The Bull, Streatley

Cracking pub at the bottom of Streatley Hill. Nice garden, decent food and beer at a resaonable price, magic open fireplaces. Its very old with a interesting history; someone famous was hung from the tree in the garden a couple of centuries ago or something . Worth a look.

Goring and Streatley is a great place for a wander with a double bridge between the two villages at the only place where the Thames splits in two. There are walks up and around Streatley hill, and if you're a cyclist its about the most challenging hill climb in 50 miles. 16% at the top, averaging 12% for its whole 1km length. Absolute killer.

15 Aug 2007 11:52

The Bull, Sonning

I've been dragged along to the Bull several times now by eager friends but have still to see the attraction. Some people just fall in love with the place I guess.

Food is average (though the portions are large), beer is quite good, service is prompt and its not too expensive.

BUT. The country pub feel is wrecked by the ambience in the main bar, where a plasma TV under barfly control is seemingly used to deter new visitors from sitting nearby. Its obviously been an issue in the past because the locals are rude and abusive to anyone suggesting that the volume should be turned down a bit. The bar staff themselves dont seem to give a damn, even if you happen to be sat in front of the screen with your elderly relatives having dinner when some dimebar decides he wants the telly on. Fair enough - its a local pub and the only decent one in Sonning, but ffs, treat all your paying guests equally.

Another big negative - there are about ten parking places and they are always full. People park on the road and because of the pubs success the cars go right around the corner and up to the main junction. At busy times, expect to have to fight to get a parking space.

I havent visited the rear garden, but the seating around the car parking area isnt bad at all.

Go midweek if you want to try the place. Weekends it is packed.

15 Aug 2007 11:26

The Shoulder of Mutton, Playhatch

Lacking the pretentious upmarket feel of The Crown (which is situated right next door), this is a real pub with grub venue. The food is excellent quality, reasonably priced, and to be honest a cut above what you'd normally find in a boozer. The ale is good and there are plenty of tables for drinkers. In the winter sitting warming by the open fire is a treat.

There is a large conservatory and garden area that is often used for parties. The venue can be hired out very reasonably.

Negative points - well it can sometimes be a bit empty due to its proximity to the much larger and smarter looking Crown, and competition from pubs in Sonning just across the roundabout. It also brought in a no smoking policy long before the ban was imposed, and suffered for it. Increasingly though, there is a loyal dining crowd who come midweek for a relaxed meal and drink in comfortable surroundings.

15 Aug 2007 10:39