthus Restaurant  Location Macdonald Berystede Hotel & Spa, Bagshot Road, Sunninghill, Nr. Ascot, SL5 9JH t: 0844 625 6316 w: www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk

EB

Located within the four-star Macdonald Berystede Hotel & Spa is the superb Acanthus Restaurant. The jewel in Berystede’s crown, this AA-rosette-awarded establishment serves stellar modern European cuisine in elegant and £18 to contemporary surrounds. Large windows afford a breathtaking backdrop of the £50 hotel’s idyllic landscaped gardens, showcasing Berystede’s stunning natural surrounds and bringing a sense of the beautiful outdoors inside. The dining room centres around a striking ornamental tree and seats up to 90 diners, while the terrace is the place to be for sun-seeking guests with a penchant for al fresco dining.

The menus have been artfully crafted to offer a selection of seamlessly executed modern European dishes. You might start your meal with tempura fritto Food Served: misto, or soft-poached crispy duck egg with Parma ham and crushed peas.

Mon-Fri 7am-9.30am, The mains are equally impressive and include mouth-watering dishes such as 7pm-9.45pm; Chateaubriand served with Portobello mushrooms, beef tomato, hand-cut chips Sat 8am-10am, and truffle jus, or freshly caught 7pm-9.45pm; fish of the day with fennel, chilli, Sun 8am-10am, 7pm-9pm ginger and soy dressing. As well as exceptional gourmet fare, Acanthus serves delicious light bites that hotel guests and visiting diners can enjoy at any time of day.

The Acanthus is perfectly suited to large dining parties. The snug can accommodate up to 18 guests, while the library and drawing room is ideal for groups of up to 50. The hotel also offers several more casual dining locations.

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Atrium Bar & Restaurant

Modern European

 Location South Hill Park, Ringmead, Bracknell, RG12 7PA t: 0844 625 6686 w: www.southhillpark.org.uk e: catering@southhillpark.org.uk

EB There’s something rather glamorous about dining in a stately home. Expect a warm welcome at the Atrium Bar & Restaurant in South Hill Park Arts Centre. The walls of this airy space are decorated with attractive paintings of staff members, £15 making a weekday lunch seem extra special. The Atrium offers breakfast, lunch to £25 and dinner, with something to suit all tastes. The Sunday roast is especially popular.

For lunch you’ll find lighter bites including traditional sandwiches and Middle Eastern-influenced flatbreads. Burgers and pizzas are specialities at the Atrium.

For dinner, choose from additional specials which change with the season. There is also a good vegan menu available.

Food Served: Our starter of goat’s cheese and beetroot served atop crunchy slices of radish and Mon-Thurs 9.30am-11.30am, rocket leaves drizzled with a balsamic glaze had the perfect blend of sweet and sharp noon-3pm, 5pm-8pm; flavours – it was simply delicious. For the main course, we selected beer-battered Fri & Sat 9.30am-11.30am, cod and the Texas Steak burger with jalapeños, bacon, onion rings and smoked noon-8pm; cheese. It has to be said that the Sun 9.30am-11.30am, chef at the Atrium has mastered noon-5pm the perfect chip: chunky, crisp and golden. We barely had room for dessert, but the offer of such treats as chocolate waffle tower and apple and blackberry pie proved too tempting to miss. We enjoyed the honeycomb cheesecake with caramel and chocolate sauce to complete our meal. This expertly run establishment offers excellent hospitality and wonderful locally sourced fare. Their focus on care for the environment is also admirable – it’s well worth a visit.

Oxford Street Kitchen & Bar

Modern European

 Location Chequers Hotel, 6-8 Oxford Street, Newbury, RG14 1JB t: 0844 625 6420 w: www.chequershotelnewbury.co.uk/restaurant e: reservations@chequershotelnewbury.co.uk Situated in the heart of Newbury is Oxford Street Kitchen & Bar, The Chequers Hotel’s impressive restaurant. An elegant yet tranquil space is created by the combination of blue, gold and cream walls, patterned seating, dark wooden tables and hanging lights. After being shown to your table by the friendly and attentive staff, take your time to pore over the extensive menu. Opt for some nibbles to keep you entertained while you decided on your mains – perhaps breads, olives or the moreish pork scratchings with apple sauce.

WB £20 to

£30

Tempting starters include the likes of cauliflower velouté, smoked haddock and pea croquette and stuffed saffron arancini. You might follow with a highly recommended dish such as wild mushroom linguine served with a confit egg yolk, or the venison loin with caramelised parsnip purée, braised red cabbage, Open: charred sprouts and potato puffs. Mon-Fri 6.30am-10pm; Both are rich and indulgent – the Sat 8am-10pm; perfect plates for those cooler Sun 8am-8pm months. Save room for dessert, where mango and coconut soufflé, chocolate fondant and amaretto brûlée are just a few of the sublime puddings on the menu. There’s also a bar in which guests are invited to enjoy fine wine, ale, spirits and stunning cocktails. A warm welcome, beautiful food, excellent service and a stellar drinks selection awaits at Oxford Street Kitchen & Bar. Berkshire Guide 2019-2020

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Modern European

Windsor Grill  Location 65 St Leonards Road, Windsor, SL4 3BX t: 0844 625 1197 w: www.windsorgrill.co.uk e: info@windsorgrill.co.uk

EB

The interior of Windsor Grill blends modern comfort with traditional, rustic country features, and the result is an inviting and relaxed dining space that foodies return to again and again. Located just a short stroll from Windsor Castle, this quirky and historic independent restaurant is the perfect stop off for visiting tourists, as well as being a favourite with locals.

£30 to

£40

Chef-patron David Wilby’s (chef profile page 71) influence can be seen in every aspect of Windsor Grill’s offering, from the wealth of world-class produce used – which includes locally sourced beef, hand-picked crab from Devon, and scallops from the Scottish west coast – to the creative plates that grace diners’ tables. This ensures that the ingredients that feature on the menu are at their best, boasting maximum flavour and freshness.

Steak is what the restaurant is known for, with a huge variety of cuts that are all a minimum of 28-day dry-aged Surrey farm beef. Choose from tasty sides such as roast marrow bone, blackened prawns or grilled chorizo, and finish your dish with one of the varied butters or steak sauces – including the special Windsor Grill steak sauce containing smoked ancho chilli.

Other dishes change seasonally, so you might try the ever-varying Scotch egg, and salt and chilli squid garnished with spring onions and garlic, or devilled lamb’s kidneys. For the main course, even the most ardent carnivores will be impressed by Windsor Grill’s selection of Iberico pork, for a chance to try a very special rib-eye cut. If you’re feeling a little more reserved, opt for the likes of pan-fried calf’s liver with colcannon mash, grilled bacon, melting onions and gravy, or slow-cooked pork cheeks in cider, served with wild mushrooms and creamy mash. A carefully put together wine list with a fine selection of Bordeaux, as well as an exciting range of cocktails, makes this a formidable restaurant.

Open: Mon-Sat 5.30pm-late Food Served: Mon-Thurs 5.30pm-9.30pm; Fri & Sat 5.30pm-10pm

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The team at Windsor Grill is particularly adept at hosting private occasions.

Two dedicated function spaces are available for exclusive hire, there’s a private dining room that seats 12, and the entire venue can be hired for private use with a cover of up to 55 seated and 80 standing.

Add a sprinkle of theatrical splendour to your special day

Photos: zoewarboysphotography.co.uk

Enjoy a complete wedding package at South Hill Park

To host your ceremony, reception and party celebrations contact hospitality@southhillpark.org.uk 0844 625 6540 For weddings in the Haversham Room visit bracknell-forest.gov.uk

Looking for a place to dine?

Visit South Hill Pa rk’s Atrium Restaura nt and Bar For good quality, loc ally sourced, fresh food at great prices To re To rve resse erv your e you table r tab le 08444 4 625 08 654 625 8,48 tex, ttex 65 084 4 625 t 07 77655 4 7 cat eri ng@ thhillpark.org.uk 311910 caterin g@sou sout hhillpark.org.uk

south hill park arts Centre and Wilde theatre ringmead, Bracknell, Berkshire, rg12 7pa southhiLLpark.org.uk

South Hill Park Trust Limited A charitable company limited by guarantee

Modern European

Caleys Brasserie  Location Macdonald Windsor Hotel, 23 High Street, Windsor, SL4 1LH t: 0844 625 6525 w: www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk

EB

In a contemporary townhouse just a five-minute walk from the iconic Windsor Castle, you’ll find Caleys Brasserie at Macdonald Windsor Hotel. Named for the Caley family, who occupied the building whilst working as dressmakers to the Royal Family in the 19th century, the brasserie occupies a building rich with history. With later appointments including dressing the Queen Mother in 1948, and Queen Elizabeth II in 1955, the Caleys’ long-standing association with royalty means that when Macdonald Hotels opened this venue in 2010, they retained many of the original features in the listed section of the building.

£29 to

£50

Enjoy unrivalled views of the changing of the guards from the heart of historic Windsor, before perusing a menu that showcases the highest-quality British ingredients with an innovative twist. Chef Daniel Woodhouse adds an array of delicious and fresh flavours to the seasonal offering. Focusing on simple ingredients cooked to perfection by talented chefs, the starters include delicious smoked mussel soup with chive cream and focaccia, and the Asian-inspired pig’s head with sweet pickled bok choy, roast garlic mayonnaise and Oriental dressing. Seafood-lovers will be delighted with main-course options such as baked sea trout or pan-fried wild hake, whilst vegetarians can enjoy the delectable grilled goat’s cheese served with fresh figs, green beans, toasted walnuts and truffle honey.

Open: Mon-Fri 5pm-10pm; Sat noon-10pm; Sun noon-9.30pm

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The Josper charcoal grill is the jewel in the crown of Caleys Brasserie, providing perfect steak. Diners can choose from sirloin or fillet, served with grilled cherry tomato, Portobello mushrooms and hand-cut wedges or thin-cut fries.

Add Béarnaise, peppercorn or blue cheese sauce for an unbeatable steak. In a relaxed and friendly environment, finish your royal treatment with the refreshing frozen passion fruit crème chiboust, with caramel chocolate mousse, chocolate soil and passion fruit sauce, or relax with a satisfying selection of farmhouse cheese. The restaurant has been awarded an AA rosette for exceptional food and service, which is a credit to the warm and welcoming team. If you’re looking to stay, there are 120 individually designed luxury bedrooms, and the venue has conference capacity for up to 140 people.

Taplow House Restaurant & Terrace

Modern European

 Location Berry Hill, Taplow, SL6 0DA t: 0844 625 6253 w: www.taplowhouse.com e: reception@taplowhouse.com

EB

The historic Taplow House Hotel, set in impressive grounds overlooking the Thames Valley, combines the best of English tradition with first-class contemporary style. Begin a visit by enjoying a drink in the cosy bar or on the suntrap outdoor terrace before settling in the elegant dining room with views over sloping lawns and ancient tulip trees. Here, guests dine under sparkling chandeliers at tables dressed in crisp white linen. Immaculate service and magnificent food completes a sensational experience.

£30 to

£45

‘...first-class contemporary style...’

The menu has been expertly curated so that there’s something on offer for every palate. The chef’s intention is to create classic cuisine refined by modern cooking techniques. Each stunningly presented plate is a feast for the senses, throwing visitors’ decision-making skills into a whir.

‘...excels in every aspect, which makes for a truly memorable dining experience...’

The menus are frequently changed to reflect the seasons and all dishes are made from high-quality fresh ingredients that are sourced locally whenever possible.

Head chef Konstantinos Kritikos leads a talented kitchen brigade that includes the expert pastry chef David Bakowski. Afternoon tea is always a firm favourite at The Restaurant and is served from noon until 5pm each day.

‘...superb seasonal food and an extensive wine list...’

The Restaurant at Taplow House Hotel has recently been awarded two AA rosettes and excels in every aspect, which makes for a truly memorable dining experience.

It’s a sophisticated venue with superb seasonal food and an extensive wine list.

Staff are charming, expert and committed. This outstanding venue is not to be missed; it’s beautifully British, naturally individual, and marvellously Taplow.

Open: Mon-Sun 7pm-9.30pm

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Thames Lido

Modern European

 Location Napier Road, Reading, RG1 8FR t: 0844 625 2008 w: www.thameslido.com

RW

If you’re looking for something new, exciting and entirely original, look no further than Thames Lido. Close to King’s Meadow and adjacent to the River Thames, the restaurant overlooks a revived open-air pool originally built in 1902 as an enclosed swimming bath to allow Edwardian ladies to bathe in privacy. The renovations are simply stunning, incorporating original brickwork, iron pillars and bargeboards paired with blue tiled floors, beautiful handmade wooden tables and a handsome bar area. As the steam rises from the pool, the atmosphere is sophisticated, tranquil and fun. What makes the project so special is the friendly team’s enthusiasm. It was their inspiration and energy that drove the success of Bristol Lido, and our fortune that they spotted the potential for something similar here.

£20 to

£30

The food also demonstrates the passion poured into this project. The menu shows a desire to connect diners with the luxurious and sometimes earthy flavours of the Med. Primarily Spanish, but Italian, Portuguese and even Lebanese influences can also be discovered in the regularly changing offering. Meals are served for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and there’s a poolside tapas bar if you’re after something lighter. The wine list offers excellent variety with options mainly sourced from small Spanish vineyards.

From the dinner menu I started with esqueixada – a freshly prepared salad with delicate morsels of salt cod enhanced by an exquisite orange dressing. My husband discovered lamb manti: Turkish dumplings in brown butter and yoghurt sauce with pepper flakes. For my main course I chose hake from the wood oven.

Its delicacy was complemented by a rich, creamy mushroom sauce destined to be mopped up with fresh bread. From the charcoal grill my husband selected a sweet, seared Iberico pork collar with a deliciously nutty, red pepper romesco sauce.

We finished with ice cream, but not any old ice cream; this was homemade and flavoured with top-quality ingredients. We sampled scoops of salted butter and caramel, and chocolate and Estrella – two flavours from a selection of eight. Even the delightful blue serving bowls were handmade.

This amazing venue transports you to another world where Edwardian grandeur meets simple yet stylish Mediterranean decor and an unforgettable ambience.

Bar Food Served: Mon-Sat 8am-11.30am, noon-10pm; Sun 9am-11.30am, noon-10pm Restaurant Food Served: Mon-Sun noon-3pm, 6pm-10pm

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DINE OUT DINE OUT OUT Dine by the river at over 25 restaurants, bars and cafĂŠs For a full list see theoracle.com

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In the mood for some modern Greek cuisine? The range of hot and cold meze on offer is perfect for sharing. ☎ 0844 502 6534

The Japanese-inspired sensation combining fresh and nutritious food with friendly service and value for money. ☎ 0844 502 6753

Salads to ribs; enjoy a global themed menu, served to the relaxing sounds of world music. ☎ 0844 502 6744

Whether you visit for breakfast, lunch or a bite to eat in the evening, they offer a simple but stylish food menu, an extensive wine list, a tempting range of cocktails and excellent service. ☎ 0844 502 6742

An award winning Brasserie. All the flavour and atmosphere of a Parisian restaurant with more than reasonable prices. ☎ 0844 502 7798

A British steakhouse in pursuit of the perfect steak.

Stylish surroundings and a menu of fish, chicken and burgers complete the offering. ☎ 0844 502 5204

london street brasserie london street brasserie

Think French Provincial cuisine, bistro favourites and global inspiration. ☎ 0844 502 6528

The Italian restaurant serves tasty, authentic dishes from pizza, pasta and risotto to salads and indulgent desserts – all in a uniquely designed restaurant. ☎ 0844 502 7086

Serving a blend of classic and modern dishes in elegant surroundings. ☎ 0844 502 6750

Choose from a selection of hot or cold meze to share, or tuck into fresh flavours, grills and juicy wraps. ☎ 0844 502 4465

Get the latest food and drink offers on ‘Oracle PLUS’ app

Brasserie

Pinewood Hotel  Location Wexham Park Lane, George Green, SL3 6AP t: 0844 625 6679 w: www.pinewoodhotel.co.uk e: info@pinewoodhotel.co.uk

EB

Set in its own extensive grounds, the Pinewood Hotel is a contemporary venue boasting sleek, stylish interiors and a welcoming atmosphere. Its location in George Green means the hotel is easily accessible from the M25, M40 and M4 and it provides the perfect peaceful stopover for those on their way to or from Heathrow Airport. Why not book in for a weekend break with friends, family or your partner?

£19 to

£35

The Pinewood is well known for its comfortable rooms and excellent service.

However, the jewel in the hotel’s crown is the exquisite Pinewood Brasserie – a beautiful restaurant that’s perfect for small groups and larger parties alike. Take a seat and see your food prepared fresh to order in the theatre kitchen – a true culinary spectacle – or, during summer, gather loved ones in the al fresco dining area to make the most of fine weather.

The chefs prioritise the use of seasonal, local produce and friendly staff will be more than happy to assist those with dietary requirements. Sit down, relax and begin by browsing the range of starters: Scottish smoked salmon with lemon and fresh black pepper is a light but flavoursome dish, while the beef arancini balls are deliciously indulgent. The list of mains is wonderfully varied, with everything from the classic fish pie to Thai spice chicken or tofu with coconut rice, chilli and lime. The aged rib-eye steak and slow-roast pork belly are beautifully cooked too, and continue to prove popular with visitors.

If you’re looking for a lunchtime bite to eat, check out the smaller dishes – a classic BLT is guaranteed to energise an afternoon of exploring, while the tempura fish burger with fresh salad is a lighter alternative to the classic steak patty. Finally, to round off your meal, sample one of the mouth-watering desserts available. The frangipane tart with pistachio, pear and cherry compote is full of flavour, while the cheeseboard provides a delicious savoury alternative.

Food Served: Mon-Sun noon-9pm

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Berkshire Guide 2019-2020

On Sundays, Pinewood Brasserie also plays host to a weekly roast. For just £16.95 for one course (it’s £18.95 for two and £21.95 for three), diners can enjoy a roast, all the trimmings and the chance to relax before the working week recommences.

The Bell

Gastropub

 Location The Street, Waltham St Lawrence, RG10 0JJ t: 0844 502 7701 w: www.thebellwalthamstlawrence.co.uk e: info@thebellwalthamstlawrence.co.uk

EB

The Bell is a laid-back pub that dates back to the 14th century, offering a cosy and relaxed atmosphere in which to enjoy great locally brewed beer and carefully prepared food. When current owners Iain and Scott Ganson decided to start serving exceptional food, they were cautious not to turn the local pub into a formal restaurant. The result is the same beloved pub, with a menu you won’t be able to resist.

£18 to

£26

Step inside The Bell and you’ll first notice the well-stocked bar. Supporting CAMRA’s LocAle initiative, multiple local and independent breweries are given a platform here. Alongside the selection of ale you’ll also find ample local ciders, an extensive collection of wine and much more. As you venture further Open: Mon-Fri noon-3pm, inside, the friendly staff and roaring log burners create a warm and welcoming 5pm-11pm; atmosphere. The concise menu showcases the fresh, small-batch seasonal Sat & Sun noon-11pm cooking that gives the pub its great Food Served: reputation. Main dishes include Mon-Fri noon-2pm, braised hogget with yellow split 7pm-9.30pm; Sat noon-3pm, peas, mint and pea shoots, and 7pm-9.30pm; Sun noon-3pm The Bell’s famous Bambi burger with mature Cheddar, sauerkraut and gherkins. For veggies, the wood-fired courgette and green lentil salad with buffalo mozzarella proves a mouth-watering choice. The beer ice cream is a uniquely delicious finale and is typical of the pub’s fun and quirky character.

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Gastropub

The Boatman  Location 10 Thames Side, Windsor, SL4 1QN t: 0844 502 2838 w: www.boatmanwindsor.com e: boatmanwindsor@slhuk.com

EB

The Boatman is an historic riverside pub on the River Thames in the shadow of Windsor Castle and overlooking Eton Bridge. The main building dates from 1829 when it was built to serve the river trade and it has been a pub and restaurant ever since.

£22 to

£37

‘...enjoy fabulous waterfront views...’

This is the perfect spot in Windsor to enjoy fabulous waterfront views – the glass conservatory has a retractable roof and heating, so you can enjoy the location come rain or shine, day or night.

The menu includes British favourites such as beer-battered fish and chips, Eton Mess and roast dinners on Sundays, and a children’s menu is available too. Enjoy free Wi-Fi in the restaurant, and rest assured that it’s wheelchair and pushchair accessible and there are facilities for families.

‘...the perfect venue for both private and corporate functions...’

The gastropub is the perfect venue for both private and corporate functions including wedding receptions, birthday parties, entertaining clients, office lunches and more. Table bookings can be made for parties of two people up to 100 inside and the team can cater for 80 people in the beautiful glass conservatory. The whole pub can also be hired exclusively. Bespoke fork buffets and finger buffets can be created for group bookings and guests are welcome to personalise their event – including the menus – to make them their own.

‘...conveniently located...’

Open: Mon-Sun 10am-10pm Food Served: Mon-Sat noon-10pm; Sun noon-8pm

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Berkshire Guide 2019-2020

Conveniently located opposite Windsor and Eton Riverside railway station, The Boatman is easy to find. The station car park is immediately behind the venue and there is plenty of additional parking nearby. For delicious food, stunning river views, friendly hospitality and a relaxed atmosphere, look no further than The Boatman. Your initial visit is sure to be the first of many.

The Bull on Bell Street

Gastropub

 Location 57-59 Bell Street, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 2BA t: 0844 625 1965 w: www.bullonbell.co.uk e: book@bullonbell.co.uk

RW

Top-quality fare and a crowd-pleasing range of on-site brewed cask ales only partly explain why diners’ first visits to The Bull on Bell Street are rarely their last. In fact, many returning visitors have their favourite table and stop by regularly to see what’s new on the varied menu. The smart and airy, rustic yet modern restaurant and bar are flooded with natural light, and are adjacent to The Bull’s on-site microbrewery where, if you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the Brakspear brewers doing what they do best.

£20 to

£30

Menus at The Bull have been crafted with utmost care and attention, taking into account seasonality and provenance to ensure that the best produce is being used all year round. You might start with tempura fried broccoli with kimchi, miso and sesame dressing and coriander or pan-fried scallops served with pea velouté, pancetta crisp and nasturtium oil. For the main event, opt for the Old Spot pork rib-eye accompanied by caramelised apples, honey-glazed root vegetables and cep mushroom jus or Brakspear beer- and chorizo-steamed mussels served with artisan bread. Alternatively, opt for one of The Bull’s freshly baked sourdough pizzas. The kitchen team has gone to great lengths to refine the recipe and improve the techniques used. The wood-fired oven enhances the flavour of each creation, and carefully sourced ingredients ensure a top-quality finish.

The Milano, topped with fennel salami, prosciutto and oregano is a meatlover’s dream, while the giardiniera, laden with olives, red onions, artichokes, mozzarella, and semi-dried cherry tomatoes is a veggie crowd-pleaser.

Lighter appetites are catered for with fresh, seasonally inspired salads, and the sweet-toothed are invariably delighted by the range of desserts, all of which are set to throw diners’ decision-making skills into a whir. Think double chocolate torte with passion fruit crème fraîche and honeycomb and sticky toffee pudding with milk ice cream.

The Bull plays host to a stellar calendar of events and occasions throughout the week, such as two-for-one cocktail evenings, gourmet burger nights, and Saturday and Sunday bottomless brunches. If you have your own occasion to host, get in touch with the team to discuss exclusive hire of the restaurant’s stylish private dining room.

Open: Sun-Thurs 10am-11pm; Fri & Sat 10am-1am Food Served: Mon-Fri noon-10pm; Sat 10am-10pm; Sun 10am-9pm

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Gastropub

The Crown Playhatch  Location Foxhill Lane, Playhatch, RG4 9QN t: 0844 625 2001 w: www.thecrown.co.uk e: book@thecrown.co.uk

RW

You’ll discover this charming 16th-century inn in the picturesque hamlet of Playhatch, offering a warm welcome, excellent food and superb accommodation.

£23

With country comforts, home-cooked classics and decadent sharing plates, The Crown has a menu to match any occasion. Starters include The Crown’s own Scotch egg with crumbed boerewors sausage and sweet horseradish dressing, or the bruschetta with heritage tomato, vegan feta, basil and lemon oil dressing. The Crown’s legendary steaks are a must; the premium fillet, rib-eye and sirloin are all aged for 28 days, cooked to perfection and served with a rocket and red onion side salad and chunky chips. If you have room, make sure to try one of the indulgent dessert options – the duo of brownie and blondie comes with a rich dark chocolate and hot fudge sauce while the rhubarb and custard trifle is served with raspberry gel and crushed meringue.

to

£34

‘...secret retreat...’

On Sundays, the carvery is not to be missed. The Crown’s Sunday lunch comes with all the trimmings – the carvery meats are served with seasonal vegetables, roast potatoes and a Yorkshire pudding, all for £15. This family-friendly venue also has a dedicated children’s menu that includes favourites like fish and chips, macaroni cheese and a mixed plate of grilled chicken, Cheddar, bread, hummus and crudités.

Open: Mon-Thurs 7am-11pm; Fri 7am-midnight; Sat 8am-midnight; Sun 8am-10.30pm

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If you’re looking to host an event, the olde worlde charm of the Barn, with its exposed beams and ample space in which to host, is available to hire for parties, meetings and weddings. This is the ideal spot for any special event and the team at The Crown will take care of everything for you, from dressing the room to planning your menu. Up to 40 people can be seated in the space and guests can then enjoy an overnight stay in one of the ten double bedrooms.

Conveniently located within easy reach of Reading, Henley-on-Thames and Maidenhead, The Crown is the perfect secret retreat where you can enjoy a relaxing dining experience. Unwind by the roaring log fire in the winter or sip a chilled glass of wine in the garden on a summer’s eve.

Chequers

Gastropub

 Location 53 High Street, Marlow, SL7 1BA t: 0844 625 1843 w: www.thechequersmarlow.co.uk e: info@thechequersmarlow.co.uk

EB

Chequers was inducted into the Brakspear brewing and free holding family in 1893, but parts of the building date back to the 16th century, and evidence suggests that it has always served as a local pub. With such history behind this pub and steakhouse, it comes as little surprise that the Chequers is an establishment that boasts first-rate food, world-class drinks, and a host of returning visitors who readily sing its praises.

The restaurant interior is a harmonious blend of old and new, with handsome, well-kept wooden wall panelling and flooring, and plush contemporary furnishings, all atmospherically lit by hanging pendant lights, ensuring visitors dine in a warm and inviting space that makes them feel instantly at home.

£20 to

£30

‘...dine in a warm and inviting space...’

Aged native grass-fed beef is the order of the day here, though there’s plenty on offer for all manner of appetites. Diners select their cut and size from a choice of fillet, rib-eye, sirloin and rump steak, adding garnishes, sides and sauces according to taste. If you’re looking to go all out, you could strike for the 16oz Chateaubriand served with triple-cooked chips, vine tomatoes, rocket and a choice of sauce. Beyond beef, there’s an enticing range of à la carte dishes that showcase the best seasonal produce that the expert kitchen team can get its hands on. Start with curried cod cheeks with butternut squash purée, mint raita and radish and potato crisps, or whiskey and chicken liver parfait. For your main course, try king prawn and chorizo linguine with chilli, garlic, lemon and olive oil or for a veggie option, take cep mushroom and truffle risotto with Paris browns, slow-roasted shallots, chives and Grana Padano. For afters, indulge in the likes of warm apple, pear and almond frangipane slice or sticky toffee pudding with milk ice cream.

With a reputation for outstanding hospitality to uphold, a stay at one of the Chequers nine boutique rooms is sure to leave a favourable impression.

Each room is furnished with a luxurious double or twin bed, an en-suite bathroom, and a Nespresso coffee machine, and a night’s stay is completed with a freshly prepared English or Continental breakfast as standard when booked direct.

Open: Mon-Thurs 8am-11pm; Fri & Sat 8am-midnight; Sun 8am-10pm Food Served: Mon-Thurs 8am-10am, noon-9.30pm; Fri 8am-10am, noon-10pm; Sat 8am-11am, noon-10pm; Sun 8am-11am, noon-8.30pm

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Gastropub

The Little Angel  Location Remenham Lane, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 2LS t: 0844 625 1768 w: www.thelittleangel.co.uk e: book@thelittleangel.co.uk

RW

Occupying a princely spot at the foot of Remenham Hill, just a stone’s throw from the River Thames and Henley Bridge, The Little Angel is an atmospheric and historic countryside establishment. From leisurely post-ramble lunches and romantic evenings for two, to large family get-togethers over good food and drink, it’s an establishment that delivers on all fronts.

Cosy and well-kept, the restaurant interior centres around a large bar that’s typically kept propped up by a host of locals – the pub’s community atmosphere wouldn’t be the same without the sound of their convivial chatter.

£20 to

£30

‘…an atmospheric and historic countryside establishment…’

Open: Mon-Thurs 11am-11pm; Fri & Sat 11am-midnight; Sun 11am-10.30pm Food Served: Mon-Thurs 11am-9.30pm; Fri & Sat 11am-10pm; Sun 11am-9pm

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Menus at The Little Angel reflect both seasonality and a revival of Great British cuisine. Produce is sourced insightfully, with quality, value and environmental impact all taken into account. Though menus change seasonally, the range of starters might include the likes of pigeon breast served alongside pearl barley, French beans and curly endive with blackberry vinaigrette and crispy cauliflower florets with white bean pistachio houmous, nasturtium oil and baby herbs. Mains offer something for all appetites with the likes of pan-roasted halibut served with chive and lobster bisque risotto, concasse tomatoes and apple cider butter, and braised Mount Grace Yorkshire lamb accompanied by slow-roasted shallots, Colcannon creamed potatoes and redcurrant and Port jus.

Sweets of treacle tart with raspberry compote and milk ice cream, and lemon Bavarois with praline, blackberries, crushed meringue and basil will always please crowds when the weather turns colder, and those featuring on the menu in the summer are equally enticing.

Given that The Little Angel is regarded as a cornerstone of the Henley-on-Thames community, it comes as no surprise that the pub is host to a busy calendar of events, both public and private, throughout the year. The team has helped plan all manner of occasions from corporate lunches to private dinner parties and wedding breakfasts, and the live music, comedy and special tasting evenings always go down a storm.

The Butt Inn

Gastropub

 Location Station Road, Aldermaston Wharf, Nr. Reading, RG7 4LA t: 0844 502 3051 w: www.thebuttinn.biz e: info@thebuttinn.biz

WB

All who visit this eminently popular pub receive a warm welcome. The bar bustles with customers, many heading with their drinks to the attractive outdoor seating area. We relaxed alongside other diners in the spacious and elegant dining room. The Butt Inn offers a varied menu at good value. I started with a delicious salad of soft crabmeat on rocket, with the added crunch of apples, walnuts and celery. My dining partner tucked into smoked haddock fishcake paired with an intriguing beetroot tzatziki dip. For mains, we sampled some hearty dishes served with great flair. I had pork belly with a touch of mustard, served with beautifully cooked vegetables.

My companion enjoyed a delectable steak and Guinness open pie, again accompanied by lovely fresh vegetables. To finish we shared a very decorative meringue and berry assembly, as attractive to the eye as to the palate. Everything about our visit, from the food to the service, was delightful. We will certainly be back soon.

£20 to

£25

Open: Mon-Sat 11.30am-11pm; Sun noon-9pm

The Greene Oak

Gastropub

 Location Oakley Green, Windsor, SL4 5UW t: 0844 625 6487 w: www.thegreeneoak.co.uk e: info@thegreeneoak.co.uk

EB

You’re guaranteed a warm welcome at The Greene Oak; a charming pub run

by James Lyon-Shaw and Jamie Dobbin, who met working in the kitchen at the world-famous Ivy restaurant. Expect to find a daily changing menu full of quality dishes, simply prepared using market-fresh produce with a focus on nose-to-tail dining. Brixham king scallops with Bath chaps, Hebridean shepherd’s pie, chargrilled cauliflower steak, steamed Elberry Cove mussels and the surprisingly enticing cornflake milk crème caramel are a handful of the superb dishes created by Jamie and his masterful brigade. The Greene Oak also boasts a diverse selection of wine, beer, cider, cask ale and soft drinks, which you’re invited to enjoy in the quirky horse trailers, sun-drenched terrace, or on the Chesterfield sofas next to the roaring fire. Come rain or shine this delightful neighbourhood pub is the ideal setting for a delicious meal, or late night drink.

£28 to

£40

Open: Mon-Sat 11am-11pm; Sun noon-10pm

Enzo’s

Italian

 Location 83-84 Peascod Street, Windsor, SL4 1DH t: 0844 502 1848 w: enzoswindsor.co.uk

EB

Enzo’s is a popular lunch and dinner spot with an enticing menu that specialises in juicy, tender sizzling meat, daily delivered fish, Italian comfort food and fresh salads, all prepared with flair. With warm, friendly service, the hospitable team at Enzo’s invites you to try the cozze to start – fresh mussels cooked in white wine and garlic and served on homemade bread. Alongside a range of wood-fired pizza and fresh pasta dishes, main meals include saltimbocca di pollo, pan-fried chicken breast wrapped in Parma ham and finished with sage butter, and 28-day-aged sirloin steak with rocket salad and rosemary potatoes.

From the sweet selection, it’s the homemade tiramisu that receives rave reviews time and again; wonderfully creamy, it’s best enjoyed alongside a bespoke after-dinner drink prepared by the friendly staff to suit your tastes.

£23 to

£39

Open: Sun-Thurs noon-10pm; Fri & Sat noon-10.30pm Berkshire Guide 2019-2020

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Polish EB £17 to

£30

Open: Mon-Sun 11am-9pm

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Berkshire Guide 2019-2020

Bistro Story  Location 17 Queen Street, Maidenhead, SL6 1NB t: 0844 502 2384 Occupying a prime location in the centre of Maidenhead, this cosy venue serves hearty Polish dishes that are loved by locals and are authentic enough to be hugely popular with Polish diners. The casual ambience and fresh, modern decor provide the perfect setting in which to relax while you peruse the exciting menu. The walls are adorned with striking framed posters and the seating is spacious and comfortable. Friendly staff are on-hand to help with recommendations, and there’s a great range of wine and beer available to complement your meal.

To start, the fried potato pancake is a well-loved Polish delight and comes served with smoked salmon and sour cream. Perfectly crisp and superbly moreish, this is the perfect introduction to the traditional cuisine. You could also try the fried black pudding or grilled sausage, both of which are served with pickled cucumber for a fresh and zingy flavour. Traditional soups include tripe and Pomeranian sour soup, as well as the famous beetroot borscht with meat or pickled cabbage and mushrooms. The menu also offers the chance to try a range of dumplings, with meat and vegetarian options available – order eight or 12 and, for the full authentic experience, opt for the country-style dumplings, served with potatoes, sausage, onion, cottage cheese and smoked cheese from the Polish highlands.

Well-presented and served piping hot, the main courses represent a wide range of incredible regional cuisine, and come served with seasonal potatoes and salad. You might like to try the famous frikadelle; these flat, pan-fried meatballs are one of the most popular dishes in Poland. Alternatively, the pork knuckle braised in beer with caramelised vegetables is a hearty and flavoursome dish that’s sure to hit the spot. We’d also highly recommend the cebularze lubelskie – Bistro Story’s famous onion cakes served fresh from the oven.

To finish, you won’t want to pass up the opportunity to sample some ice cream from the huge selection available, with flavours ranging from salted caramel and peanut butter to the more unusual plum and chocolate, and vanilla with dried fruit. Weekly meal deals showcase a range of dishes from different regions, so you can taste something new each time. Next time you’re looking for a bite to eat, be sure to head to Bistro Story to sample the incredible fare – after one visit you’ll be hooked.

Meimo

Mediterranean

 Location 69-70 Peascod Street, Windsor, SL4 1DE t: 0844 502 3052 w: www.meimo.co.uk e: eat@meimo.co.uk

EB

Meimo sits at the heart of Windsor at the end of Peascod Street, just five minutes from the majestic Windsor Castle. The restaurant offers the chance to experience the vibrant colours and fusion of flavours present in Moroccan and Mediterranean cuisine, all in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Dishes are freshly prepared by highly experienced chefs and include Moroccan tagines, couscous, meat and fish, all infused with authentic spices. If you’re a fan of Mediterranean food, there are flavoursome meze platters as well as a wide range of grilled fish and meat dishes to choose from. Why not try the roasted butterfly sea bass with fennel, green beans and pink grapefruit butter sauce, or a chicken or lamb tagine with raisins, caramelised onions, fresh vegetables and either prunes or apricots?

£20 to

£25

Open: Sun-Thurs 11am-10pm; To accompany the fresh, fragrant and deliciously seasoned cuisine, Meimo Fri & Sat 10am-11pm serves a comprehensive wine list, which comprises carefully selected bottles that are well matched to the dishes on the menu. The restaurant hosts popular live entertainment nights on a regular basis, always sure to draw a crowd and making it wise to book ahead. As proven by countless positive TripAdvisor reviews, if you’re looking for a friendly meeting place, an enjoyable night out, or simply a great spot in which to enjoy Moroccan food in the Windsor area, you need look no further than Meimo.

Holiday Inn Reading South

Bar & Restaurant

 Location Basingstoke Road, Reading, RG2 0SL t: 0844 625 6588 w: www.ihg.com

RW

The Holiday Inn Reading South is situated only ten minutes from Reading town centre and a short walk from Madjeski Stadium. Having recently undergone a complete transformation, the newly refurbished hotel boasts a contemporary and flexible environment where guests can eat, drink, work, meet, relax and socialise.

£24 to

£28

Whether you’re staying over or just visiting, you can expect top-notch food for breakfast, lunch and dinner at the Holiday Inn Reading South. Make sure to stop by the bar – on offer is a wide selection of spectacular wine from all around the world, as well as beer, ale, spirits and soft drinks. The dining zone is open to all for breakfast, and from 11am the Open Lobby serves delicious food every day. The hotel has put together a selection of mouth-watering dishes for all tastes and appetites, from steaks cooked to order to healthy salads and lighter alternatives. Enjoy your meal in the contemporary dining Food Served: zone, or head outside for a spot Mon-Sun 11am-10pm of al fresco dining in the warmer months. The Holiday Inn also boasts exciting seasonal dining options like festive feasts at lunch or dinner for Christmas. If you’re looking for a restaurant in Reading for a special get-together, speak to the friendly team and they’ll help you put together a menu all your invitees will love.

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A N E W S T Y L E O F CUI S I N E

COMBINE A FANTA STIC

EXPERIENCE

WITH

THE

THRILL

OF

HOR SE

R ACI N G !

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Royal Windsor Racecourse

Bar & Restaurant

 Location Maidenhead Road, Windsor, SL4 5JJ t: 0844 625 6630 w: www.windsor-racecourse.co.uk e: hospitality@windsor-racecourse.co.uk

EB

Located on the River Thames, just a stone’s throw from Windsor Castle, is Royal Windsor Racecourse. Spanning 165 acres of rolling Berkshire countryside, this racecourse is known across the country as the go-to destination for horse racing and events. Open from April to October, the racecourse holds 27 fixtures including the three-day summer festival, Irish Night and various music nights throughout the summer. While Royal Windsor Racecourse offers guests thrilling races within a spectacular setting, the expansive venue also has a sterling reputation for providing world-class food and a variety of hospitality packages.

*

£89

If you’re looking to enjoy a refined à la carte menu within an elegant space that boasts panoramic views of the racetrack, you must book yourself a seat at The 1866 Restaurant. For just £89 you’ll be treated to a fabulous three-course meal with dishes such as butternut squash mousse with roasted chestnuts, parsnip crisps and pumpkin oil; poached skate and shrimp stuffing, accompanied by a scallop served in its shell, fresh samphire and caper butter; and desserts like toffee apple tarte Tatin, blackberry crème brûlée and rhubarb crumble. On top of your meal, you will also receive a private table reserved for the entire day and discreet table service, betting facility and TV screens to ensure you don’t miss any of the action, as well as a racecard and hospitality car parking pass.

If you’re a lover of al fresco dining, pay a visit to The Deck when the sun is shining. Open from June to August, this unique restaurant is located just metres from the finishing post, making it the perfect venue in which to enjoy a summer’s evening. As well as providing a delightful Italian-inspired menu, a Champagne reception will also await you at The Deck. In 2019, Royal Windsor Racecourse became home to a first-rate steakhouse. In Gastro you can expect to be served divine prime cuts of steak at this industry award-nominated dining space.

Make your day at the races one to remember by dining at any one of Royal Windsor Racecourse’s stunning restaurants; you won’t regret it. Visit the website for more information on the hospitality packages and events available. *Price represents the cost of the 1866 Restaurant package.

Open: April-October, please see website for details

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Bar & Restaurant

Taproom & Kitchen  Location West Berkshire Brewery, The Old Dairy, Yattendon, RG18 0XT t: 0844 625 8244 w: www.wbbrew.com e: taproomandkitchen@wbbrew.co.uk

WB

The Taproom & Kitchen at West Berkshire Brewery is definitely the destination of the moment. With a friendly atmosphere, it boasts a rustic charm that contrasts beautifully with the floor-to-ceiling glass wall, which separates diners from the vast stainless steel brewing tanks. It’s certainly different, and just the place to catch up with friends. You even have the option to add a little shopping into the mix and peruse clothes, merchandise and locally brewed ale and wine, which are available in the on-site shop.

£15 to

£27

‘...floor-to-ceiling glass wall...’

We visited for a meal, and it was a pleasure to peruse the varied menu. There were plenty of options, including tacos, burgers, pizzas and salads. I picked the venison burger topped with beetroot and blue cheese truffle mayonnaise and served with chips, as well as a side of salt and pepper squid with garlic mayonnaise and a sprinkling of spring onion. The taste of game was balanced by the sweetness of the beetroot and complemented by the tangy blue cheese – it was simply a masterpiece. The squid was delightfully crisp – undoubtedly the best I’ve ever had.

‘...pure indulgence...’

Open: Mon 10am-6pm; Tues-Sun 10am-11pm Food Served: Tues-Thurs noon-3pm, 6pm-9pm; Fri noon-3pm, 5pm-9pm; Sat noon-9pm; Sun noon-3pm, 5pm-8pm

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My dining partner said she couldn’t have made a better choice as she tucked into a very hearty warm halloumi salad. The dish was prepared to perfection, and beautifully presented, with tenderstem broccoli, roasted peppers, olives, chick peas and pumpkin seeds drizzled with balsamic glaze. Accompanied by chips and a side of cheesy garlic pizza bread, it was a wonderful way to keep hunger at bay. The puddings on offer were truly scrumptious, and our choices of coffee, waffle and salted caramel sundae, and chocolate brownie sundae were pure indulgence.

Gift, meal and brewery tour vouchers are also on sale here, so once you have sampled the high life, share it with friends and loved ones. You can even buy a summer beer box containing all your local favourites. What could be better?

The Wheatsheaf

Bar & Restaurant

 Location Chilton Foliat, Nr. Hungerford, RG17 0TE t: 0844 502 6716 w: www.thewheatsheafchiltonfoliat.co.uk e: hello@thewheatsheafchiltonfoliat.co.uk

WB

Since taking over The Wheatsheaf four years ago, MasterChef semifinalist Ollie and singer-songwriter Lauren Hunter have totally transformed what was previously a struggling local into an award-winning destination renowned for its first-rate food and crowd-pleasing music nights. The beautifully restored building ensures that guests feel right at home from the get-go. The thatched roof exterior leads to a cosy, comfortable interior that centres on a handsome, amply stocked bar and offers many a nook and cranny to retreat to. Live music, art exhibitions, cookery classes and breakfast clubs take place throughout the week, so it’s always worth consulting the calendar to see what’s in store.

£15 to

£25

When it comes to food, don’t miss out on the wood-fired pizzas. Ollie and Lauren shipped their terracotta oven from Florence a couple of years ago and have been preparing Italian-inspired pizza ever since. They’ve perfected the dough recipe, which is prepared fresh every day and allowed to prove for at least 24 hours before it’s ready to be cooked to perfection. Like much of the produce that makes its way into The Wheatsheaf’s kitchen, many of the generous pizza toppings are sourced from Ollie’s parents’ farmstead and gardens at Hungerford Park, just three miles away. If you prefer to enjoy pizza from the comfort of your own home, thankfully you can order one of The Wheatsheaf’s pizzas to take away – you’ll just have to pick up a bottle of wine on the way home.

As far as the rest of the offering goes, the team maintains a keen focus on an organic ethos as well as seasonality and provenance. The superb-quality produce sourced from Ollie’s mum’s farm is used in The Wheatsheaf’s main menu and is supported by a cast of handpicked veg, fish and charcuterie obtained from a cadre of trusted suppliers, guaranteeing quality.

Expect seasonal dishes such as venison with homemade tagliatelle and pan-fried wild gurnard with wild mushroom spelt risotto.

Ollie and Lauren’s hard work has resulted in The Wheatsheaf being voted ‘the most sustainable pub in Britain’ by the Sustainable Restaurant Association and awarded three stars for their use of organic produce by the Soil Association.

This makes for an impressive list after just four years in business.

Open: Mon-Thurs noon-3pm, 5.30pm-11.30pm; Fri & Sat noon-11.30pm; Sun noon-5pm

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Celebrate with us

F R OM

£69 A R E Y O U C E L E B R AT I N G A SPECIAL OCCASION?

We have a variety of options starting from as little as £69 that will really add the wow-factor to a special occasion, whether you’re looking for all-out luxury, fine dining or a relaxed dining experience. We welcome groups, birthday parties, anniversaries and hen and stag groups looking to add some something extra special to their party. We can also offer special messages in the racecard or on the big screen, race sponsorship, table decorations and more.

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Add a sprinkle of theatrical splendour to your special day

Photos: zoewarboysphotography.co.uk

Enjoy a complete wedding package at South Hill Park

To host your ceremony, reception and party celebrations contact hospitality@southhillpark.org.uk 0844 625 6540 For weddings in the Haversham Room visit bracknell-forest.gov.uk

Looking for a place to dine?

Visit South Hill Pa rk’s Atrium Restaura nt and Bar For good quality, loc ally sourced, fresh food at great prices To re To rve resse erv your e you table r tab le 08444 4 625 08 654 625 8,48 tex, ttex 65 084 4 625 t 07 77655 4 7 cat eri ng@ thhillpark.org.uk 311910 caterin g@sou sout hhillpark.org.uk

south hill park arts Centre and Wilde theatre ringmead, Bracknell, Berkshire, rg12 7pa southhiLLpark.org.uk

South Hill Park Trust Limited A charitable company limited by guarantee

Bar & Restaurant

The Fox & Hounds  Location Donnington, Nr. Newbury, RG14 3AP t: 0844 502 2982 w: www.foxandhoundsnewbury.co.uk e: info@foxandhoundsnewbury.co.uk The close-knit team at The Fox & Hounds creates a relaxed atmosphere in which to enjoy beautifully presented fresh food. Key to the success of this popular, family-run free house is the partnership with Newbury butchers Griffins, who supply the restaurant with all of its meat produce. The steak comes highly recommended, with care taken to serve traditional cuts to your exact preference.

What’s more, the steak special offers great value, with wine included in the price.

The extensive menu provides plenty of other appetising options including chicken, vegetarian and fish dishes, with rotating specials. Imaginative starters and luscious puddings ensure that visitors are in for a real feast. Complete your meal with a tipple from the well-stocked bar. With a comfortable and welcoming interior and an equally attractive al fresco dining area, there’s every reason to visit The Fox & Hounds.

WB £18 to

£35

Open: Tues-Sat 11am-11pm; Sun 11am-6pm Food Served: Tues-Thurs noon-2.30pm, 6pm-9pm; Fri & Sat noon-9.30pm; Sun noon-4pm Farm Shop & Deli

Cobbs at Englefield  Location Wickcroft Farm, Pangbourne Road, Theale, RG7 5EA t: 0844 502 2840 w: www.cobbsfarmshops.co.uk e: englefieldshop@cobbsfarmshops.co.uk Cobbs is a popular farm shop and café made from a series of converted cow sheds, now forming an incredible space featuring a farm shop, delicatessen, butchery and florist. The fully licensed café serves breakfast, lunch, Sunday roasts and afternoon teas. There is plenty of inside dining available and on those warmer days a lovely outdoor terrace too. Showcasing the very best local food from British producers throughout the year, you will find seasonal home-grown produce from Cobb’s farm in Hungerford available too. They work closely with suppliers to offer a whole host of products including fresh fruit and veg, pies, luxury dairy ice cream, freshly baked bread, honey, preserves, chutneys, cheese, dairy, flour, eggs, cereals, tea, smoked fish and meats, juices and biscuits. The traditional butchers counter at Cobbs focuses on quality meat sourced from farms whose exacting standards of welfare match their own. The friendly team of master butchers are on-hand to help seven days a week.

WB £10 to

£15

Café Open: Mon-Sat 9am-5pm; Sun 10am-4pm Shop Open: Mon-Sat 9am-6pm; Sun 10am-5pm Farm Shop & Café

Cobbs Farm Shop & Kitchen

 Location Bath Road, Hungerford, RG17 0SP t: 0844 502 2405 w: www.cobbsfarmshops.co.uk e: hungerfordshop@cobbsfarmshops.co.uk Cobbs, surrounded by 55 acres of farmland including an eight-acre vineyard, is serious about offering the best home-grown seasonal produce, which lands on the shelves often just minutes after being hand-picked in nearby fields. But it’s not just fresh fruit and vegetables on offer; fresh bread, dairy, local chutneys, preserves, artisan cheese, local ale and their own award-winning home-grown English sparkling wine can all be purchased here too. You will also find an on-site butchery, fishmonger and florist. Make sure you stop by the charming café, where the seasonal menu is as fresh and inventive as they come. There’s also a bespoke wooden indoor play barn at Cobbs. Little ones can burn off some energy here and parents can enjoy the same delicious coffee and cake that they would find downstairs in the farm shop café. Make sure you keep an eye out for the fun events held at Cobbs throughout the year, as well as news from their vineyard, Alder Ridge.

WB £10 to

£15

Café Open: Mon-Sat 9am-5pm; Sun 10am-4pm Shop Open: Mon-Sat 9am-6pm; Sun 10am-5pm 52

Berkshire Guide 2019-2020

honest about food, what’s in it and where it comes from COFFEE SHOPS COOKERY SCHOOL CROWN & GARTER WHOLESALE BAKERY

0844 502 2434 www.honestygroup.co.uk

Stubbings Café

Café

 Location Stubbings Lane, Henley Road, Maidenhead, SL6 6QL t: 0844 502 2116 w: www.stubbingsnursery.co.uk e: info@stubbingsnursery.co.uk

EB

*

£10 to

£15

Open: Mon-Sat 8.30am-4.30pm; Sun 9.30am-4pm

Housed in a large glasshouse overlooking an 18th-century Grade II listed walled garden, full of wonderful semi-mature plants and shrubs, Stubbings Café is a bright and airy space in which visitors can rest and refuel. Start your day with a cup of freshly prepared coffee and one of the delicious breakfasts. Served until noon, options include the Stubbings breakfast, which offers the pleasure of a full English without any deep-fat frying. In addition to this you’ll find granola, sausage sandwiches and bacon and egg sandwiches, as well as the house favourite – lovely smoked salmon and scrambled eggs. Lunch is served until 3pm and features a range of daily specials including quiches and salads, toasted sandwiches and panini, fresh soup of the day and savoury pastries and pies. Wash it down with a fruit smoothie or milkshake, or opt for a glass of wine or a local beer.

When it comes to sweet treats, Stubbings excels. Choose from the delicious range of scrumptious cakes, which includes mouth-watering vegan options.

Stubbings’ wonderful freshly made scones need to be seen to be believed – renowned for their size, they have developed quite a following. Enjoy one on its own served with jam and cream, or as part of an afternoon tea enjoyed within the beautiful ambience of the glasshouse. For just £15.95 a head, tuck in to a range of sandwiches and freshly made patisserie delicacies, served with your choice of speciality tea. *Price range represents the cost of a brunch dish and a drink.

Traditional

Peacock Farm  Location Peacock Lane, Bracknell, RG12 8SS t: 0844 502 2891 w: www.peacockfarm.co.uk e: peacock.farm@hall-woodhouse.co.uk

EB

Set in the Berkshire town of Bracknell and housed in a striking converted barn, this popular establishment is perfect for any occasion. With intimate tables ideal for couples and large spaces that can accommodate party banqueting, Peacock Farm £16 to is a welcoming haven. £28 The menu changes with the seasons, offering an extensive selection to satisfy all tastes with plenty of tempting vegan and vegetarian options available. We opted to start with a vegan sharing platter comprising hummus, flatbread, mixed olives, smoked almonds, falafel, coconut tzatziki and Middle Eastern cauliflower salad. The variety of tastes and textures were perfectly matched, and provided a great opening to the meal. Next came a mouth-watering Malaysian aubergine Open: Mon-Sat 9am-11pm; curry that was packed with flavour – the accompanying pineapple pickle was a Sun 9am-10.30pm delightful addition. My companion’s succulent confit duck leg was just as pleasing, Food Served: and came with buttery mash, red cabbage and Blandford Fly ale gravy.

Mon-Thurs 9am-9.30pm; To round things off we indulged Fri & Sat 9am-10pm; in two sumptuous puddings. The Sun 9am-9pm chocolate and coconut torte was so rich and decadent we could hardly believe it was vegan, while the apple and blackberry crumble was a perfectly executed classic. Peacock Farm also hosts a range of events including a craft night, paint and sip party with all painting equipment provided, and a comedy evening, as well as regular open mic nights and quiz nights. What better excuse could you need for a great evening out accompanied by top-notch food and drink?

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The Hare & Hounds and The Barn

Traditional

 Location Bath Road, Speen, Nr. Newbury, RG14 1QY t: 0844 502 2764 w: www.hareandhoundshotel.net e: reservations@hareandhoundshotel.net

WB

Since 1753, The Hare & Hounds has been serving traditional ale and quality food. Under the ownership of Jonathan and Jean Nelsey for over ten years, the recently refurbished inn has gone from strength to strength and is now among Newbury’s most popular dining venues. The Barn, a truly stunning oak-framed construction that has to be seen to be fully appreciated, is a light and airy restaurant, which opens onto a heated terrace, deck and garden. The bar remains a true pub bar, while The Library is a casual dining and drinking area. The kitchen’s new charcoal Bertha oven enhances the flavour of all grilled food to give a true barbecue taste. Whilst grilled food is a speciality, menus are varied and seasonal. The famous fish pie is a must-try and is made to a recipe that Jonathan has been using for 25 years, with fresh fish sourced from day-boats in Brixham.

£12 to

£20

All meat, fruit and vegetables are Food Served: from the area’s leading suppliers.

Mon-Sat noon-2.30pm, Food is served all day on Saturday 5pm-9pm; Sun noon-9pm and Sunday, with traditional Sunday roasts established as firm favourites. The team is best known for its Friday steak and grill nights, and the amazing value two-course midweek lunch at just £11.50. Whether you visit to eat, drink or stay in one of the 30 bedrooms, you’re assured of a warm welcome; so do give The Hare & Hounds a try – you won’t be disappointed.

The Jack O’Newbury

Traditional

 Location Terrace Road North, Binfield, Bracknell, RG42 5PH t: 0844 502 1605 w: www.jackonewbury.co.uk e: info@jackonewbury.co.uk

EB

The Jack O’Newbury is named for a legendary early-Tudor figure, akin to Dick Whittington, with an ambiguous history that has led some locals to believe he was the MP for Newbury, and others that he organised a petition on behalf of the Clothiers of England. The mystery of Jack of Newbury adds to the rich history of this village inn, which serves real ale and classic pub fare.

£16 to

£19

‘...dishes are homemade and locally sourced...’

Pop in for the cosy atmosphere and relax in front of the real fire or in the lovely garden in the warmer months. A real surprise comes in the form of the in-house skittle alley. Book your game, party or event and be sure to go for one of the Open: food packages – your friends, family or colleagues are bound to be bowled over. Mon-Thurs 11am-11pm; From the menu, the king prawns sautéed in chilli and garlic are full of flavour and Fri & Sat 11am-midnight; guaranteed to rouse your appetite Sun noon-6pm for the main course. Choose from Food Served: Mon-Sat hearty classics such as traditional noon-2.30pm, 6pm-9pm; fish pie with cheesy topping, Sun noon-2.30pm traditional or vegetarian lasagne and curry of the day served with basmati rice, naan and mango chutney. All dishes are homemade and locally sourced wherever possible. Sports fans will be delighted by the host of live sporting events screened at the venue, and the pub is proud to host live music, parties and more throughout the year.

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Traditional

The White Hart  Location 2 High Street, Thatcham, RG19 3JD t: 0844 502 2810 w: www.thewhitehartthatcham.com This beautiful English pub evokes memories of a different era. Exposed wooden beams and traditional furnishings add to the already charming atmosphere, and the inviting decor is matched by an equally homely menu. You’ll find a range of characteristically British meals, reasonably priced and cooked to perfection.

Warm your cockles with the steak and Stilton pie or the horseshoe gammon – just two examples of the hearty fare available. For those looking for a little entertainment, bingo and pub quizzes feature weekly, while regular Saturday night live music provides the perfect excuse to slip on your dancing shoes. So visit The White Hart today and fill your tum with some glorious grub and your soul with some melodic music – all without breaking the bank. If you fancy staying the night, there are six lovely bed-and-breakfast rooms to choose from.

WB £13 to

£30

Food Served: Tues-Fri noon-2pm, 5.30pm-9pm; Sat noon-3pm; Sun noon-4pm Traditional

The Stag & Huntsman Inn  Location Hambleden, Nr. Henley-on-Thames, RG9 6RP t: 0844 502 3015 w: www.thestagandhuntsman.com e: enquiries@thestagandhuntsman.co.uk Central to the allure of the 650-acre Culden Faw estate, The Stag & Huntsman Inn has undergone loving restoration under the keen eye of British-heritage architect Ptolemy Dean. Maintaining its olde-worlde charm to fit in with the rest of this charming little town, the inn presents a slice of quaint English life amid the rolling hills of the Chilterns.

RW £20 to

£30

Of course, nowhere of this ilk could be complete without serving a seasonal selection of game, all caught on the estate. A range of fine pub classics completes the menu, with sumptuous favourites sure to please everyone in your party. Round off your meal with a pint of real ale from the ever-changing selection, or a glass of fine wine from the selection of Old and New World choices.

Open: Mon-Sun 8am-11pm Traditional

Elephant & Castle

 Location Lodge Road, Whistley Green, Nr. Reading, RG10 0EH t: 0844 502 1601 w: www.elephantandcastlehurst.co.uk e: info@elephantandcastlehurst.co.uk The team at Elephant & Castle provides a relaxed family- and dog-friendly environment to locals and visitors alike. The menu is full of hearty pub classics as well as sharing platters and lighter options. Start with the delicious duck and orange pâté with toasted ciabatta or Somerset Brie and asparagus cheesecake. There’s plenty of mouth-watering mains to choose from, including freshly beer-battered fish and chips, and confit duck leg accompanied by creamy mash, twice-cooked root vegetables and red wine sauce. Vegetarian diners will be pleased to see the likes of mushroom Stroganoff served with wild rice, and crispy crumbed vegetarian burger served with chips. There’s also a dedicated children’s menu, alongside a regularly changing specials menu. Visit on Sunday for the famous roast offering, including the mammoth trio roast with a selection of meats and all the trimmings.

RW £22 to

£33

Open: Sun-Thurs noon-11pm; Fri & Sat noon-midnight 56

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The Horse & Groom

Traditional

 Location Bath Road, Hare Hatch, Nr. Twyford, RG10 9SB t: 0844 502 2867 w: www.horseandgroom-harehatch.co.uk e: horse.and.groom@brunningandprice.co.uk As you step through the door of this beautiful 300-year-old coaching house, you’ll find low beams, real fires and intimate tables. The walls are lined with antique pictures that cast you back to the time of highwaymen and lend the interior a feeling of olde-worlde charm. The atmosphere is warm and friendly, the staff attentive and the extensive food choice varied, inventive and exciting – we couldn’t wait to tuck in.

RW £20 to

£30

‘...the atmosphere is warm and friendly, the staff

attentive and the extensive food choice varied...’

Both starters were immaculately presented, showing impressive attention to detail. We enjoyed crispy pig cheeks with chorizo jam and pickled apple purée, and extremely light and crispy salt and pepper squid. Each dish demonstrated a balance of subtle flavours that set the precedent for our main courses, which did not disappoint. My crispy beef salad with sweet chilli sauce and roasted cashews was like a party on a plate. The braised feather blade of beef Bourguignon was served with horseradish mash and buttered kale. Although a more traditional meal, it was prepared with the same care and understanding as the more adventurous dishes on the menu – no matter what you order at The Horse & Groom, the appearance, flavours and textures all have wow-factor.

‘...portions are generous...’

As portions are generous, the team offers smaller versions of some of the desserts, which come with a cup of tea or coffee of your choice. While we were certainly not hungry, we couldn’t resist the full-size options. The sticky toffee pudding, with its coating of toffee sauce and honeycomb ice cream accompaniment, was as light and fluffy as the brownie’s top was crisp.

Underneath that satisfyingly crisp top was a soft, gooey centre. Needless to say, our sweet treats didn’t disappoint. There was no better way to round off our meal, but if you prefer to end with a savoury bite you can choose to savour three delicious local cheeses with artisan biscuits, grapes, celery, apple and homemade chutney.

Open: Mon-Sat 11.30am-11pm; Sun 11.30am-10.30pm Food Served: Mon-Thurs noon-9.30pm; Fri & Sat noon-10pm; Sun noon-9pm

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Traditional

The Crown  Location The Street, Swallowfield, Nr. Reading, RG7 1QY t: 0844 502 1602 w: www.crownswallowfield.co.uk e: crownswallowfield@gmail.com

RW

When Wayne and Dawn Morris took over The Crown, it was a risk to leave behind 23 years of running a large managed house for a small pub in the picturesque village of Swallowfield. Three years on, the venue has gone from £18 to strength to strength and the cosy village pub now caters to locals and a host £34 of visitors to the nearby Wellington Country Park, or those who take advantage of its convenient proximity to the M4.

Wayne runs the kitchen, serving up quality home-cooked food, while Dawn oversees the front of house, providing a warm welcome to this family-run free house. From the menu, the baked Camembert comes presented in a ring-shaped Open: tear-and-share cranberry bread, and is the perfect starter to kick off a hearty Mon-Thurs 5pm-11pm; meal. For a classic main course, try the homemade chunky cottage pie Fri 5pm-midnight; with cauliflower cheese. The gluten-free sticky toffee pudding is a satisfying yet Sat & Sun noon-11pm light end to a meal and has earned its place as one of the most popular dishes Food Served: on the menu. In the summer, Tues-Thurs 6pm-8.30pm, the sunny beer garden is the Fri noon-2pm, 6pm-8.30pm; perfect place to spend a lazy Sat noon-8.30pm; afternoon, and throughout Sun noon-3pm the year The Crown hosts a range of charity events, barbecues and quiz nights. The cornerstone of The Crown’s offering is well-kept beer, wine and top-notch food; it’s this winning combination that keeps customers returning time and again.

Traditional

The Royal Oak  Location Ecchinswell, Nr. Newbury, RG20 4UH t: 0845 468 1451 w: www.royaloakecchinswell.co.uk e: info@royaloak-ecchinswell.co.uk

WB

Ideally located in Ecchinswell, The Royal Oak is a country pub par excellence.

Situated just a stone’s throw from the well-traversed Watership Down and taking advantage of the area’s charming, picture-postcard scenery, this countryside inn boasts a warm welcome and stellar pub fare. The pub has a reputation as the go-to haunt for unpretentious, exceptional-quality food and drink.

£20 to

£30

The bill of fare changes regularly, keeping pace with the seasons and taking advantage of the best produce available. Think starters of slow-roasted pork belly with cider and honey reduction, crab and risotto cakes, and whitebait in light and crispy batter. Taking daily deliveries of freshly landed fish from Brixham Market, the talented kitchen team has earned a reputation for their Food Served: Tues-Fri stand-out signature fish and chips, usually made with haddock in crisp, golden noon-2.30pm, 6pm-9pm; lager batter, and served with triple-cooked chips, petits pois and homemade Sat noon-9pm; tartare sauce. You could instead Sun noon-4pm opt for the homemade Stilton and caramelised onion burger, prepared with mince from local family butcher Wyatts and served on a brioche bun with gourmet chips.

The Royal Oak’s bar is stocked with an expertly chosen range of wine, cider and premium spirits, and a selection of real ale fit to impress even the most ardent aficionado. Additionally, there are always at least two craft ales on tap at any given time, sourced from the region’s local brewers.

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The Dog & Duck

Traditional

 Location Matthewsgreen Road, Emmbrook, Wokingham, RG41 1JT t: 0844 625 6259 w: www.dogandduckemmbrook.co.uk e: info@dogandduckemmbrook.co.uk

RW

Visitors to The Dog & Duck will be delighted by the pub’s recent renovation.

The restaurant dates back to the 1770s and now boasts a tasteful interior that blends traditional aesthetics like oak beams, exposed brickwork and large sash windows with modern comfort and a welcoming atmosphere. When it’s cold outside you can stay warm thanks to the pub’s wood-burning stove, and during summer guests enjoy barbecues in the pub’s tranquil garden.

£17 to

£33

‘...modern comfort and a welcoming atmosphere...’

Upon entering, take a seat in one of the cosy booths and peruse the varied menu of British pub classics. Sharers are a great way to begin a meal with friends – the greengrocer’s board is a firm favourite and comprises vegetarian dishes such as marinated courgette, aubergine, Borretane onions, artichoke and hummus. Other tempting appetisers include the pulled pork, sage and mustard croquette, gluten-free curried salmon fishcakes, and salt and pepper squid.

‘...take a seat in one of the cosy booths and peruse the varied menu of British pub classics...’

All of the pizzas are made fresh to order in the pub’s own pizza oven, guaranteeing freshness and flavour. The burgers are also a popular option with many diners, with a classic beefburger and a buttermilk chicken burger on offer, as well as a vegetarian mushroom and halloumi option. Other tasty mains include haddock and chips, king prawn and chorizo linguine and vegan spiced chickpea and potato cakes. On Sunday, you can bring the whole family for a delicious carvery, where a selection of meat served with all the trimmings is served with lashings of gravy.

The Dog & Duck also regularly plays host to special events and evenings including quiz nights and an after-school pizza deal both parents and kids alike can get stuck into.

Food Served: Mon-Thurs noon-10pm; Fri noon-10.30pm; Sat 11.30am-10.30pm; Sun 11.30am-9.30pm

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Traditional

The Rowbarge  Location Station Road, Woolhampton, RG7 5SH t: 0844 502 2784 w: www.rowbarge-woolhampton.co.uk e: rowbarge@brunningandprice.co.uk

WB

A quick hop from Midgham Station in the beautiful village of Woolhampton, The Rowbarge is a former cottage that now prides itself on being a traditional country pub. It’s in an enviable position next to the River Kennet, with plenty £20 to of picturesque al fresco drinking and dining areas, and an interior that’s cosy £28 but elegant, and charmingly decorated. It’s no surprise that The Rowbarge is adored; it hosts regular wine- and ale-sampling evenings, and Mikron outdoor theatre performs there in summer. The convivial atmosphere the team creates means that the place was crammed with families and couples when we visited.

Menus change with the seasons to make the most of the produce available.

The sweet potato and red onion bhaji was a uniquely delicious appetiser and the main course that followed was equally exquisite. I sampled roasted Open: Mon-Sat 11am-11pm; squash, fig and wild rice salad with blue cheese, beetroot and pumpkin seeds.

Sun 11am-10.30pm My companion’s game suet pudding comprising venison, pheasant and rabbit Food Served: and deliciously rich gravy was Mon-Sat noon-10pm; served with mash and buttered Sun noon-9pm greens. Indeed, the dishes raised oohs and aahs throughout the meal, particularly the finishing flourishes – delicious amaretto affogato and a generous portion of sticky toffee pudding with toffee sauce and vanilla ice cream. A five-mile canal and river trail takes in The Rowbarge, and I can’t imagine anything better than a pleasant country stroll rounded off with such gorgeous food.

Traditional

The Packhorse  Location Woodcote Road, Chazey Heath, Mapledurham, RG4 7UG t: 0844 502 2486 w: www.packhorsepub.co.uk e: packhorse@brunningandprice.co.uk The Packhorse looks and feels like a rambling country house, and its cosy rooms are filled with the comfortable chatter of its many guests. The rapport that the staff have with customers is refreshing in these busy modern times.

RW £20 to

£32

Open: Mon-Sat 11.30am-11pm; Sun 11.30am-10.30pm Food Served: Sun-Thurs noon-9pm; Fri & Sat noon-9.30pm

If you enjoy dining al fresco, there’s seating for up to 120 people in the immaculate garden, which overlooks open countryside. This formed the perfect setting for my starter of tempura king prawns with soy dipping sauce. My wife’s Scotch egg with pickled cauliflower and roquito pepper salad and Hollandaise sauce was packed with flavour. Both of the mains were works of art. The delicately spiced Sri Lankan curry was packed with sweet potato, butternut squash, pak choi and red pepper and accompanied by coconut rice.

My partner’s grilled sea bass was perfectly cooked, and the accompanying potato and shallot terrine and chervil and lemon cream sauce were the perfect complement.

It would have been wrong to leave without sampling the desserts. The sticky toffee pudding was rich and moreish and the chocolate and orange tart with its accompaniment of mandarin sorbet and Cointreau syrup was absolutely beautiful, so we had to share both. This CAMRA Pub of the Season has over 100 different gins to discover, as well as a great range of ale.

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The Thatched Tavern

Traditional

 Location Cheapside Road, Ascot, SL5 7QG t: 0844 502 3876 w: www.thethatchedtavern.co.uk e: enquiries@thethatchedtavern.co.uk

EB

This pretty 15th-century tavern exudes olde-worlde charm, with low-beamed ceilings, flagstone flooring and plenty of nooks and crannies. In the chilly months the real log fires make it super cosy and the whole pub is suffused with the delicious smell of mulled wine. For warmer weather there’s ample space outside, with a pretty leafy garden, sheltered patio and an attractive cobbled area.

£20 to

£45

‘...attentive staff, coupled with a

friendly, relaxed atmosphere...’

A warm welcome from attentive staff, coupled with a friendly, relaxed atmosphere has much to do with The Thatched Tavern’s appeal, as does the varied menu and wine list. Diners find themselves returning time and again to sample from the expertly put together menu, which boasts time-honoured classics like beer-battered fish and chips alongside elegant modern British fare. You might find starters like a soft duck Scotch egg served with creamed leeks and bacon and topped with crispy leeks, or perhaps you’ll be tempted by the beetroot and goat’s cheese croquettes.

For the main course, choose from perfectly executed dishes such as the 16oz braised shoulder of lamb, and Windsor Great Park venison.

Steak-lovers are well catered for with an excellent selection of cuts to choose from, all sourced from Surrey Farm – the rib-eye steak served alongside a bountiful portion of crispy triple-cooked chips, mushrooms, tomato and a rich peppercorn sauce is always a popular option. The talent of the kitchen team is evident in every dish.

For those seeking a quick bite to eat, The Thatched Tavern has a bar menu full of delights. The meat and cheeseboards are perfect for sharing with friends over a lazy lunch, as are the small plates, which include the likes of Cornish crab linguine, which can also be enjoyed as a starter. One visit to The Thatched Tavern is never enough; you’ll find yourself planning your return visit before you’ve even finished your mains.

Open: Mon-Sat 11am-11pm; Sun 11am-10.30pm

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Traditional

The Queen’s Oak  Location Church Lane, Finchampstead, Nr. Wokingham, RG40 4LS t: 0844 625 5560 w: www.thequeensoak.com e: brotherton@thequeensoak.com

RW

Named for the tree planted by Queen Victoria opposite the pub, The Queen’s Oak is nestled in the village of Finchampstead. The historic pub offers visitors a warm welcome, exquisite food and a vast selection of real ale, wine and spirits to £24 to complement the delicious homemade food. Recently refurbished yet still retaining £40 its rustic charm, owner Paul Brotherton offers a warm welcome.

With a dedicated garden menu for the summer months, and a weekly changing specials board, you’ll be spoilt for choice. The main menu runs all year round and offers tempting nibbles such as Lebanese flatbreads with hummus, and homemade Open: pork crackling served with apple and Brakspear ale sauce. The white crab in Mon-Sat noon-11pm; lemon mayonnaise with guacamole and rocket salad is a bright and fresh start to Sun noon-9pm the meal, and you will be spoilt for choice by the range of splendid mains on offer.

Food Served: From monkfish wrapped in Parma ham to soy- and garlic-marinated crispy beef, Mon-Fri noon-2.30pm, there’s something to suit all tastes. The desserts include a chocolate brownie with 7pm-9.30pm; Sat noon-3pm, sour cherry compote, pistachio ice 6.30pm-9.30pm; cream and chocolate sauce for the Sun noon-4pm ultimate indulgence. Sunday roasts at The Queen’s Oak are a big hit, with beef, pork, lamb and chicken on offer. This dog-friendly pub will even serve up special treats for your fourlegged friend, making it the perfect stop off after a country walk through the beautiful surrounding Berkshire countryside. Get cosy by the open fire or relax in the garden during the winter months; whatever time of year you decide to visit, The Queen’s Oak is the ultimate retreat.

Traditional

The Downgate  Location Park Street, Hungerford, RG17 0ED t: 0844 625 1693 w: www.thedowngate.com

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.

£18 to

£24

Open: Tues-Sat 11.30am-11pm; Sun noon-9pm spinach and Hollandaise sauce.

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 consistently leaves smiles on faces thanks to carefully sourced quality produce and skilful execution. Think beef stew with warm baguette and butter, and smoked haddock with poached egg, new potatoes, wilted

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.

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Maltsters Arms

Traditional

 Location Rotherfield Greys, Nr. Henley-on-Thames, RG9 4QD t: 0844 625 6621 w: www.maltstersarms.com e: hello@maltstersarms.com

RW

The Maltsters Arms resides in a 250-year-old coach house, attracting customers from near and far. Sitting in the idyllic space next to a Saxon church, this traditional venue in the small village of Rotherfield Greys boasts a covered courtyard and beer garden.

£21 to

£31

With passionate landlords George and Calum at the helm, the past two years have been spent transforming the ethos of the venue to actualise their own vision of the long-fabled perfect pub. A trim and tailored menu of regularly changing favourites, such as a great seasonal pie and lovely fish and chips, complements a specials board that offers a range of exciting additions. A fantastic three-course roast is available every Sunday, which features delights such as roast beef and Yorkshire pudding as well as roast leg of lamb and mint sauce served with all the trimmings.

‘...friendly staff are always on-hand...’

The exceptionally knowledgeable and friendly staff are always on-hand to share the provenance of the ingredients. The level of service at Maltsters Arms really sets it apart, as does the team’s commitment to catering for all dietary requirements, providing options for vegan and gluten-free diners.

To start I chose the smoked mackerel with chive and new potato salad – a light and flavoursome summer dish. My dining partner opted for the pigeon breast served with shallot and apple confit and Calvados cream sauce. The lamb rump with hasselback potato, roasted courgette, tomato and salsa verde was a delightful, seasonal treat. The pan-fried cod with cannellini bean and spinach cassoulet left my dining partner suitably sated.

Our desserts arrived in resplendent style and two firm favourites were chosen: blackberry and apple crumble with custard, and the sticky toffee pudding with salted caramel ice cream, and both exceeded even our high standards. If you’re not sweet-toothed, perhaps plump for a selection of British cheese to conclude your meal.

Open: Mon-Thurs 11am-3pm, 5pm-11pm; Fri & Sat 11am-midnight; Sun noon-8pm

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Traditional

Ye Olde George  Location 146 High Street, Colnbrook, SL3 0LX t: 0844 502 1669 w: www.yeoldegeorgecolnbrook.com

EB

Set in the heart of the village of Colnbrook and oozing character, Ye Olde George is a traditional 16th-century inn that offers no-nonsense food, comfortable en-suite accommodation and a great range of cask ale and premium lager.

Guests can unwind in the large bar area watching live sporting events, or enjoy a cosy catch-up with friends in front of the fireplace. Little visitors benefit from a dedicated children’s menu to keep them happy, and activity packs to keep them entertained.

£11 to

£18

‘...a warm welcome and comfortable setting...’

The new menu at Ye Olde George celebrates the classic pie, mash and liquor.

This traditional favourite, provided by the Golden Pie in Battersea, is an instant crowd-pleaser. Order your pie and mash and choose from gravy or liquor – a savoury parsley sauce commonly served with the traditional London dish.

The classic combination is on offer for just £5 a head, and other menu options include pie, mash and eels, and even eels, mash and liquor, offering a true taste of the East End. Vegetarian options are also available, and the desserts are not to be missed. Stick to the nostalgia with Spotted Dick and custard, or sample the indulgent treacle sponge or apple pie.

Open: Mon-Weds noon-10.30pm; Thurs noon-11pm; Fri & Sat noon-12.30am; Sun noon-10.30pm Food Served: Mon-Fri noon-3pm, 5pm-9pm; Sat & Sun noon-7pm

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There are various offers on throughout the week at Ye Olde George. Visit on a Monday and enjoy 20p off the price of any cask ale. Once you’ve made it through the working week, gear yourself and your friends up for the weekend by stopping by on a Friday to share a refreshing bottle of Prosecco for only £11.95 as part of the Fizz Friday deal. Whatever the occasion, you’re bound to find a warm welcome and comfortable setting in which to while away the evening.

‘...a cosy overnight stay...’

If you’re planning a party, Ye Olde George can cater for buffets and large groups, with the team on-hand to help you plan an event to remember. The pub also offers comfortable guest accommodation from just £45 per night. With easy transport links to London and a convenient grab-and-go breakfast on offer, this is the perfect place to enjoy a cosy overnight stay that won’t break the bank.

The White Horse

Traditional

 Location Easthampstead Road, Wokingham, RG40 3AF t: 0844 502 2117 w: www.white-horse-wokingham.co.uk

RW

Set in the heart of scenic Berkshire, The White Horse is a country pub offering freshly cooked homemade food just a short drive from the centre of Wokingham.

With ample parking, this family-friendly pub welcomes visitors any day of the week, including four-legged friends. Pop in for a refreshing pint of real ale or another tipple from the extensive range of hot and cold drinks.

Serving a tasty tapas menu alongside unpretentious pub food, The White Horse is known for its generous portions and excellent chunky chips. Mains include honest favourites like lasagne, sirloin steak and chilli con carne, and there’s a dedicated vegetarian menu offering a fantastic selection of dishes including a mushroom and blue cheese burger, vegan pesto macaroni and cashew paella served with house salad. At lunchtimes, a range of lighter options are available including baguettes, jacket potatoes and sandwiches with your choice of filling, served with house salad, chips and coleslaw. From the dessert menu, the chef’s special cheesecake receives rave reviews time and again; it’s the perfect way to end a delicious meal.

£20 to

£26

Open: Mon-Sat noon-11pm; Sun noon-9pm Food Served: Tues-Sat noon-2.30pm, 6pm-9pm; Sun noon-3.30pm

Clive, Anita and Tom make every guest feel welcome at this friendly venue, so visit on a Wednesday for their famous quiz night, Fridays and Saturdays for live music, grab a bargain in the meat raffle or treat yourself to a hearty homemade roast for Sunday lunch. Be sure to check the website for a full list of events.

The Fifield Inn

Traditional

 Location Fifield Road, Fifield, SL6 2NX t: 0844 502 1849 w: www.fifieldinn.co.uk e: hello@fifieldinn.co.uk

EB A hidden treasure in the Berkshire countryside, The Fifield Inn is just ten minutes from bustling Windsor, but benefits from the quiet setting of a large garden and surrounding fields. Owners Harry and Hannah Dickson are on-hand £21 to provide a warm welcome to guests to this cosy and traditional pub, which is a to £33 hub for locals and a traditional stop for travellers, serving up fresh food for all.

The main menu benefits from a French-inspired twist and is split into small plates, large plates, classics and desserts, offering up a range of delicious options. To start, the smoked salmon served atop a potato pancake with dill and chive crème fraîche is a delicious light option, while the divine French onion soup with a Gruyère crouton is equally pleasing. The large plates present a Open: difficult choice; the gnocchi gratin with Parmesan and Champagne sauce Mon-Sat 11am-11pm; and the confit duck leg served with a bubble and squeak rosti both combine Sun noon-8pm fresh flavours with satisfying heartiness. Make sure to save room for one of the unmissable seasonal desserts Food Served: like the brioche bread and Mon-Sat noon-9pm; butter pudding or the apple and Sun noon-6pm blackberry crumble.

With space for up to 50 guests for seated private dining, The Fifield Inn is the ultimate venue for celebrations. 100 guests can enjoy standing receptions and the helpful team is on-hand to help accommodate birthday parties, anniversaries, christenings and wakes, with a range of bespoke canapé and buffet options available.

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Garibaldi

Traditional

 Location Hedsor Road, Wooburn Green, Bourne End, SL8 5EE t: 0844 502 2103 w: www.garibaldipub.co.uk e: info@garibaldipub.co.uk Known to locals as The Gari, this traditional 19th-century pub has been the centre of the community for more than a century. This warm and cosy pub is well placed on cycle routes, making it the perfect stop off. It’s also family- and dog-friendly – keep an eye out for their own resident four-legged friend. Choose from a selection of real ale and wine, and peruse the extensive menu, which is comprised of fresh, locally sourced ingredients. To start, you might enjoy the pan-seared scallops with chorizo, before choosing from the mains. You’ll find pub favourites as well as the likes of a minted lamb burger, and a make-your-own-salad, where diners choose their toppings. Sharing platters are also available, and at lunchtime you can choose from jacket potatoes and sandwiches. In the summer, enjoy dining in the beer garden, and visit on Sundays for a delicious roast, and Wednesdays for pizza night.

EB £20 to

£27

Open: Tues-Fri noon-2.30, 6pm-9pm; Sat noon-4pm, 6pm-9pm; Sun noon-4pm

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A comprehensive guide to eating out in London Restaurants • Cafés • Bars • Pubs • Hotels

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A comprehensive guide to eating out in the region Restaurants • Cafés • Bars • Pubs • Hotels

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We produce eating out guides for over 26 regions in the UK Head to our website to request a free copy

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Berkshire Guide 2019-2020

Thai Corner

Thai

 Location 47 West Street, Reading, RG1 1TZ t: 0844 502 3069 w: www.thaicornerreading.co.uk e: info@thaicornerreading.co.uk The chefs at Thai Corner have all tastes covered – they skilfully mix spicy, sweet and sour flavours to create some of the most exciting Thai cuisine to be found in the area.

The team strives to make your experience authentic, unique and memorable. The decor and service speak volumes of the team’s attention to detail – the interior is sleek and modern, and the serving staff are efficient, courteous and always on-hand to help.

RW £20 to

£25

‘...certainly worth considering next time you’re looking for a party venue...’

Perhaps try the seared scallops with spicy and sour dressing, or order the mixed starter for two to share and tuck into chicken satay, spring rolls, prawn toast and fishcakes. Curries, stir-fries and noodle dishes are available for mains, and there’s a range of house specialities and a fantastic choice for vegetarians. Try the fragrant gang kiew wan: a classic green curry with coconut milk, bamboo shoots, aubergine, sweet basil leaves and your choice of meat, fish or vegetables.

Open: Mon-Fri noon-3pm, 6pm-11pm; Sat noon-11pm; Sun noon-3pm, 6pm-10.30pm Stir-fried beef with oyster sauce and vegetables is another tasty choice, as is the Thai rice noodle dish with egg, beansprouts, crushed peanuts and bean curd, chicken or prawns. Set menus are available for groups of four diners or more. Thai Corner is certainly worth considering next time you’re looking for a party venue, as they can expertly cater for up to 60 people.

The Palm

Indian

 Location A4 Bath Road, Froxfield, Nr. Marlborough, SN8 3HT t: 0844 502 3538 w: www.thepalmindian.com e: info@thepalmindian.com

WB For innovative Indian cuisine in a chic, intimate venue, the critically acclaimed Palm restaurant ticks all the boxes. With its recent refurbishment, including the addition of the new Atrium bar area, the restaurant has been transformed £20 and offers a contemporary take on Indian dining. to £30 An extensive range of cocktails is available to choose from as you wait for your table in the impressive glass Atrium, before making your way through to the stylish restaurant. From the à la carte menu, start with the Atrium signature platter, which includes garlic-infused king prawns, mint and coriander chicken breast, seared French-trimmed lamb cutlet and kali mirch white hake. Old favourites such as the korma, bhuna and rogan sit alongside a huge collection of specialities. Why not opt for the sea bass with mango curry or the mint and cumin lamb chops, for an Indian dining experience like no other. Adventurous guests can let the chef come up with a bespoke dish for them with the chef’s recommendation option – let the team completely surprise you or Open: Mon-Sun create your own dish by choosing noon-2.30pm, 5.30pm-11pm the ingredients, style and spice level for just £14.95. You’re bound to be impressed by the team’s passion for food. Using local suppliers and premium produce, The Palm ensures customers are offered the best quality fresh meat, seafood, fruit and vegetables. If you can’t choose between the homemade sweet treats, the trio of desserts offers you the chance to sample the saffron cheesecake, pistachio mousse and duo of chocolate, for a true flavour sensation to finish your meal.

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Indian

Rickshaw Road  Location 4-6 William Street, Slough, SL1 1XY t: 0844 625 6478 w: www.rickshawroad.co.uk e: info@rickshawroad.co.uk

EB

As you enter Rickshaw Road you are transported to the streets of the Indian sub-continent, which have provided the inspiration for the food on offer. A rickshaw in one corner and an ox cart loaded with urns and produce in another add to the decor, while the wooden floors, wall panelling and rough wooden tables capture the essence of a bustling Indian city. This is a busy and vibrant place, full of diners enjoying their meals and cocktails, so booking is essential, especially at weekends.

£20 to

£30

‘…a busy and vibrant place…’

Once seated, I enjoyed the spectacle of the open kitchen, where we watched the kitchen staff working hard. The delectable food will have you returning again and again. You’ll find dishes not usually found in Indian restaurants, with delectable dishes from Sri Lanka and further afield, as well as traditional favourites.

‘...Rickshaw Road offers a different approach to Indian food, within a fun and enjoyable atmosphere...’

We shared a plate of starters including tandoori salmon, which I can honestly say was the tastiest I’ve ever eaten, as well as Gilafi seekh kebab, chicken tikka, chicken wings and tulsi jinga, a large king prawn cooked in the tandoor. The flavours were exceptional and all components were cooked beautifully. A bowl of kurkuri bhindi was also delivered to the table as an accompaniment. The thinly sliced, battered and deep fried okra proved delicious and totally moreish.

Open: Mon-Fri noon-3pm, 5pm-11pm; Sat noon-11.30pm; Sun noon-11pm

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The methi chicken did not disappoint. Like the starters, this dish was full of flavour, as was the malabar prawn curry that my partner chose, comprising succulent tiger prawns cooked with roasted spices and coconut milk.

This is in no way a typical Indian restaurant. Rickshaw Road offers a different approach to Indian food, within a fun and enjoyable atmosphere, that’s more like a bistro. The food is exquisite; try it once and you are sure to return.

Catering Away Take us home! The chefs behind two of the region’s favourite restaurants, The Crooked Billet and London Street Brasserie can cater events away.

We’ll work from any venue – stately homes, marquees, function suites, castles, barns and back gardens!

Nothing’s a problem – weddings, festivals, birthdays and corporate affairs.

Paul Clerehugh, our chef, creates a menu to fit the bill, from laid-back, informal comfort food to elegant gourmet dinners, and from funky theatre food stalls to exquisite hot and cold buffets.

Our party team can assist with any elements of your event – marquees, venue suggestions, delicious food, bars, bands and smart, personality-driven waiting staff from our restaurants. The Crooked Billet near Henley-on-Thames has been voted Favourite Food Pub by Waitrose while the Michelin-acclaimed London Street Brasserie in Reading has been listed among The Times’ Top Restaurants.

Our event catering is sure to make your guests feel like VIPs.

Email enquiries to paulclerehugh@l-s-b.co.uk www.londonstbrasserie.co.uk www.thecrookedbillet.co.uk

Chef Profile

Tom Scade – The Vineyard – Pg 6 Tom Scade is known as an artistic engineer for the way he presents food on a blank canvas, using stark white plates to allow the eye to focus solely on the vibrancy of the ingredients.

Tom trained under John Williams MBE at the Ritz, and has worked in some of the best kitchens in the UK. He has won a string of accolades including the UK final of the prestigious Le Taittinger Prix Culinaire in 2018 before coming third in the world finals later that year.

‘...delicately placed to make each course a piece of artwork...’

As head chef at The Vineyard, Tom adds a touch of the hotel’s Californian heritage to his menus, incorporating wine and olive oil from the Peter Michael winery into select dishes. The components of each dish are deliberately yet delicately placed to make each course a piece of artwork in a gastronomic gallery.

Chef Profile

Chris Wheeler – Stoke Park – Pg 8 For 25 years Chris Wheeler has been wowing diners with his innovative cuisine and his affable personality. A familiar face on Saturday Kitchen, Sunday Brunch and Great British Menu, The Caterer has lauded him ‘one of the most genuine and loyal chefs’ in the industry.

‘...dishes that win praise from international media...’

While heading up the kitchen at the award-winning Stoke Park – a luxury hotel and acclaimed dining destination – Chris has become known for his ability to create exquisite, mouth-watering dishes that win praise from international media and the many diners who have enjoyed his food. He has also taken time out to return to his Dorset roots and make guest appearances at local pubs – clearly driven by community spirit. Chris has recently launched his debut cookbook The Ginger Chef ‘Served Up’, which features over 65 recipes to suit all tastes and allows home cooks to create the dishes that Stoke Park’s visitors have been raving about for years.

Chef Profile

Karim Senaini – The Crown & Garter – Pg 16 For Karim Senaini, good food has to be fresh, healthy and full of flavour and personality. His greatest influences in the kitchen were his mum and dad, who inspired him to learn about new cultures and cuisines, and test flavour combinations from all over the world. To this day, Karim maintains that the best cookery school was at home, and he has carried everything his parents taught him into his professional career.

‘...good food has to be fresh,

healthy and full of flavour...’

Now putting his own spin on each dish he cooks at The Crown & Garter, Karim thinks it’s best to keep a meal simple, focusing on quality ingredients.

He says his favourite section of the kitchen is the sauce section, where he is able to demonstrate his passion for food with show-stopping accompaniments and flavoursome additions to finish the dish.

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Arek Dylik – The Plume – Pg 23

Chef Profile

For Arek Dylik, good food is cooked by hand with care and attention. He uses local suppliers that champion quality over quantity and consistency over costs, and he loves to work with smoke and flame. His favourite seasonal ingredient is venison, which – served three ways – is one of his signature dishes at The Plume.

‘...creative, consistent, adventurous...’

Arek encourages budding chefs to embrace every cuisine and to learn from experience whilst testing new dishes. His greatest advice is to not over-complicate dishes and always use the best ingredients you can afford. To be a good chef, Arek says you need to be creative, consistent, adventurous and ever-evolving.

He’s won a gold Food Hero Award, and his most memorable diner so far is Robbie Williams, who he cooked for in 2010.

David Wilby – Windsor Grill – Pg 28

Chef Profile

David Wilby inherited a love of autumnal comfort food from his Irish mother, who had a fondness for slow cooking and baking with love. This, coupled with his father’s career in catering, led to David’s fascination with restaurants and the workings of the kitchens behind them.

It was for his father that he began working as a wine waiter at the age of 14, before training under Peter Griffiths MBE, and at the Mirabelle in Mayfair. He now heads up the kitchen at Berkshire’s beloved Windsor Grill.

‘...the ingredients should always lead the way...’

The buzz of a busy service, banter between chefs and interaction with customers are all things that David loves about being a chef, as well as being able to showcase his obvious passion for food. For David, the ingredients should always lead the way, and he loves to use superb produce and cook these ingredients on a hot grill. Working in the States, David grew to love Cajun and Creole flavours, which he still features on his menu.

CALLING ALL BLOGGERS, WRITERS AND JOURNALISTS WE NEED YOU! Drop us a line at writers@foodanddrinkguides.com for more information Berkshire Guide 2019-2020

71

Index Acanthus Restaurant – Sunninghill.................................... 26

Little Angel, The – Henley-on-Thames............................... 42

Atrium Bar & Restaurant – Bracknell......................... 27, 29

London Street Brasserie – Reading.............................. 13, 69

Baskerville, The – Lower Shiplake.................................... 11

Maltsters Arms – Rotherfield Greys.................................. 63

Bell, The – Waltham St Lawrence..................................... 37

Meimo – Windsor............................................................. 45

Bistro Story – Maidenhead............................................... 44

Miller of Mansfield, The – Goring-on-Thames.................... 19

Blandy’s at Inglewood – Kintbury...................................... 18

Newbury Racecourse – Newbury................................... 7, 32

Boatman, The – Windsor.................................................. 38

Old Boot Inn, The – Stanford Dingley................................ 25

Bull Inn at Bisham, The – Bisham....................................... 5

Oracle, The – Reading....................................................... 34

Bull on Bell Street, The – Henley-on-Thames..................... 39

Oxford Street Kitchen & Bar – Newbury............................ 27

Bunk Inn, The – Curridge.................................................. 20

Packhorse, The – Mapledurham........................................ 60

Butt Inn, The – Aldermaston Wharf.................................. 43

Palm, The – Froxfield....................................................... 67

Caleys Brasserie – Windsor............................................... 30

Peacock Farm – Bracknell................................................ 54

Caprice Restaurant & Terrace – Reading............................. 7 Catherine Wheel, The – Goring-on-Thames........................ 22 Cerise Restaurant – Reading............................................. 12 Chequers – Marlow........................................................... 41 Cliveden Dining Room, The – Taplow................................... 4 Cobbs at Englefield – Theale............................................. 52 Cobbs Farm Shop & Kitchen – Hungerford........................ 52 Courtyard Restaurant, The – Hurstbourne Tarrant.............. 13 Crab & Boar – Newbury................................................... 21 Crown & Garter, The – Inkpen........................................... 16 Crown Playhatch, The – Playhatch.................................... 40 Crown, The – Swallowfield................................................ 58 Dog & Duck, The – Wokingham......................................... 59 Donnington Grove – Donnington.......................................... 9 Downgate, The – Hungerford............................................ 62 Elephant & Castle – Whistley Green.................................. 56 Elm Tree, The – Beech Hill............................................... 17 Enzo’s – Windsor............................................................. 43

Pheasant Inn, The – Shefford Woodlands.......................... 14 Pheasant, The – Highclere................................................ 11 Pinewood Hotel – George Green........................................ 36 Plume, The – Hungerford.................................................. 23 Queen’s Oak, The – Finchampstead.................................... 62 Rickshaw Road – Slough................................................... 68 Riverside Restaurant – Marlow......................................... 15 Rowbarge, The – Woolhampton......................................... 60 Royal Oak, The – Ecchinswell............................................ 58 Royal Windsor Racecourse – Windsor.............. 10, 46, 47, 50 Shoulder of Mutton – Playhatch........................................ 22 Stag & Huntsman Inn, The – Henley-on-Thames................ 56 Stoke Park – Stoke Poges................................................... 8 Stubbings Café – Maidenhead........................................... 54 Taplow House Restaurant & Terrace – Taplow.................... 31 Taproom & Kitchen – Yattendon........................................ 48 Thai Corner – Reading...................................................... 67

Fifield Inn, The – Fifield................................................... 65

Thames Lido – Reading..................................................... 33

Fox & Hounds, The – Donnington...................................... 52

Thatched Tavern, The – Ascot............................................ 61

Fredrick’s Hotel – Maidenhead........................................... 6

Three Tuns, The – Henley-on-Thames................................. 24

Garibaldi – Bourne End.................................................... 66

Tutti Pole, The – Hungerford............................................. 24

Greene Oak, The – Windsor............................................... 43

Vineyard, The – Stockcross................................................. 6

Greyhound, The – Tidmarsh.............................................. 21

Wheatsheaf, The – Chilton Foliat...................................... 49

Hare & Hounds and The Barn, The – Speen....................... 55

White Hart, The – Thatcham............................................. 56

Hind’s Head, The – Bray................................................... 14

White Horse, The – Wokingham........................................ 65

Holiday Inn Reading South – Reading............................... 45

Windsor Grill – Windsor................................................... 28

Horse & Groom, The – Hare Hatch.................................... 57

WinePress Restaurant – Donnington.................................. 26

Jack O’Newbury, The – Bracknell...................................... 55

Winning Post, The – Winkfield.......................................... 20

L’Ortolan – Shinfield........................................................... 3

Ye Olde George – Colnbrook.............................................. 64

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