Cow & Cask, Newbury

Still easily the best pub in Newbury, this tiny micropub is making use of the space at the front, with some outdoor seating. We did reserve a table in advance and arrived a little earlier than expected, as our bus from Wickham stopped right outside. The owner is very friendly. I remember him from my last visit, despite being worse for wear on both occasions. The two real ales are dispensed directly from the cask. They were Hermitage Lodestone & XT Animal Hop Kitty. Two Tutts Clump ciders were also available from the box - Traditional Farmhouse & Mango. There was also a range of bottled ciders from Green Shed, which I would have quite happily worked my way through, had it not been time to catch a train. Worthy of a visit whenever in Newbury.

An interesting micro in a small area of shops housed in traditional building next to the bus station and in the lee of the monolithic modern shopping centre. The small bar is tucked in the opposite corner from the door with barrels racked up behind it. In between are a couple of tables and all were full on our visit. It's basic but functional with a convivial atmosphere. Beers on were Animal Manta Ray, Gadds Summers Day and Vale Brill Gold as well as cider, keg offering and polo shirts. The Summers Day was the pick of the bunch and was very good with the other two reported to be in less than perfect nick. I enjoyed it here - I stuck with the Gadds - and would always pop back to see what's on.

Unfortunately closed on Sundays which was a bit of a bummer, looks like its the best beer place in town.

Very definitely a micro pub almost a nano pub in fact, it is very small with about 20 seats in the place, a stillage that holds six nines, a Meantime tap on the bar back, ok a shelf, and some cider boxes. There are some bored games, a small toilet in one corner and a very informative blackboard on about the only bit of wall space left. Pump clip decor of course mainly from a selection of fairly local brewers, Winchester-ish looked about the furthest away, it also sells wine and snacks including pickled eggs and pork scratchings. It has limited hours but don't miss it, it is one of the best in an otherwise pretty average town and that includes two of the three GBG listed pubs.