The Cock Inn, Shaw, Newbury

The Cock Inn has a serving counter across the rear that faces a mix of seating and tables across the front windows and a pool table that sits by the entrance, next to which is a fireplace and log burner with a rifle mounted on the wall above. There are a couple more tables up the left and in the front left corner is a dartboard. Televisions throughout were airing muted Sky Sports and there was some 90s garage music playing in the background. Standard and premium keg were available and Doom Bar was also available on keg and the lone hand pump.

Suburban GK local. Interior has clearly had a going-over in the last few months but was well-done, tidy and retaining the traditional feel (such as the working wood-burning stove) without being one of those mocha-brown efforts. Pretty local clientèle, mainly the lager and sports type. One solitary ale, a highly impressive drop of GK IPA (yes, I know). Pool, darts and two TVs (rugby with sound on one, mute footy on the other). Not necessarily one to float the boat but certainly a good example of what can be done with a working mans local to bring it into the 21st century as a pub and not as a house.

The first and last time I visited this place the landlady was in a foul mood, didn't welcome us and they didn't serve food.

Good modern local pub, having had an extensive refurbishment. Good selection of wines and no nonsense pub grub at around £5 a head. Quiz every Monday @ 8:30pm, Bingo on a Sunday night @ 8pm. Really is worth a visit.