Berkshire pub guide - information about pubs and bars in Berkshire # beerintheevening.com

Berkshire pub and bar guide

Here's a guide to the pubs and bars of Berkshire - good or bad, we bring you the most talked about venues and the places you have to visit at least once. We've included a few user reviews, to give you an idea of what to expect when you get there. Or you can follow the links to see full details and all reviews for each pub.

Nags Head, Reading

Address: 5, Russell St, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 7XD [map]
Phone: 07765880137
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Nearest train stations: Reading West (0.4 miles), Reading (0.6 miles), Tilehurst (2.6 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

I went in there recently and tried 4 diffferent bitters. Whilst all were drinkable, I'd describe them all as "tired" - none was good enough to temp me to buy a second pint of the same. Perhaps I was just unlucky but personally I'd rather have fewer beers of better quality than lots of tired beer that, I guess, weren't turning over too fast.

16 Jun 2008 14:36

This is a fantactic place. It is a special place. 12 well selected beers. Its special! 9/10

24 May 2008 19:12

Fantastic friendly pub with amazing beer including milds'stouts,porters etc.Absolute must-visit.

20 May 2008 15:11

The Hobgoblin, Reading

Address: 2 Broad St, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2BH [map]
Phone: 0118 950 8119
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Nearest train stations: Reading (0.3 miles), Reading West (0.9 miles), Earley (2.7 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

Good beers, great character, nice ambience - I liked this pub but really wanted to love it - "hygiene factors" let it down; just needs someone to clean it better and more!

17 Jun 2008 22:11

Slightly pricey beer, but in this place I guess you get what you pay for as the Real Ales are top notch. The pub has characters and a few characters too!

1 Jun 2008 19:08

Excellent range of ales and a very nice collection of snugs, ideal in a slow period (we were there on a sunday afternoon) but it must get incredibly crowded in normal circumstances. Not quite sure of the prog/metal soundtrack but to each his own (my own personal choices would be equally undesirable to most punters, I'm sure).

19 May 2008 11:03

Bird In Hand, Knowl Hill

Address: Bath Road, Knowl Hill, Reading, Berkshire, RG10 9UP [map]
Phone: 01628 826622
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Nearest train stations: Wargrave (2.5 miles), Twyford (2.8 miles), Shiplake (2.9 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

"Sure the beer's in good condition"

Think you'll find that's the main reason why it wins. Quality is consistent and there's always a dark ale of some description available.

Beer quality scores for this area are taken by the local CAMRA branch (as well as nationally through the NBSS website) 365 days a year - the league table doesn't lie!

4 Jun 2008 23:55

This place keeps winning CAMRA awards, though I'm not sure why. I think it's OK but it's not worth making a special journey for. Sure the beer's in good condition but other than that it's really nothing special in that it completely lacks atmosphere.

4 Jun 2008 15:06

Reading CAMRA Pub of the Year 2008 - second year running. Well done!

10 Apr 2008 13:29

The Retreat, Reading

Address: 8 St Johns Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 4EH [map]
Phone: 0118 957 1593
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Nearest train stations: Reading (0.7 miles), Reading West (1.4 miles), Earley (2.2 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

To combine two of the comments below, the front bar has been recently re-painted and I think the back bar is to follow soon. With regards to the "junk" comment,I know what you mean as one end of the front bar is strewn with "stuff" which, if cleared, could provide a larger serving area or, at the very least, a good glass collection point. Minor details, though, which should not detract from the fine experience that is The Retreat.

7 Apr 2008 14:54

A cracking little pub that would be greatly improved if the licencees would not use it as a store for their junk.

7 Apr 2008 14:29

Went there last Sunday and LOVED EVERY MINUTE! Tried all the selections and they were all top notch, but the best was Chalk Stream by the Ramsbury Brewery.

6 Apr 2008 16:15

The Fawn Pub, Windsor

Address: 140 St. Leonards Road, Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 3DJ [map]
Phone: 01753 864646
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Nearest train stations: Windsor & Eton Central (0.7 miles), Windsor & Eton Riverside (1 mile), Datchet (1.8 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

I love karaoke night,the performances are hilarious and i also love their theme nights.the staff is the best i have seen i feel so at home warm and pleasant two thumbs up

9 Aug 2008 22:07

Very nice warm and pleasant atmosphere adorable staff and i really like their theme night.The food is awesome the liquor and the music oh boy hey i am recommending the fawn pub so people out there get up and go to the fawn pub keep up the excellent job your doing guys **********

9 Aug 2008 05:29

I've visit the Fawn few times and the hospitality is nice there. Personally speaking I feel I can be myself without anyone watching or turning up their nose. The staff are lovely very friendly and helpful making sure you get a taxi home. I choose to use this pub more because of the warm feeling and it does make me feel I am at home.

29 Jul 2008 14:30

The Jolly Farmer, Cookham Dean

Address: Church Road, Cookham Dean, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 9PD [map]
Phone: 01628 482905
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Nearest train stations: Cookham (1.1 miles), Marlow (1.4 miles), Furze Platt (2 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

Had an excellent roast beef Sunday lunch at this pub yesterday, washed down with some very Nice Hook Norton Bitter. Friendly staff, lovely location, pity the rain kept on trying to make an appearance, but we were still able to sit outside in the very nice garden.

11 Aug 2008 09:46

Lovely rustic village pub (owned by the village in fact), boasting 5 ales (all fairly mainstream, could do with a little more imagination on that front) served in good condition.

No electronic distractions, so a great place to go for good conversation and a couple of ales.

Recommended.

3 Aug 2008 14:14

First visit Tuesday lunchtime, superb Sharps bitter, excellent feel to this place, Chilli poor, Ham Egg & Chips spot on

30 Jan 2008 22:02

The White Horse, Hedgerley

Address: Village Lane, Hedgerley, Slough, Berkshire, SL2 3UY [map]
Phone: 01753 643225
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Nearest train stations: Seer Green (2.4 miles), Gerrards Cross (2.5 miles), Beaconsfield (3.2 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

Another visit - A good little Freehouse that can get some really interesting beers. Cannot get these in your local pub owned by pub co - chain antiseptic multi-nationals.Treasure it.
Vive the difference.
cheers

13 Apr 2008 14:32

A very interesting place, with a super selection of ales. Food is also good. I've now visited a few times and the staff have always been friendly and knowledgable about the beers.

Cracking place to sit outside, front or back, on a sunny day and sample a few of the ales.

3 Apr 2008 20:57

As most others have said, The White Horse has a great selection of beers. The thing I like best is the fact that it's one of the only pubs I know that has a nice Belgian stong beer on tap. However, they only have one at a time (per month), and sometimes it's one of those fruit beers...which I don't like. As far as their other beer, I have had one or two that might have been reaching their age limit, but I suppose that's expected when you try to keep so many beers...many of which are largely unknown. The place is great when the weather is nice...to sit either in front, or the back garden. Never ate there, so can't comment on that. Worth a visit.

31 Mar 2008 14:05

The Magpie and Parrot, Shinfield

Address: Arborfield Road, Shinfield, Reading, Berkshire, RG2 9EA [map]
Phone: 0118 988 4130
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Nearest train stations: Earley (2.8 miles), Winnersh (3.4 miles), Winnersh Triangle (3.5 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

Very friendly landlady who's happy to talk to anyone. Slightly older clientele than the more mixed crowd in the ale pubs in Reading but welcoming.

There is often only Pride on which is a shame but their beer festivals complete with pig-in-a-bun are excellent.

9 Aug 2008 16:46

An unusual pub, seems like someones house. Two small cosy rooms and a small bar. Only two beers on tap, although one was a guest beer. An interesting experience.

3 Aug 2008 01:10

Excellent beer and friendly atmosphere. The Magpie and Parrot has a quirkiness that may seem odd at first, but quickly grows on you.

31 Jan 2008 16:48

The Wheatsheaf, Slough

Address: 15 Albert Street, Slough, Berkshire, SL1 2BE [map]
Phone: 01753 522019
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Nearest train stations: Slough (0.5 miles), Windsor & Eton Riverside (1.5 miles), Datchet (1.7 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

new folk behind the bar, but good beer, chirpy barmaids, and best of all, homemade cheese rolls!

12 Dec 2007 14:18

Good luck to the new owners. Lets hope they don't undo the good work of the previous landlords and let the dregs back in ! Rumour has it, it's run by the same family as the Queen of england. Please not another irish pub.
Time will tell.

5 Dec 2007 19:36

THIS PUB IS OPEN AND IS ROCKING!!! COME ON DOWN AND ENJOY THE GREAT ATMOSPHERE... LIVE MUSIC EVERY FRIDAY..

3 Dec 2007 19:33

The Downgate, Hungerford

Address: 13, Down View, Park Street, Hungerford, Berkshire, RG17 0ED [map]
Phone: 01488 682708
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Nearest train stations: Hungerford (0.1 miles), Kintbury (3.1 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

Perfect real ale in a superb pub. An ideal base for a stroll across the Common and down the hill to the Kennet and Avon Canal towpath.

11 Feb 2008 11:25

Seems to me that soots must have got his glasses steamed up from coming in from the cold to the warm atmosphere, it is our local and have just been partying and there are no Jacket spuds at £6.00, and it is good homecooked food at a fair price just like mother used to make, not enough of them around these days, all plastic and chain pubs, long live our local pubs.

9 Jan 2008 21:41

This used to be a good pub for ale and cheap pub grub, but unfortunately they have put their prices up far to high for basic fayre. How can anyone justify a jacket spud and beans for over £6?!!

9 Jan 2008 17:37

The Bell, Waltham St Lawrence

Address: The Street, Waltham St Lawrence, Reading, Berkshire, RG10 0JJ [map]
Phone: 0118 934 1788
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Nearest train stations: Twyford (2.7 miles), Wargrave (3.5 miles), Shiplake (4.2 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

The best pub anywhere near Reading. A true free house with commercial beers totally missing. Excellent real ale and cider.

13 Aug 2008 19:33

Very attractive building. Unusual, well kept beers. It was a bit cold inside on the winter's day that we visited, perhaps the fires could be lit a little earlier. Food seems a bit expensive, especially deserts.

7 Apr 2008 14:33

I now go here regularly. They do the world's best BLT - have one with their skinny chips, a couple of pints of whatever's on, and sit and read the newspaper in front of the fire. What more could you ask for?

11 Dec 2007 16:12

The Jolly Gardeners, Old Windsor

Address: 92-94 St Lukes Road, Old Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 2QJ [map]
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Nearest train stations: Sunnymeads (1.4 miles), Datchet (1.7 miles), Wraysbury (1.9 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

Not a huge selection of pubs in Old Windsor, but this one is the best by far. I dont know what time the poster who said no people and no music went in there... maybe when they were closed? This is a well run and exceptionally friendly pub. Food is superb, and if you'll excuse the pun, cheap as chips!

23 May 2008 00:49

Worst pub i have ever visited,no music,no atmospere, no people.

24 Mar 2008 19:52

Please visit the pub's website on this link,
http://thejollygardeners.org.uk

9 Dec 2007 01:31

The Bull, Stanford Dingley

Address: Stanford Dingley, Reading, Berkshire, RG7 6LS [map]
Phone: 0118 974 4409
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Nearest train stations: Aldermaston (3.4 miles), Midgham (3.4 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

Absolutely great pub. Found it through the CAMRA GBG but I suspect that the entry in the 2008 edition was based on the pre refurb business. Well whatever that was like the pub now is really great. Super food - quality and price - and an excellent range of micro brewery real ales. Pub is full of character too. Not to be missed. Good walking country too apparently.

16 Jun 2008 22:51

A pub as god intended: unimproved, bags of character, charming staff, West Berkshire brewery beer and excellent, modestly priced food (delicious braised beef, home-made pork pie to make Melton Mowbray weep). To all gastropubs: Go thou and do thou likewise.

24 May 2008 19:10

The Bull reopens this weekend with five cask ales all from local brewers. More details will follow on the web site www.thebullcountryinn.co.uk

29 Apr 2008 08:31

The Dewdrop Inn, Hurley

Address: Honey Lane, Hurley, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 6RB [map]
Phone: 01628 824327
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Nearest train stations: Shiplake (3.2 miles), Wargrave (3.4 miles), Henley-on-thames (4 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

What a great find due to BITE. Visited yesterday enroute from Hurley. If you want to quibble the pub is not quite in Hurley and if you are walking best to come from Knowl Hill.

Well kept Brakspears and food looked good. Selection of newspapers and The Economist for more financially aware drinkers.

On my list for Winter Walking pubs. I’m bored by The Pot Kiln.

19 Jun 2008 10:31

I used to drink in this pub when Mike had it but moved out of the area over 10 years ago although I kept fond memories of it
We returned last week for the first time and were amazed at how sympathetically an extention has been grafted on enabling food to be provided and very good food it is too
Friendly staff and a cracking pint of Breakspears added to a happy visit
Visiting this pub is a must for anyone who likes pubs with character and good beer

17 May 2008 19:35

Fantasic pub, lovely location, GREAT owners and absolutely fantastic, freshly made food. So very welcoming, great atmosphere and the shuttle bus srvice is great, as when you're staying in Hurley it's the best pub for miles.

23 Mar 2008 22:40

The Royal Oak, Bracknell

Address: Bay Road, Bullbrooke, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 2NN
Phone: 01344 422622
See full pub details

Reviews by BITE users:

Hi Everyone, George and falcon pub is a well nice homly kinda pub, I was in there just before new year, Walked in was greated by very nice staff. I was talking to one of the owners and she said its being turned into B&B in the new year, all I can say is I wish I could have booked a room when I was there, felt really nice.
Im going back there soon.

2 Jan 2008 07:42

Big open fire and a welcoming smile from the couple who manage this beautiful public house,Cant wait go go there for our xmas party.

23 Oct 2007 07:03

WOW went to this pub by chance, and what a place...
Great Food, great service, and a fantastic setting.
Well worth a visit.

18 Oct 2007 19:44

More information

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