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Reviews (Current Rating Average: 7 of 10) see review guidelines
Moby Duck left this review about Cow & Cask
A pretty traditionally run micropub concentrating on cask ale in general as opposed to craft beers. True to its classification it is pretty small inside and was well attended with middle aged chatty blokes. There were two beers from stillage, both from Ramsbury,Coronation IPA and Farmers Best, on the floor was a single barrel with a dispensing gizmo attached, this was Indigenous Baldrick, marked on rge beer board as being served under pressure, it was in fact a rather decent mild. This is a nice and very friendly micro serving decent beer and while I prefer a bit more of a choice on the beer front its certainly one of Newburys better venues.
On 12th May 2023
- rating: 7
[User has posted 1872 recommendations about 1845 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Blue Scrumpy left this review about Cow & Cask
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.
On 4th August 2020
- rating: 8
[User has posted 2452 recommendations about 2451 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Quinno _ left this review about Cow & Cask
A number of revisits in the interim. The C&C remains pretty much as it ever is. Ales are from stillage, so be aware that you may sometimes get that 'stillage quality' if the barrel has been hanging around for more than 48 hours – not bad, but decidedly on the flatter and warmer side, despite the cooling apparatus. That said, it’s a nice little place the owner is always willing to make visitors feel welcome. It fits a neat gap in the Newbury market and is worth a visit.
November 2015
The new micropub in town – and the first in Berkshire. Located off the beaten track in Inch’s Yard and takes a bit of finding (look for the A board). Being a micropub, it’s a small single room with just about enough seating for the members of Earth Wind & Fire plus a barman. Red and white walls, plus a glitzy multicoloured lino floor. Three local ales from stillage in exceptionally good nick on my two visits. Also two ciders in a box, as well CAMRA discount, 10p half, 20p pint. Some wine and Fentimans softies also available. Selection of board games and papers to peruse. No music or TV – conversation is king. Decent enough little place, though is probably not quite the goldmine it may have looked a year ago before the reinvention of the King Charles and Warwick’s arrival at the Catherine Wheel. But good luck to them, it’s a Newbury must-do. Rated 7.5
On 15th November 2018
- rating: 7
[User has posted 5089 recommendations about 5072 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Thuck Phat left this review about Cow & Cask
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.
On 4th August 2016
- rating: 7
[User has posted 679 recommendations about 678 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Bucking Fastard left this review about Cow & Cask
A good micro pub,with a drinking shelf by the door with four stools,two tables where you can fit around 12 at a squeeze and a small area for vertical drinking.The turnover was rapid on our Thursday evening visit and we soon got a seat.The chalkboard lists the options which seems to be 3 ciders and three ales on stillage which on my trip were Animal Manta Ray(a bit tired),Vale Brill Gold and Gadds Summers Day (very good nick).Although pints are £3.40 there's a 20p CAMRA discount .
Although the beer condition was mixed on our trip,I would certainly pop back when next in Newbury to see whats on,the ale choice will rotate constantly.It would have been nice to see an ale with a higher ABV,as the choice on my trip was quite samey.A good addtion to the Newbury real ale scene.
On 15th July 2016
- rating: 7
[User has posted 2727 recommendations about 2727 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Moby Duck left this review about Cow & Cask
Unfortunately closed on Sundays which was a bit of a bummer, looks like its the best beer place in town.
On 5th June 2016
- no rating submitted
[User has posted 1872 recommendations about 1845 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Old Boots left this review about Cow & Cask
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.
On 22nd April 2016
- no rating submitted
[User has posted 3269 recommendations about 2978 pubs]