The Old Swan Uppers, Maidenhead

Traditional village pub with a remodelled U-shaped interior that still retains some character with exposed timbers, etc. With three of the four handpumps in use, I found the regular London Pride and local Rebellion IPA along with the seasonal Winter Royal (£5.30) from the latter brewery. With a friendly welcome from the barman and a good-natured atmosphere all round, this is quite an appealing alternative to the posher establishments nearby.

Very much in the olde English style in the front bar, rather less so in the rear restaurant area. Five pulls with regional Brewers wares, Brains, Fullers, St Austell and Wells among them plus Butcombe bitter. Fairly average condition and still under £4 a pint. Nice decor of beams from elsewhere and brass. It's also the nearest pub to Cookham railway station.