The Fox Inn, Thatcham

As described below by Quinno, this village pub is welcoming, friendly and much better value than some other nearby pubs. The landlord and landlady went out of their way to make us welcome, and the locals were very tolerant of us. There is a small car park at the front and a pleasant terraced garden. Inside, the three bar areas are contiguous. The lounge area has a woodburner which creates a homely, warm atmosphere. There was a dartboard which appeared redundant and a TV screen which was switched off. Ales on were West Berkshire Good Old Boy, Young’s Special and Doombar. We had a better beer experience than Quinno (below), all three ales being in very good condition. Food was basic pub grub, though it seemed a bit unbalanced – a delicious home-made chicken and ham pie, incongruously complemented with thin frozen chips and packet gravy - at a reasonable price for the area. They also offered a range of very strong chilli sauces for the adventurous and fresh pizzas for as a quick meal. We had an excellent weekend enjoying their food, ales and conviviality, and I should be very happy to return.

Very nice-looking pub, elevated from the roadside with a lovely little front patio area overlooking the vista. Multi area’d inside, originally converted from three old cottages. Selection of papers available. Four ales on inside (Otter Bitter, West Berks GOB, Youngs Special, Doom Bar – all rather safe and samey), with a small pubco list beer fest on outside with ten on stillage – we tried the Hooky and St Austell Proper Job from there which were OK but had obviously been on a bit and were on their last legs (classic pub festival stillage…). Despite the slightly under-par beer I really liked this as a location and would make the effort to sample it again.