The Shoulder of Mutton, Playhatch

Sorry if this isn't the most useful review but: cycled over today for Sunday lunch, and (despite reviews here) it seemed packed. (Clocked a sign outside saying "as featured on The One Show", by the way.) And every table (conservatory and indoors) was full of people. Up to the bar: "sorry, we're booked for a private function." Can we get a beer? "No, sorry, the whole place is booked, private function."
Well they might've put a sign up?
As we were getting our cycling gear back on, another couple went in, only to come back out 30 seconds afterwards, saying "they might have put up a sign".
Checked again, on our way to The Crown up the road, and - no signs.
So, I won't give a score, but:
food: no idea (they specialise in lamb/mutton by the way)
beer: no idea
management: clueless

24 Jan 2010 19:16

The Alehouse, Reading

I live in Twyford, down the road from Reading. It has four perfectly OK pubs, all rated 7.5 to 9 on this site. Something is deeply wrong if the Hobgoblin in Reading is averaging 7.1. All it does is sell a string of fabulous real ales, the odd porter, and Budvar (all on tap, I mean). No hideous lagers, no music, no fruit machines, just beer, and some bizarre little booths round the back to be private in. Wonderful.

4 Apr 2006 19:59