The Hawkley Inn, Hawkley

This used to be one of the best pubs in the area with an idiosyncratic couple, Al & Ev, running a genuine village boozer with good food. After Ev's death, Al continued to run the pub for about two years. There then followed a disastrous period of expansion and re-positioning.
Landlords or managers came and went - two were dreadful but others were not as bad as other reviewers have suggested. But little improved and local trade disappeared. The current landlord is ok.
It is now starting to come back but still a long way short of its best. The food has always been expensive and it still is !. Reviews of the food have been mixed with many enthusiastic, but I have decided after three recent experiences to save my money and eat elsewhere like the White Horse in Froxfield.
I don't know what has happened to the beer but either the cellar craft is poor or rumours that they are buying cheaply are true. There are many different beers - perhaps too many - and several are not very good. As another reviewer put it don't expect to get the same beer you had on your previous visit.

Monday and nights are like a morgue with more staff than customers. When they have special meal deals on Wednesdays are livelier with the place buzzing with local geriatrics enjoying their 'pie and a pint'. Friday evening is perhaps the best if one can put up with the guffawing commuter club.
The demise of this pub is a great, great shame but while it has recovered there is still a long way to go.

9 Dec 2010 15:24