The Spotted Dog, Thatcham

Official site of The Spotted Dog, contains menus - www.spotteddogcoldash.co.uk

Popped in here after visiting the Castle in order to say I’d done it. Oddly, the two are almost opposite each other and I’m surprised they’ve both made it this far. This one has had a bit of a haphazard makeover and is aimed at a less traditional clientele than the Castle. I have to admit I wasn’t particularly taken with the interior - found it a bit jarring, a weird fusion of trying to add/embellish an old feel with modern tricks and colours. Three ales on with Doom Bar, Pride and Courage Best on the pumps, rather lacking imagination (at least there was no Greene King IPA). Our halves were acceptable but not in the same league as the beers in the Castle. Food is heavily pushed here and being family-friendly seems to be their big selling point.

Official site of The Spotted Dog, contains menus - www.spotteddogcoldash.co.uk