|
| |

|
Real
Ales on Tap:
West Berkshire Maggs Mild
Arkells 3B
West Berkshire Bitter.
|
|
Nearest
Accommodation:
Fieldview Cottage
Aldworth, Reading
Berks RG8 9SB.
(01635) 578964.
from D: £25-£30, S:£25-£30.
|
|
|
A lovely village pub in the north of Berkshire where
you can enjoy a great pint and some food alongside the great atmosphere. The pub
has reputedly been in the same family for 200 years and it shows with the
attention to detail all around. The brickwork dates back as far as the 15th
century. You enter through the rather gorgeous front porch (steps I'm afraid)
where you can also sit out with your pint. To your right is the bar area and the
windowed hatch (see picture) If you are tall, you will need to bend to get
served and wait your turn. It can be difficult to see what beers are on, but
it's well worth it as the choice from the local area is great. There were four
beers on at the time, all from local brewers, all were well kept and served.
The bar is an original
feature from when it wasn't
full of tourists and locals and there was a rigid class structure around. The
seating here is a few small tables and chairs, some benches and a long table -
you can also see the beer garden from here. Some seating is part of the
chimney - if you look up you will see 'daylight', very atmospheric. There
is another room to the left of the entrance where there is a dart board and
resembles a public bar. Toilets for women are inside, the gents have to go
outside round to the car park. Essentially they are a gated three sided wall
with no real roof. You go against the wall and hope it isn't blowing a gale!
Lovely! Food is served here though it's not a wide menu - hot filled rolls and
salads of the season - the portions are big and well presented. This pub is well
worth finding, it has been a CAMRA national pub of the year, and it's not that
far from Frilsham and the Pot Kiln Inn - another great pub. Be a devil and do
the pair in a day.
  
|