The Bell Inn, Aldworth

Further to my previous review, I'm moving to Aldworth this summer, largely because of this pub.

10 May 2013 12:36

The Bell Inn, Aldworth

Quite simply my favourite pub - ever. And I'm including the 9 that I've either run or worked in that have all been in the Good Beer Guide!
If you like the way pubs were 100 years ago, or possibly 200 years go, The Bell is for you. Electric lighting and top quality cellarmanship are the main improvements made over the centuries. 5 real ales, delivered by handpump, and some real local ciders, are the only non-bottled drinks available. Bottled Guinness is available, and probably some bottled lager too, but I haven't asked.
First and foremost, it's a pub. Not a restaurant, not a kids' play area, not a venue. Plain wooden floors, benches, chairs, tables, and as eclectic a mix of clientele as you could imagine. Dominated by locals and walkers, as you'd imagine given the location, but joined by suits, pensioners and people like me (book, pint and a welcome lunch-break from work).
The food is straightforward, but excellent. Filled rolls and ploughmans/platters. I love the salt beef - a couple of thick slabs in a warm, crusty roll, with chutney and horseradish always brought too.
If you can't cope with sharing your drinking/eating space with strangers, and perhaps a conversation with a local, then stay away - there are plenty of pubs in the area crying out for customers on a weekday lunchtime, but it's often hard to get a seat at The Bell.
Oh, I almost forgot to mention the real fire, the outside loo (ladies is inside) and that the landlady's family have run the pub for 250 years, making only very gradual improvements.

16 Nov 2012 12:11

Fox and Hounds, Caversham

Discovered the Fox & Hounds by accident last night while looking for somewhere to pass 25 minutes while my kids have music lessons in Caversham. First thought was that it was a typical local boozer in a two-up two-down residential area. Then I noticed that the windows were clean and bright, and that real ales and ciders were being advertised.
As I was driving, I just had a pint of the 2 Bridges Blonde, which was well kept. I was offered a taster, even though I'd just ordered a pint. Yes, the darts on the TV was a bit loud, but I like darts on the TV, so it wasn't a problem. The bit of work I'd planned to do went by the wayside as I enjoyed my beer.
Bare wooden floorboards, and a good range of breweriana were the main things I noticed about the decor in the bar. The other room was much brighter, and has a pool table. Next week, I'll see if they have a darts board, so I can get some practice in.
I will probably be there every term-time Thursday for months/years to come, if last night was anything to go by. Just wish I lived less than 16 miles away!

16 Nov 2012 11:54