Bracknell and Wokingham: Ten top rated pubs in the area 2019

Now that winter is finally here, we recommend trying out these pubs in across Bracknell, Wokingham, and the surrounding areas to help you keep warm in these coming chilly months.

These are among the top ten pubs in those areas as rated by customers on TripAdvisor;

FOOD HYGIENE RATINGS: What do the numbers mean?

Rating of 0 means that urgent improvement is necessary.

Rating of 1 means that major improvements are necessary.

Rating of 2 means that improvements are necessary.

Rating of 3 means that the business was found to be generally satisfactory.

Rating of 4 means that the business was rated as good on assessment.

Rating of 5 means that the business was seen as very good.

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Thatched Tavern, Cheapside Road, Ascot

This pub scored a four for food hygiene ratings on September 26.

For punters looking for a spot to sit in the sunshine in the summer, or to stay warm in the chilly winter, this "hidden gem" of a pub is highly recommended.

It features a beer garden and patio, an 'extensive' wine list, crafted ales, and all under its proud thatched roof.

This dog-friendly pub, rated by TripAdvisor as number one bar in Ascot, is best described by this TripAdvisor comment, which states: "I am a habitual diner across all price points, and always searching for places that hit the spot - this does.

"The Thatched Tavern is a warm and welcoming pub with a cosy feel and superior food. Too many places have either the environment, or quality food, but rarely both.

"However, there is real talent in the kitchen here, and a sensible menu both in terms of its construction and price."

It added: "Apart from the usual type pub dishes, which are all well executed, there are a few surprises, which allow the chef to showcase what he can do.

"The Sunday roasts are also worthy of note. Only minor criticism is with the beautifully cooked chicken.

"It comes with Yorkshire, but no stuffing or pig in blanket (either would do to enhance the chicken). But that really is nit-picking."

The customer was also impressed with the 'exceptional staff', adding: "I am fast becoming a regular, despite it being some way from where I live. So all in all, well done to all concerned."

The Golden Retriever, Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell

This pub was scored a four for food hygiene rating on December 11, 2018.

The Golden Retriever in Nine Mile Ride spent its past life as a dog kennel.

Now, it has been perfectly redesigned into a spot for food and even received the Certificate of Excellence Award in 2018.

It is highly rated on TripAdvisor, and one person left a comment about their experience saying: "Met up with old friends for a late lunch. Good atmosphere and staff very friendly. Good menu with plenty of choice.

"Had the Tempura prawns for starter. Had the dual lamb for main and really enjoyed it. Slices of lamb along with shepherds pie.

"Really thought I wasn't going to finish it but was so nice I didn't want to leave any. Will certainly return."

The Cricketers, Cricketers Lane, Warfield

This pub scored five for food hygiene ratings on January 19.

This family-friendly pub, tucked away in rural Warfield, has an impressive interior, mixing quaint with modern styles, creating a relaxed yet engaging, spacious setting.

Again among the top rated on TripAdvisor, one person said: "Took mum there for a meal. Lovely, lovely food, and good value for money.

"The burger and flat iron chicken was exceptional! We also had the whitebait, squid and pork belly cubes to share as a starter for all four of us.

"More than enough as a starter for us all. Service was great and very attentive and helpful.

"The service was very good and we didn’t feel rushed or under pressure to rush our food. Then place itself looks lovely and is well maintained.

"Would I go back? 100per cent most definitely there are quite a few things still to try on the menu."

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The Bull Bracknell, High Street

This pub was rated five for its food hygiene ratings on December 15, 2017.

The Bull, set just outside of the Lexicon shopping centre, is a pub you can feel comfortable to try out for the first time as its location means staff are used to new customers.

The food is hearty and traditional, as well as serving breakfast, sandwiches and buffets at different times.

If you fancy something a bit different for the evening there is also the weekly 'Quiz Night' hosted every Wednesday.

One TripAdvisor review said: "Just had my birthday party with 50+ friends and live music at The Bull. It was a fantastic night at a great venue.

"The staff really made us feel welcome. They were very professional and friendly. Food and drinks were great and at reasonable prices. All guests loved it."

The Shepherds House, Moss End, Warfield

This pub was rated a five for its food hygiene safety on October 19.

The Shepherds House, just off of the Maidenhead Road, the pub is set "gorgeous rolling green countryside", and describe themselves as the ideal place for a romantic dinner.

It features a smoking hot furnace and a heated patio.

One TripAdvisor comment recommended the pub, saying: "I have been here a few times as I work nearby. We had a couple of drinks and ordered food.

The meals were very good as was the service. The deserts took a while as they seemed to forget us for a while but all was repaired by the enjoyable crumble and custard dish.

"The toilets and parking were good. No doubt I will be using the Shepherd's House again.

"Mobile phone signals may be poor as the restaurant is in a dip below the surrounding ground level."

WOKINGHAM

The Dog and Duck, Matthewsgreen Road

This pub scored a five for food hygiene ratings on August 8.

The Dog and Duck, based just out of the way of the main road between Reading and Wokingham, is clearly proud of its heritage.

The pub underwent a massive make-over in 2017, with the redesign displaying the pubs more traditional features, with exposed red-brick walls, natural oak beams, parquet flooring and more.

One reviewer left this to say about the pub, stating on TripAdvisor: "The Dog & Duck is a pub with two personalities.

"The public bar has a lively atmosphere with a local regular customer base that comes back time and time again. The other end of the pub is nicely decorated and quiet for dining.

"There is also a large and well maintained patio and garden for outside eating when the sun shines.

"It brilliant to see a landlord listen to customers and at the Dog & Duck the landlord has listened to feedback from regular customers and has has started to compliment the standard Brakespear cask ale with some very tasty session ales.

"These will undoubtedly be popular with real beer drinkers and the initiative greatly expands the pub's appeal beyond those drinking just lager."

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The Ship Inn, Peach Street

The Ship Inn scored a five on its food hygiene inspection on July 31.

This pub, placed on the corner of Wokingham town centre, won TripAdvisor's Certificate of Excellence Awards in 2018, hosting a cosy environment with friendly staff.

The pub has been described on TripAdvisor as the best pub in town, a review said: "To start with, I love this pub and come here quite frequently, generally to watch sport and for the great Ales.

"I’ve eaten here before and it’s always been nice. I ate here the last two nights whilst watching the football and although the results may have not gone my way, what made up for it was the food.

"The presentation and succulence of the food were just mouth watering. To me, it's the best pub in town."

The Crispin, Denmark Street

This pub was last rated a five on its food hygiene inspection on December 15, 2016. The pub has since stopped serving food.

The Crispin, operating in a 15th Century building, is best described by this TripAdvisor comment: "Thank heavens, a genuine pub serving great beer in an ambiance of comfortable acceptance of what it does well.

"It has cozy corners, comfortable seats, no bright lights etc. I called in for a pint and was directed up the road to Aroma for a sandwich but I was allowed to bring it in.

"As for the staff, nothing was too much hassle. This pub is a real throwback to a pub that serves beers and allows their customers to be comfortable, with no hassle or hard sell. A rare jewel."

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Hope and Anchor, Station Road

This pub was rated a five on its food hygiene inspection on March 27.

The Hope and Anchor, according to its own website, says the wooden features that are apart of the building were 'constructed from former ship’s timber', which could explain 'Ted the ghost', who is a permanent resident apparently.

The pub also features three en-suite letting rooms for those interested in staying for a while.

One TripAdvisor comment said this of the pub: "At the corner of Shute End and Station Road, a lovely little proper pub run by the wonderful Hattie and her staff.

"Well kept beer and a great sheltered garden, a piano, darts, bar billiards and a few armchairs. Become a regular and I might buy you a pint."