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Detail Pages
The Rifle Volunteer, Emmbrook, Wokingham
Wokingham
RG41 1HD
Reviews (Current Rating Average: 6 of 10) see review guidelines
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Blue Scrumpy left this review about The Rifle Volunteer
This pub is situated on the northern outskirts of Wokingham towards Winnersh and the M4. It is a locals' pub, with a single square bar. A couple of mirrors - Courage & Fuller's gave some clues to its origins, but left you guessing.
A range of 4 ales gave rise to optimism, with the regulars Fuller's London Pride & Sharp's Doom Bar joined by guests Stardust Optic & Arkell's Hoperation. We asked the landlord/barman what style of beer the guests were. But he couldn't tell us, as apparently he didn't drink them. A quick look around the room proved that turnover may not be that great, with most people on lagers or soft drinks.
Both beers tasted ok. Further reading revealed that both were supposed to be hoppy, but instead they both had a caramel taste. I can normally tell a beer that is off or poured through dirty lines, but these two had me uncertain.
A friendly enough local, but with a questionable ale quality, which may explain why it hasn't featured in the Good Beer Guide since 2010!
On 5th October 2021
- rating: 5
[User has posted 2452 recommendations about 2451 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Quinno _ left this review about Rifle Volunteer
A good example of an enjoyable community local, about 15-20 minutes walk away from Wokingham train station. Three handpulls on (Pride, Courage Best and a leftfield guest) in decent nick. The interior is a single room, with a no-frills feel (albeit dated!) but light and airy. Clientèle were mainly 40+ locals, a few of whom are a bit gruff but perfectly harmless. Pub has an active darts team and Fantasy Football League as well as newspaper rack, which is a nice touch. Sports TV available. Serves simple food which keeps the old fellas happy. Has a kids play area out the back.
No world-beater, but a very solid local - I like it.
On 26th May 2011
- rating: 7
[User has posted 5099 recommendations about 5082 pubs]