The Green Man, Bracknell

Official site of The Green Man - www.greeneking.co.uk

Official site of The Green Man - www.greeneking.co.uk

I don't know if it was just because it was in an old building, but this struck me as rather better than most of the new build estate pubs in the area. They have managed to get quite a good atmosphere, despite being heavily modernised with the usual GK corporate design elements. A mix of brick, ceramic and painted walls, various decorations and some dangly lights give a pleasant and bright effect and the locals were chatting happily. There is an eating area off to one side and a games area with pool and darts the other, with a L-shaped counter in the middle and a few sports screens around. Sadly they were in the process of changing barrels and flatly refused to sell the cask ale as it wasn't ready, so the bonus mark for caring cancels out the deduction for not having any, but it should have been IPA and Fireside.

Managed to blag our way in on the ‘soft launch’ opening day of this out-of-the-way place that has had a massive modern refurb and now has what can be best described as an omega-shaped bar. Walls are a mixture of whites, greys and exposed brick. Rear garden with kids play area. Attractive white tiled bar back. Six pumps with five ales - Bombardier, Pride, Doom Bar, Ascot Green Man, Ascot on the Rails with Westons Perry on the other pump. My half of Ascot was pretty lifeless, hopefully bottom of barrel after a successful day? Won’t leave a mark but would like to check it out again.