Chronicles Bar & Restaurant

Taking its name from the Reading Chronicle, whose home this used to be, the restaurant replaced the clamour of a busy press operation with the gaiety of people relaxing over a good meal or taking part in some of the events that are now a regular feature of this attractive cellar bar and restaurant.

There are two menus, one of which is the Pot menu. Before you jump to too many conclusions this is essentially another form of light lunch or starter available at lunchtime and in the evenings, with some well known dishes served in either normal or rather more generous portions, for £4.95 and £9.90 respectively.

Expect to find such old favourites as Cumberland sausages and mash or chilli con carne, alongside jerk chicken, jambalaya and chicken fricassee. Amongst the sandwiches are fillet steak, a club version and a 6oz cheese burger, served with cranberry and onion marmalade, chips and coleslaw.

However, should the neither pot meet your needs in the evening head for the main menu, where starters of black pudding and cider apples topped with grilled goat's cheese and served with cider and mustard cream await you. Haddock and egg fishcakes or strips of blue fin tuna on a bed of marinated rhubarb with chive and tarragon oil are attractive options, before moving to a main course that includes lamb chops, medallions of fillet beef and a well balanced coq au vin.Vegetarians enjoy the broccoli, Stilton and walnut tart.

Desserts are on the whole a pretty classic collection, offering sticky toffee pudding with Grand Marnier sauce, a lemon tart, or fruits of the forest Eton mess.