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.

The Back of Beyond, Reading

picture of The Back of Beyond, Reading

Address: 104-108 Kings Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 3BY
Phone: 01189 595906
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Nearest train stations: Reading (0.5 miles), Reading West (1.3 miles), Earley (2.4 miles)


Reviews by BITE users:

The choice of real ales is variable but on the whole are kept well. The food is reasonable and good value for money. BUT, the place is not and cannot be a "local". The staff can be moody and to busy to converse, the duty manager(s) are not the friendliest of folks and one in particular has a real bad attitude. Also it is getting tacky, probably through good use, but sit in a comfy chair with short sleeves and then peel your arms off the fabric.

I may be old fashioned but it costs nothing for a smile and a good evening!!
18 Oct 2011 16:07
Not sure what the last comment is all about, presumably some sort of in joke?

The best of the Wetherspoon pubs in Reading, usual selection of beer and food served in a clean enviroment.

Good place for a cheap drink a short walk from the train station.
11 Aug 2011 18:00
Ah my once great backdoor of beyond; how far you have fallen. As of late! It is a little known fact the late, not so great Amy Winohaus frequented this establishment. A seance can only do so much though and I surmise her empty wine glasses will join the hair clippings of Jay Masters, ponytail extraordinaire. Now sadly Jay has taken a turn for the flipside with his once mighty mane turning an annoying color of purple rinse. Once a fine furnishing of this establishment Jay-of-his-little-pony has now gone all UB40 and we aren't talking Ali Campbell! The female staff may now be safe and a punter may actually get served but that is beside the point is it not? What is worse Bob's former Michael Bolton has been replaced by a Willy Woofter with alopecia which as all will agree only adds insult to injury. The spoons have made some rash decisions over the years and granted Tim Martin isn't Mad Max but even so give an ex-convict/Harold Bishop type a point in the right direction eh?
23 Jul 2011 20:04

The Rose and Crown, Sandhurst

picture of The Rose and Crown, Sandhurst

Address: 108, High St, Sandhurst, Berkshire, GU47 8HA
Phone: 01252 872332
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Nearest train stations: Sandhurst (0.3 miles), Crowthorne (1.6 miles), Blackwater (1.9 miles)


Reviews by BITE users:

This is a pub that knows what people like they care and share,
11 Real Ales per week no every day crap unique changing all the time FANTASTIC.
YOU WELL NEED TO GO A LONG WAY TO FIND A PUB LIKE THIS ANY WHERE IN BERKSHIRE
24 Jan 2011 15:58
A proper local pub, very clean yet unpretentious, excellent range of beers and some great bands on Saturday nights. Good traditional pub fare at lunchtime. Strongly recommend the Fat Boy Breakfast.
17 Jan 2011 22:35
I would like to withdraw my previous comment about the obtrusive TV. If it was bothering me that much, then I should've just asked if it could be turned down slightly. I have no doubt the remote would have been available & the landlord has also subsequently sent me a message, which was also appreciated. Upped my rating accordingly
10 Jan 2011 23:35

The Magpie and Parrot, Shinfield

picture of The Magpie and Parrot, Shinfield

Address: Arborfield Road, Shinfield, Reading, Berkshire, RG2 9EA
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:

I must disagree with the skull, I found the pub most unwelcoming when I visited recently and the lanlord very rude. The was also a distinct lack of beer apart from London Pride. A shame because it looked oK from the outside.
5 Feb 2011 13:43
Having been a newcomer to this establishment,nay, this institution,for a mere ten years,i do not recognise it from the few negative reports on this site.however myself and fellow customers seem sure that the diatribe from the ex barman in november can only be put down to his own shortcomings.
In a world of mundane pubs both carole and doug have stood up and said
not us !!.they have created something that is both unique and unheralded,
a bar that brings together people without losing the fact that all are individuals.It is truly an oasis in what is fast becoming a barren desert of mediocrity.I SUGGEST A VISIT.
24 Jan 2011 22:44
Using BITE and Camra GBG (M&P mysteriously ommitted this year), I search out good pubs all over the country - the M&P is delightfully unique, which is why I keep coming back. London Pride, always on the handpump, is consistantly of good quality and there is usually a guest beer over the weekend. This is a beer pub with a small selection of wines, spirits and soft drinks, with a limited food menu on weekday lunchtimes, so those looking for something more exotic or with an extensive range will be disappointed. The two rooms of this small pub are generously furnished and have the atmosphere of the front room of a comfortable home rather than a public house. Assets include no mobile phones, no music, no slot machines, no credit cards, no children, an open log fire and a warm welcome. It's a pity the last three reviewers were far from happy but don't be put off by their comments, it is not the sort of place that will appeal to all.
17 Jan 2011 12:16

The Hobgoblin, Reading

picture of The Hobgoblin, Reading

Address: 2 Broad St, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2BH
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:

Ventured in to the front bar and immediately felt welcome by both the staff and local regular customers.
Although it was my first visit I felt I had been frequenting the bar for years.

Will definitely be re-visiting when ever the opportunity presents itself.
16 Feb 2011 20:44
Managed to spend half an hour in this pub between trains - about 10 minutes max from the station. An interesting pub layout wise with a number of little snugs through the back. Beer was excellent - Chubbs from West Berkshire I think - I found it difficult to read the pumps having to dodge the animated club of four who block your way to the bar. Pricey.
5 Feb 2011 10:19
Can't say we've ever had any issues with hostility or being served. Beer is good 9 times out of 10, but does occasionally have an off day/off beer, but with 8 on the go at once that's not bad going.
10 Jan 2011 11:07

The Fox and Hounds, Theale

picture of The Fox and Hounds, Theale

Address: Station Rd, Sunnyside, Theale, Reading, Berkshire, RG7 4BE
Phone: 0118 930 2295
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Nearest train stations: Theale (0.7 miles), Aldermaston (3.8 miles), Tilehurst (3.9 miles)


Reviews by BITE users:

I loved all the Wadsworth beer that I tried which was kept in best of order. The landlord was very friendly and treated us like friends. three of our family had steak which was excellent and my daughter had a goats cheese salad which she really enjoyed. The pub has a very good atmosphere with friendly, cheerful and helpful staff. I would recomend it to anybody.
20 Jan 2011 17:33
AMAZING!!!! This friendly pub with warm inviting atmosphere was simply wonderful. The staff were on the ball and very attentive and as for the food, it was top notch. The landlord greeted us and gave us an insight to all of the Wadsworth ales and the kitchen staff were very accommodating for my dietry needs. Would really recommend this delightful pub and look forward to our next visit in the near future. :-)
19 Jan 2011 20:08
Once again we have just returned from a lovely night at the Fox & Hounds.
We have visited this pub most Friday's for the past 12 years or so. Seeing
many managers come and go, but the current Management Team, we have to say are fantastic and the staff very Friendly. They have worked very hard to build this pub up and succeeded in every aspect. This can be seen by the number of customers now enjoying this family pub.
Roll on next week
14 Jan 2011 20:13

The Dukes Head, Sandhurst

Address: 45, High St, Sandhurst, Berkshire, GU47 8EB
Phone: 01252 873083
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Nearest train stations: Sandhurst (0.1 miles), Crowthorne (1.6 miles), Blackwater (1.8 miles)


Reviews by BITE users:

Wow these people have really turned the pub around. Looks great and has a brilliant atmosphere. We thoroughly recommend to anyone wanting a venue for a party
30 Jan 2011 18:08
Easily the best pub in Sandhurst. Landlord, Landlady and staff very friendly. Food just started up again. Breakfasts ,Large Pizzas,plus food menu. Two open fires plus live sports,including Saturday 3pm live Premier League match every week. Arranged a family birthday in the pub recently,booking the rear room free. Brilliant night out and excellent venue. Good selection of beers plus Quiz nights on Tuesdays and Meat draw on Sundays,always well attended. A cosy pub that is great for meeting friends. The Dukes Head is highly recommended and becoming very popular with the Sandhurst locals. The only downside is the Landlords dress sense,now that's worth a visit !
25 Jan 2011 10:18
Our favourite place to enjoy a lazy drink... We are always 1st to hog the open log fire!! They have two!

Breakfast have just started again and they are now serving some srummy bar snacks.
12 Jan 2011 19:33

The Pheasant Inn, Winnersh

Address: 355 Reading Road, Winnersh, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG41 5LR
Phone: 0118 978 4529
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Nearest train stations: Winnersh (0.3 miles), Winnersh Triangle (1 mile), Wokingham (1.8 miles)


Reviews by BITE users:

Another passing through pub on my way back (don't tell the Mrs!) really nice atmosphere and decor, good real ales on and real coffee. Took me a while to get served as it was a bit packed out and staff a bit rushed to do things i thought. Heated area for smokers which is a plus. A real treat to find on my way back. Locals were nice. Good pub worth coming to.
5 Feb 2011 14:45
Called in on our way passed found the pub to be about average not over friendly no decent real ale and no redeeming features to make us want to go back.
3 Feb 2011 12:07
A good pub situated in a good local area to me.
Nice real ales and good wine served.
Food is also very good.
Friendly locals and the hosts Roberto and Luana are always a pleasant delight to see and speak to. Very willing to cater to your needs.
Cant wait to return again with family and friends.
2 Feb 2011 13:24

More information

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