The Winning Hand, Beenham

This pub is in a really good location, and looks nice from the outside.
The inside is cosy, however they have a VERY modern extension at the back which doesnt really fit in with the rest of the pub.

The staff are ok, not the best, but then the times ive been there its been very quiet so maybe they are just bored!

Food and drink prices are resonable and the selection is very good.

The food is always really good, ive never had any complaints, very good quality so i wonder why its always quiet??

I normally always have the pie, huge portion size, yummy veg and perfect mash!

would recommened for food quality but not if you want any atmosphere!

12 Apr 2011 12:14

The Volunteer, Theale

I have a bit of a soft spot for this pub, its nothing fancy but the atmosphere is always lovely, cosy in the winter and inviting in the summer!

Food and drink are both quite pricey but there is a great choice of both and ive never had any complaints. They have a small specials board which normally just have a curry or 2 on it but the main menu is more than enough to tempt you! The piri piri chicken is lovely and you get a huge portion!

Staff are so friendly and always make you feel welcome.

I reccommened this pub to everyone!

12 Apr 2011 11:07

The Fox and Hounds, Theale

ok so me and my husband visited this pub a few weeks ago after it was recommened to us along with a few other pubs in the area.
The pub itself is well kept and plesent. We went on a friday night, (our night!) and it was quite busy, mostly drinkers with a few people eating here and there.

I did feel uncomfortable striaght away however as the atmosphere was missing. Most of the staff seemed under 18, and clearly were not happy. The young waitresses were lovely however.

Beer and ale choice was fantastic, a nice selection of well kept wadworths ales ( my husband was pleased!) And nice wine selection ( maybe a bit pricey?)

The man i think was the manager (??) seemed to walk around talking to customers alittle too much, and it all seemed like a well rehused act if you ask me!

The main menu had a good selection of food although maybe a little pricey, there was also alot of choice on the specials board although again quite pricey .

I had fish and chips and my husband had steak, both were resonable pub gurb, nothing fancy and not much love had gone into these basic meals.
Great if you want a quick supper, but be prepared to pay over the odds for it and have a long conversation with the manager!

Staff are freindly enough although the pub feels like a weekend young persons 'bar' rather than a comfy country pub.
we were disappointed and wont be returning for a nice romantic meal in a hurry maybe wait till the summer and enjoy the beautiful gardens instead!

12 Apr 2011 11:01

The Crown, Swallowfield

decided it was time to check this pub out as i heard they had a new chef. We went on a friday night and it had a really nice atmosphere. Quite busy but not so much that it felt uncomfortable. Beer choice was a bit limited would of been nice to have a larger selection of ales and maybe another recognisable larger not just fosters or becks! We took a look at the menu and there was a nice selection considering that food to this pub is quite new. The specials also seemed nice and a good selection.

I had the piri piri chicken and my husband had the lamb shank, both off the specials board. We were so impressed by the presentation, the fact that the food and plate were both HOT! This is becomming a bit of a rarity these days!

The food was amazing, we were so happy with the the service and for a small country pub off the main road they offer what we believe to be the best pub food around!
definatley recommened to everyone!

12 Apr 2011 10:44