The story
The Bottle & Glass Inn, located just outside Reading, serves as a destination for classic British cooking inside a distinctive 17th-century thatched pub near Binfield Heath. The Good Food Guide praises the venue for its strong neighbourhood roots and robust menu, which celebrates local ingredients sourced from the surrounding countryside. Owners the Phillimore Estate restored the building in 2017, keeping the original character intact while upgrading the facilities for today's diners.
Inside the original structure, two distinct bars serve different crowds, with one focused on real ale and the other featuring a wood-burner, exposed beams, plus Chesterfield sofas. A sensitive rear extension adds two new dining rooms equipped with wooden flooring and modern art displayed against white walls. During warmer months, the extensive grounds provide additional venues, including a corrugated-iron burger barn for pizza service and a tipi tent for relaxed dining.
Central to the menu is British fare that frequently draws meat directly from the Phillimore Estate. Diners often encounter fallow deer stew topped with a pastry lid, served alongside braised red cabbage and simple sides of mash and kale. Other notable plates include a ham hock goulash enriched with potato chunks, smoked mackerel pâté paired with home-baked soda bread, and a roast skate wing accompanied by a rich Jerusalem artichoke velouté. Sweet finishes favour the apple strudel, prepared with light pastry, cinnamon, and vanilla ice cream.
An impressive wine list fills the shelves of the elegant dining room, offering pairings for the robust kitchen output. Value-focused set menus introduce guests to house wines alongside multi-choice courses, such as a three-course fixed-price option. Seasonal events occasionally broaden the palate, with past gatherings showcasing Argentinian wines and open-fire specials like short ribs. Consistent service ensures these selections and dishes arrive promptly throughout the meal.
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