Packhorse, Egham

Getting later in the day by the time we reached this pub so cannot report on the choice of beers on offer. Recall being happy with whatever I had but what really sticks in my mind is that when I fancied a quick half of a different brew the beerpumps were down for cleaning (odd on a Sat nt) but the guv, presumably the aforementioned Dave, went down the cellar to get me a glass straight from the barrel. Now that is outstanding service! Studenty feel to the place but we got a good spot at the bar and a Landlord like that undoubtedly deserves to do well.

Used to be called the Royal Ascot, before becoming the weirdly-monikered Monkeys Forehead. After a period of poor performance, it’s now managed by Dave from the Happy Man. This has meant the introduction of two ales, which being tended by Dave means that they were of course spot-on. Ales are usually Hogs Back, Hop Back, Alton or St Austell. The pub itself has been repainted and brightened up to good effect. It's still aimed primarily at students, so expect loud music and some raucousness; not necessarily the place for a quiet pint, but great for a beer drinking student, seeing as the RHUL campus boasts not one ale. There’s TV’s that are switched on for football. Food is available. Not necessarily one to go out of the way for but worth seeking out if you happen to be in Egham/Englefield Green.

Roadside pub with a central bar, the room wraps around either side. a modernist style pretty minimalist interior with low sofas, an unusual pastel colour scheme in green, lilac and orange. The bar area has a wooden floor but the adjacent seating section has a rather loud tartanish carpet. There is some outside seating to the front. Rather sports oriented, with a number of screens showing this afternoon a competing mix of the Lions rugby and Wimbledon tennis. Hogs Back Summer Ale on, the other pump was reverse clipped (Tribute). Fancy sounding food menu but not ambitiously priced.