Well placed for events in and around Newbury, this pleasant hostelry is an excellent example of a welcoming inn that offers good honest fare amidst a jolly and unstuffy atmosphere, the sort of place you can bring the children with you and not have to worry they'll be bored or disappointed.

The attractive menu changes daily and could start with a prawn cocktail, tricolour pasta with prawns and cucumber or smoked salmon. Main events offer such dishes as fillet of beef stroganoff with a timbale of rice, poached fillet of salmon on a bed of spinach with fresh chive sauce, or excellent steaks with a standard 8oz version of prime beef, Diane, garni or peppered.

Down amongst the puddings look for treacle tart and custard, a chocolate tipsy flan and cream, or a banana split. The wine list rarely goes over the £20 parapet, but when it does it is for good reason, and in general the list is excellent value, well chosen and nicely annotated for the beginner.