The White Hart, Wargrave

I visited this pub about a week and a half ago but it wasn't something that I'd do again. The decor is very nice and it is certainly trying hard to position itself as a gastro pub. The left side as you walk in was showing the football and the right is the dining area, so there was a nice balance.

However, the experience was not good though because the food was awful. I paid �8.50 for a Penne Arrabiata and when it came out it was Penne with some "doritos dip" style tomato sauce on top. There was just no imagination, flavours, herbs, spices or anything to it. When the manager asked if we had enjoyed the meal as we paid, I said no. When I explained why, he sniffed that he would tell the chef who would be "upset". No offers to make amends, or even an apology.

There are lots of good pubs that do food in Wargrave (and Henley and Twyford). There are also lots of great restaurants. As such, I would strongly recommend that you avoid this one.

20 Mar 2007 13:58

The Royal Oak, Ruscombe

This is a very nice little pub, about half a mile from the centre of Twyford - a pleasant walk. It does a variety of beers and wines and the prices are reasonable.

It is particularly good for food with a thoughtful menu. My girlfriend and I went there for lunch last week and were really impressed.

A major draw of this pub is the pretty beer garden that has ducks and geese wandering around. I can see that this would be very popular with kids. At the end of the garden is an enclusure with more animals in, mostly chickens, I think.

The downsides - if you go at lunch times during the week, you'll find that the offices opposite descend upon the pub and so you'll have to learn to ignore inane office banter and overly loud mobile conversations. An annoyance, rather than a problem. Also, there are no televisions for sport (that's bad in my estimation, myabe not so for others).

Overall though, definitley worth a visit.

20 Mar 2007 13:37

The Golden Cross, Twyford

This pub is a little more "gritty" than the others that you'll find in Twyford. There are pool tables, darts and the beer is basic fare with a heavy focus on lagers. If that's your taste, you'll like it but others should avoid as there are better pubs in Twyford such as the Duke and Royal Oak.

That said, the TV is a good size and so it's fine for watching sport. It's also very close to Twyford station.

20 Mar 2007 13:27