Bird in Hand, Reading

A place that has been through some fairly turbulent times over the last few years. Thankfully my inaugural visit last week during the storms found a warm and welcoming rustic country pub that was relatively busy. Inevitably the focus is mainly on dining but you’re fine just drinking, as indeed a couple of locals were doing (unusually one of the other punters had their posh dinner served-up at the bar; he declared himself very happy with the quality of it, too). Layout-wise, there’s a pseudo lounge to the left on entry, with the bar and a roaring inglenook fire off to the right. Low ceiling with plenty of beams (not sure how original they are, mind). To the rear is a rather homely dining room that seemed cosy and intimate and I took rather a shine it. Three ales, all local, at the bar; Loddon Hullabaloo (good nick) and two from West Berks (GOB and Chubbs). Very friendly service behind the bar from a pleasing-on-the eye lady. All-in-all this was a good one and I’d like to try it again soon – maybe get some grub in that dining room?