Red House, The

An attractive 18th century free house, this delightful Berkshire restaurant and bar, an essay in red brick and thatch, offers a range of menus that would satisfy even the most pernickety, and they are always changing to suit circumstances.

What is effectively an a la carte menu could produce a meal that would start with roasted quail and spicy Chorizo risotto, or Provençale fish soup with garlic croûtons.

To follow, the day boat lemon sole Meunière is served with baby new potatoes and a green salad, though pan fried guinea fowl, fillet of Angus beef, and fresh tagliatelle with Gorgonzola, asparagus and sun-dried tomato.

Desserts continue to display a broad approach with chocolate tart and red berry coulis, a wild strawberry crème brûlée, or the by now much loved sticky toffee pudding, served here with toffee sauce and clotted cream.

Even more amazingly, for such a wide menu, all the dishes are cooked to order, a feat that must require even more than the customary dexterity and organisation in the kitchen, so ably led by Head Chef Yves Girard who treats fish and chips or fresh foie gras with equal respect.

Their market menu has its origins in Forbury's Restaurant at Reading, also owned by Xavier Le-Bellego, and is a simpler, shorter combination of dishes on a starter/main course system that could include, say grilled salmon Niçoise followed by grilled lamb cutlets or char-grilled fillet of escolar.

During the day, for those whose lives are dictated by tight schedules, there is a good light snack service, baguettes amply filled with smoked salmon, roast beef and prawns, or quiche Lorraine, all with decent kettle crisps and salad.

Yves's deft touch at the helm in the kitchen does not stop there, and his French background, whilst more than helpful with the French selection on the wine list also embraces a very well travelled collection that displays a sound knowledge of wine to match the food. Real ale is popular amongst the walkers, boat owners and lunchtime trade.

Their Website is a masterpiece of clarity and information - click there to find out more about forthcoming events and facilities for parties and business users.