The Winterbourne Arms, Newbury

Got here bang-on evening opening. A lovely location, with what looks like a fairly historic building set back from the road with a well-tended front garden including a nice water feature. Had to rattle the door which was opened by a less-than-impressed looking barmaid but in fairness she warmed up a bit. Quite odd inside, lit like the Reeperbahn (see pic, that shade isn’t my camera playing tricks), red lights and candles on all tables, more so in the left hand dining area (surely people need to at least see what they’re going to eat?). Smattering of seating opposite the long narrow bar area, which is where we pitched up. Awful MOR music pumped through the speakers. Two Ramsbury ales, my Gold was sub-standard, first one out for a good while and should have been poured off a little. We were there 20 minutes and were the only customers. Daily papers available and what looked like a real fire. Outside (though covered) toilets. Maybe I didn’t see it at its best but I can’t imagine rushing back here, not really aimed at the average pub-goer and I couldn’t imagine eating here either.