Its reputation for good food and ambience draws in diners from all over, with décor and open fires befitting a 500 year old building. Its proximity to a number of business parks also makes it popular for lunches and meetings. Additionally, the conservatory area at the back can be made available for private hire.

The à la carte and lunch menus are updated weekly. For starters, I chose skewed garlic tiger prawns, and for the main course I went for a succulent chicken breast stuffed with lobster mousse served on crushed citrus potatoes and topped with a champagne dill cream sauce. I finished with a pavlova with compôte of winter fruits drizzled with cranberry sauce. Highly recommended all round.

With reasonably-priced food offering excellent value for money it is easy to see why it was voted Berkshire Pub/ Restaurant of the Year in 2003. Its popularity also means that booking is strongly advised.