please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
I wasn't expecting an awful lot from this pub. It hasn't registered an entry in the Good Beer Guide since 2010 and it looked very quiet when we arrived yesterday lunchtime. London Pride is the only real ale. But to my surprise, they also had a box of Cornish Orchards Farmhouse Cider. The real surprise is the wonderful interior, with 2 small rooms crammed full of knick knacks. I noticed the sign on the entrance stating no mobile phones. But I didn't notice the sign stating no children in the bar, until we left. But the barmaid and locals were happy to overlook this and my 5 year old was quite happy playing dominoes! This is a really special little place with friendly people and whilst I place great emphasis on ale and cider range when judging pubs, I'm also really appreciative of proper old fashioned places such as this one. It was my favourite pub of the day. Beware the limited opening hours though.
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We had a birthday at the Magpie and the service and food was great. carole and Doug (the New Zealander) were lovely. nothing was to much bother. seems that the old staff have been replaced by very freindly people who made our night really special. Hats off to them.
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I have had many a happy pint at the Magpie and Parrot and I always find the landlord and landlady very friendly and welcoming. They run a fab country pub which offers so much more than most other pubs do including a perfect pint of Pride. With the pub garden backing onto fields it is a lovely spot for a drink and even when the weather isn�t all that, inside the bar is a hidey-hole of trinkets with and open fire to enjoy.
Well done Magpie and Parrot I�ll be back for more!
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Absolutely superb pub - very quirky cool and British decor.
The fish & chips is to die for on a Friday and their Sweeney Todd Steak and stilton pie is epic. (make sure you call and order food in advance)
An absolute gem of a place.
Keep up the good work chaps. I'll be in for another pie soon !
11/10 !
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I was kindly invited to a birthday party held at the Magpie and Parrot. At a first glance it looked to be an interesting establishment. I have never left a positive or negative comment on such a site but felt so strongly after my visit I just had too.
The landlord and landlady were possibly the most unwelcoming I have ever experienced. The level of customer service was nothing but frosty. Even ordering a drink seemed to be a little to much to ask. I have never visited before and can positively tell you I would never go back. I find it hard to beleive that people running a business in such a way ever gain any form of repeat business.
It is such a shame as there is so much potential but honestly if you are looking for a friendly pint I would advise you to go elsewhere.
I felt really sorry for the hosts of the party as everyone was discussing the terrible athmosphere and if we were not bigger people then it could have ruined the day.
After reading other peoples reviews on various websites it seems we were not the only ones to experience such issues so I really would think again.
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I was kindly invited to a birthday party held at the Magpie and Parrot. At a first glance it looked to be an interesting establishment. I have never left a positive or negative comment on such a site but felt so strongly after my visit I just had too.
The landlord and landlady were possibly the most unwelcoming I have ever experienced. The level of customer service was nothing but frosty. Even ordering a drink seemed to be a little to much to ask. I have never visited before and can positively tell you I would never go back. I find it hard to beleive that people running a business in such a way ever gain any form of repeat business.
It is such a shame as there is so much potential but honestly if you are looking for a friendly pint I would advise you to go elsewhere.
I felt really sorry for the hosts of the party as everyone was discussing the terrible athmosphere and if we were not bigger people then it could have ruined the day.
After reading other peoples reviews on various websites it seems we were not the only ones to experience such issues so I really would think again.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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This is probably the worst pub I have been to for a long time. The person behind the bar who says he is but in fact is not the landlord called Doug is extreemly rude and could not care a less about the customers or the beer of which there is very little choice (London Pride only of very variable quality). Food is sometimes available but of poor quality generally, the main problem is that although food is advertised as being available it quite often is not. Would I go back, I would rather stick pins in my eyes!
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I've been trying to use this pub for the last 3 years after moving into the local area. Each time I've bitten the bullet and gone in there for a pint I've been sadly disappointed.
"Do you have any Rose?"
"No"
"Do you have any wine?"
"We've got white!"
"Are you serving food?"
"No"
.....5 minutes later a plate of sandwiches appear for a group of 'friends' in the corner.
"By the way, we're closing soon so you best drink up!"
As it happens, the beer was so stale it was undrinkable anyway, so I wasn't too bothered.
Would you go back - I won't be.
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We went there on Sunday 23rd May and we were surprised that we had such a rude welcome to the pub. Doug, the barman(not the landlord) offered no greeting at all, not even hello, and served our drinks in complete silence. The pub was nearly empty, not surprisingly!
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Definitely a one-off. In some ways could do with a good tidy-up, but that would spoil the atmosphere. Decent beer, if unimaginative selection when I was last there (Pride and a Wadworth's seasonal). Nice open area at back. General location not wonderful, it faces a busy road. Worth a visit.
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In many ways a classic pub, that I'm surprised isn't more revered in the CAMRA National Inventory. A living timepiece, with basic pub amenities, early evening closing, real fires, games and peanuts. Even the beer was reasonably priced by Berkshiree standards, if not the best best London Pride I've ever had.
A must visit though.
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Had a most wonderful 65th party at Maggpie and Parrot on 11th July 2009 .Although it rained most of the day, the men managed to drink most of the beer.
Hog roast was out of this world.
The landlady Carole, along with Tracy, Carol and Jenifer her friendly and helpful "girls" were very professional.
Archie was also ready and willing for a good petting by the time we returned on Sunday and collected our cars . Puddings were fab and such a choice too. Our friends have been phoning us today , expressing their delight of the whole day.
We hired a DJ who was excellent, and I can recommend him. Any one who wants his contact details please get in touch. Stella
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Sunday opening hours now extended slightly to at least 4pm, but may well drift on as long as there are customers in...the London Pride has reluctantly been increased to �3 a pint, but still the best-kept pint in these here parts. Note that although the picture above is a fine portrait of the buidling as a whole, the bar and both available rooms are contained only within the lowest part of the building to the right and the entrance is at the back on the right hand side - not via the entrance door pictured...
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jusy had SUCH a lovely afternoon at the magpie and parrot in shinfield...... fantasic pub, gardens and staff...the hogroast was AMAZING!!! cant wait to go back...and see if i can have a function there...lovely marquee... :O) was sad to leave :O(
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Very Nice Pub of the old style. Free peanuts! Friendly Land Lord. Should be on the tourist route. Absolutely the best pub in the reading area. Quiet pub, no music, no sport, no children. Brilliant
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Always visit when THE RAMS are playing in Reading ,friendly pub, as quirky as it gets ,beers in fine form,highly reccomend a visit
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Still knocking out an excellent Pride along with occasional guest (I had Mauldons Golden on Saturday) in pretty unique surroundings. Only two minutes from Shinfield village and easily walkable.
Well worth it.
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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.
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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.
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Excellent beer and friendly atmosphere. The Magpie and Parrot has a quirkiness that may seem odd at first, but quickly grows on you.
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An interesting stop off after work - a bit of an oasis in the howling desert of Reading pubs. The customers seem friendly in a very middle class Mercedes Benz sort of way - It may once have been a country pub - alas, country people cannot afford to live around here any more, so the customer base has to consist of former townies pretending to fit in.
Not authentic, but as good as it gets in these parts.
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Suffered badly in the recent floods, water two foot deep throughout. Some furniture and fittings ruined, currently no carpets, ask to see their photos...otherwise, business as usual and the Pride just goes on getting better and better.
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Excellent beer festivals in the summer with hog roast, markee and beer tent. A small folk band also turned up when we were there as well as some morris dancers - excellent!
anonymous - 16 Jun 2007 16:01 |
Berkshire's best kept secret. You won't want to leave.
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Paid my first proper visit yesterday (thanks for the A-board tip Gristy), wasn't disappointed.
Tiny two-roomed pub, which manages to sell two ales in great condition (Pride and a guest - Bath Gem). So small in fact that when our group of four came in, one of the regulars called out to the landlady that there was �a rush on�.
Lots of character (and full of characters like Aitch the rescue dog), stuffed full of odd nik-naks (as opposed to tat), David Dickenson would like it in here.
Enormous garden out the back too, could play a good game of footy on that, bet the beer festivals must be a blast; I�ll be popping along to the next one.
Well worth a visit.
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A wonderful example of an English pub, the beer is superb. This is a must-visit venue if you are in the area.
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Best-kept London Pride ever tasted always on tap here plus an ever-changing guest. Extremely friendly welcome and great bunch of "old-boy" regulars. They opened up a second room(their actual living room)over Xmas, but I don't yet know if this is permanent. Otherwise, there's room for 20 people at the most. 2 beer festivals each year in a marquee out the back. Possibly the quaintest pub in Southern England and current local CAMRA pub of the year. Normally open from 12noon only until 7pm (3pm only on Sundays), but look out for the A-board out on the roadside. If it's there, they are open...
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Tiny pub that is someone's front room. Real ale on offer but best to phone beforehand as the opening times are rather random!
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