Coppa Club (The Swan at Streatley), Reading

This hotel is in an enviable position right by the Thames at the bridge that links Goring and Streatley. Although it doesn't put itself forward as a pub, there is a public bar down some steps to the right of reception and along a corridor lined with spectacular pictures of sailing ships. There is a small bar with just one hand pump and a number of fonts, with an area in front featuring a number of arm chairs and a couple of stools. Further on the space is almost entirely given over to dining tables, and I really do mean dining – table cloths on every one. Outside there's an outdoor seating area by the river, which is very pleasant. The solitary ale is Old Father Thames from West Berkshire brewery, very similar to Brakspears Bitter, having the same strength of 3.4%. This was my very first £4 pint – strictly speaking it was priced at £3.95 a pint, but my half was £2. From a drinker's point of view, the only reason to come here rather than the proper pubs in the two villages would be for the chance to sit beside the river.