The Bailiwick, Egham

A modernised split level gastro pub that is blessed by being in close proximity to Virginia Water and Savill Gardens and so catering for tourists, ramblers and dog walkers so handily dogs are welcome. Smart and clean inside but a little sterile in feel possibly due to my early arrival time of 10 am. Beers were limited, despite five handpulls, to Windsor & Eton Guardsman and whatever Brunning & Price Running Horse Ale was? Not really my kind of place but handy for Its early opening.

This pub is blessed with an excellent location on the fringes of Windsor Great Park, easily reachable for anyone walking around Virginia Water. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the pub is predominantly food-led, presenting itself as a smart, rural gastro pub. You approach through a small car park, past a compact front seating area which was packed on a warm weekend afternoon, eventually entering directly into the main bar with the servery opposite the front door. There is a U shaped front room wrapped around the bar, with bare floorboards under several large rugs and plenty of standard tables and chairs, including some in a cosy front left alcove and a few more in a small space behind the servery. The whole room has been painted in the usual gastro colour scheme, but the overall effect, especially when combined with any remaining original features such as the nice tiled fireplace, was quite pleasing. Further back, there is a lower level dining area filled with loads more dining tables in front of an open kitchen. Most tables throughout the pub were reserved when we arrived, but the rather grumpy manager found us a table that was still free for the next hour and a half. We stopped off here for food to break up a long day of walking and found that the menu was very steeply priced - a reflection of the affluent clientele and the fact that they have something of a captive audience. I paid £14 for a burger and chips and was glad that it was very tasty. There were two ales on at the bar - Andwell Gold Muddler and Vale VPA - both in good condition, with the VPA in particular going down nicely. The waiting staff are worth a mention, as we found all of them to be extremely friendly and very chatty. This isn't quite a destination pub, but it certainly lends itself to be included as part of a day out in the park, as good food, drink and service make this place stand out from the limited competition. Worth reserving a table if you want to stop off here, but if you're on a budget, you'd be better off bringing a picnic.

Situated on the edge of Windsor Great Park, this heavily modernised split level pub was formerly a restaurant and is still food-led though there is plenty of room for drinkers. There’s a higher standard of décor and cosiness than your average pub, carpeted throughout with a restrained cream and mocha colour scheme. The rear dining area has loads of mirrors in the ceiling which is an unusual touch. Real fire was on which perfectly complemented the yellowing leaves on the autumnal season deciduous trees which surround the pub. Two local ales on, Ascot Posh Pooch and Andwell Gold. The Pooch was a little below par (though I was tempted to blame the beer rather than the cellar) but the Andwell was tasty and went down well. A decent stop and a pub I’d enjoy sampling again in the winter months.