Crown & Garter, Hungerford

Pretty much an impossibility to spot from the roadside, hidden behind tall hedges. As mentioned below, recently subject to a thorough refurbishment and I accidentally found myself there on the second weekend of opening. All done out and smelt very new. Perhaps lacking a bit of character (or not ‘lived-in’) and it felt rather stark, though the stainless steel bar top caught the eye as well as a large amount of Penguin classics (more for hip décor than reading I imagine). The large front garden needs a bit of work but I guess that’s on the list. Aimed at the foody crowd but there were three local ales on, West Berks Chubbs, Good Old Boy, and lackadaisical Butts Barbus. I won’t leave a rating as its early days. Whilst the beer wasn’t great at least they’re aiming local.

Official site of Crown & Garter - www.honestygroup.co.uk

Official site of Crown & Garter - www.honestygroup.co.uk

Reopened on 08/09/2014 after a massive refurbishment by Honesty Group. Is now advertised as a boutique hotel with a pub and restaurant.

The Crown and Garter is an attractive whitewashed pub in an attractive village. The entrance is hidden away at the side which can be a bit confusing. Next to the pub is a courtyard of rooms enclosing an attractive residents garden. It's definitely a gastro pub with rooms this rather than a boozer. Once inside it's a wriggle through, past the kitchen to the bar which is all wood floors, scrubbed pine tables, twigs and two fireplaces. Most of the tables are laid out for eating but there is fair amount of space around the bar for vertical drinking as well as a couple of bar stools. To the right of the bar is a smaller room, similarly decorated, which is solely used by diners. There are 2 or 3 large and notable settles with backs which rise from floor to ceiling. Through the bar is is the back door leading to a large and attractive garden. A nice place for a pint on a warm day. Inevitably the focus is on food and the menu is short but imaginative and my food was very good. Not cheap but worth it given the quality. Most people are here to eat but on the Friday evening I visited the bar did fill up with locals coming in for a pint which livened up the atmosphere. Service is very good, attentive and friendly as you'd expect from a decent hotel and restaurant. There are only two handpumps with Gibbet Ale brewed for the pub and West Berkshire Good Old Boy. My Good Old Boy was in decent nick but not tempting enough to keep me off the vino. This is a very friendly, efficient and well run small hotel and restaurant really which retains a pubby feel. I'd certainly recommend it for a stay, dinner or a swift pint but it isn't one for a session. It is GBG listed and is one of the few places for a pint of real ale in this area.