The Frog & Wicket, Eversley Cross

This pub has a great deal going for it, particularly in the summer.

The beer garden at the back of the pub is unusually large and a deal of effort has gone in to make this a great area for kids and parents. The area is divided into two with the eating and drinking area separated from the swings and footballs by a low fence. The swings, slides, rockers and toy cars are in good condition and should entertain from toddlers up to about age 7 or so. The bouncy castles have gone - apparently they were stolen. Personally this is not much of a loss for me as the need for supervision was always a bit of an issue.

Out front the pub has a number of tables with a great view of the cricket pitch. But be aware this is on the other side of the main road through Eversley Cross. So probably not such a great seat if you don't like road noise or you don't like to have your kids/dog/whatever near traffic. But certainly very popular for adults to sit and watch the cricket and the weekend traffic.

Indeed the pub seems to have a few car fans among it's clientele. The Formula 1 Grand Prix are shown live on a large screen. A "Grand Prix Breakfast" was advertised for the Chinese Grand Prix. There is often a few cars worth noticing and today there was something to catch your interest whether your fancy is modern (DB9 convertible) classic (BMW 840i) or ancient (Austin Healy Sprite).

Food and drink has already been commented on. Not hugely special but there is a fair range of ales at not-unreasonable prices, the ham egg and chips was excellent, portions generous and staff were friendly.

17 Apr 2010 21:08

The Green Man, Hurst

We visited this pub on a Thursday lunchtime in June and sat outside in the beer garden. Service was friendly, efficient and swift despite the car park being full to overflowing and the pub itself evidently busy. There is a modest outdoor play area for kids but none were in sight. Clientele during our visit was mostly slightly more mature types spending some of their grey pounds.

19 Jun 2008 15:02