please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
I visited today with my disabled wife, having first confirmed the pub was accessible. It was fairly busy for a weekday lunchtime. The welcome was warm, the beer (West Berkshire Good Old Boy) excellent. Food was fairly priced and we didn't have to wait too long. There was a spacious disabled toilet and ramp access to the back door. All in all a good visit - I would gladly call again.
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This place is huge! Popped in for a drink one anonymous afternoon while on holiday and enjoyed a friendly welcome. We didn't eat so can't comment on the food but the drinks were just fine.
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Four ales on the handles, my Abbot was in very good condition. Interior of main part of pub was a bit sparse, but there is a stables bar which I didn't see this time. We had a drink in the garden which was most acceptable
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Ate here and all our meals were very disappointing. Expensive but poor food, we didn't enjoy it at all. Having said that the beer was fine and the surroundings/decor in traditional pub style. Might visit again but only for a drink.
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Has always been excellent value but menu has changed - smaller and more expensive. When we questioned size of portion and fact that our bill included someone else's there was no apology. It is a shame because we had recommended to lots of people and we wont any more
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We were so disappointed! I had booked a table the night before for a family trip out (with 87 year grandma). When we arrived into the pub it really looked great with a roaring fire and lots of comfy chairs but we were guided in to the 'stable' - freezing cold extension. I did ask if they light the big open fire but the owner mumbled something about it would get a bit smokey and then he left us.
The disaster didn't end there. We waited an hour for the food and only got it after we complained. The roast beef lunches were cold, the steak pies had variable qualities of meat (some much tougher than others) but th fish pie was piping hot and grandma said it was tasty. We sat with our coats on for the whole meal as did the other four tables of diners - who were still waiting after us to receive their food.
The Manager was inept at offering apologies and didn't even offer a complimentary drink or anything as compensation. we saw other people with very angry expressions, but honestly, after waiting an hour plus for your food on a Sunday lunchtime - where do you go?
We did mange after our main course to find a little table near the bar - in the warm - so we squeezed round it and had some dessert but again, we were surprised that there were no 'chocolate' desserts like chocolate pud etc, there wasn't even chocolate ice cream! What kind of publican can set a menu without these things???
Also, when you look at the pub website there are some magnificent photos of food when this is clearly taken from some other restaurant.
Even while we waited so long for our food we noticed the Owner sitting relaxing on a couch with other people instead of keeping an eye on the really pissed off customers in the 'stable'!!!!!
One good thing, the pint of local beer was good.
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Friendly staff but appear poorly versed in complaint handling . My rustic lamb stew �9.95 with dumplings (and I love dumplings) arrived without them. Dumplings are an integral part of this dish and necessary to absorb all the juices! A complaint to the waitress revealed today's dumplings not good enough to use, but despite my speaking to the landlord (who appeared slightly disinterested) no dumpling substitute, such as potatoes, was offered. I thought a bill concession might have been made, but no, I had to ask and received a �2 reduction. Not the point really as I was happy to pay full price for a full meal............And whilst I'm at it the gent's toilet was well festooned with cobwebs, the hand drier needed a wipe over and the sinks some limescale removal.
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From a brief visit, struck me as the paragon of a country village pub; good choice of ales, including a house beer brewed by the local small brewery; locals around the bar; open fire; mixed clientele; lots of items of interest to appreciate & read.
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paul is a great host ask him for a joke and he will always oblige,bar girls are amongst the best in the area.food good and prompt service.please dont feed the dog!
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I love this pub. Unfortunately I live just too far for it to be my local, but if I lived in Downton it would be. Good live music in the summer ("Dog House Boys" country plus others). Don't feed the dog! Hmm...might pop in later on! 8/10
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Best pub in the village. Paul the landlord is fantastic and will do everything in his power to make your visit a happy one. The pubs biggest asset is also its 'tag line' "Wet dogs and muddy boots welcome". We have been turned away from many places where we have wanted to eat due to the dogs, not this one! Great food, great suroundings and welcoming locals. Well done Paul and his extremely friendly staff.
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This is a really friendly pub. Food is very good and specials are delicious. Quiz (tues) and "Matt Black" nights are fun but not so intrusive that it stops you coming for a drink & chat. Think John should revisit as the pub he describes isn't remotely like the White Horse I know. Downton needs a local like this so keep it up landlord and everyone give it your support!!
Diana - 22 Dec 2003 19:26 |
Good food, lovely warm fire on a wintery Saturday lunchtime.
I don't visit pubs regularly any more but this is one of the better pubs in the village as far as I can make out.
Peter Hurford - 1 Dec 2003 13:21 |
