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Waterside Inn, Ferry Road, Bray, Berkshire SL6 2AT

Waterside Inn, Ferry Road, Bray, Berkshire SL6 2AT

Ferry Road, Bray, Berkshire SL6 2AT

In the dark days before Britain discovered food, you would head into the countryside for a meal with all the enthusiasm of a Roman centurion venturing into Boudicca’s local for an afterwork pint. Dining options seemed limited to a clutch of dowdy restaurants and woodbine-scented pubs, all seemingly locked in an eternal battle to see who could get the most breadcrumbs onto the menu. It was not a good time to be a scampi.

By Philip de Semlyen at 06/05/2008 - 22:52 | 2008 | Approved | £££££/$$$$$ | Berkshire | French | Review | Views | add new comment | read more | 56 reads

Frankie and Benny, Unit 4, Shepherds Hill, Reading, RG6 1BB

Frankie and Benny, Unit 4, Shepherds Hill, Reading, RG6 1BB

Unit 4, Shepherds Hill, Reading, RG6 1BB

This restaurant has recently opened in a convenient location on the A4 heading out of Reading to the East. The restaurant has an inviting frontage and adequate parking. In line with this chain’s style, the restaurant is decked out to mimic a US diner, which is friendly and informal.

We ordered a starter of crispy chicken strips at £4.75. Thinking that the quantities would follow the US style also, we decided to share this one between two. Big mistake. The dish arrived after 20 minutes wait as 2 piece of reconstituted chicken in breadcrumbs on a bed of dead iceberg lettuce with a hint of some kind of mayonnaise dressing. The taste was poor and the presentation was well below ‘Little Chef’ level.

By aubreyn at 23/06/2007 - 14:42 | 2007 | Berkshire | Families | Mexican/North American | Rejected | Review | £££/$$$ | add new comment | read more | 238 reads

The Pot Kiln, Frilsham, Yattendon, Berkshire RG18 0XX

The Pot Kiln, Frilsham, Yattendon, Berkshire RG18 0XX

Frilsham, Yattendon, Berkshire, RG18 0XX

The Pot Kiln already has a lot to live up to. It has been featured on UK Food in Heaven's Kitchen, and chef/proprietor Mike Robinson is a 'celebrity chef', though celebrity cook would probably be a fairer description. Unfortunately, it fails on too many levels.

It's location is simply beautiful, views stretching over some of Berkshire's most beautiful rural views, spotted with rare breeds. It is also next door to the West Berkshire brewery, an independent and traditional brewer with beers that really need to be sampled, and the Pot Kiln has two or three permanently on tap (including their own exclusive brew). The bar area is small, but then again, Mr. Robinson is probably trying to do as little trade as possible for drinkers in order to increase revenue through food sales. The last thing any diner wants is a background fracas. However, the Pot Kiln is a pub, and we should not forget that.

By Nik Pure at 04/09/2006 - 15:20 | 2006 | Berkshire | Rejected | Review | Traditional | Views | ££££/$$$$ | 4 comments | read more | 1594 reads

Yellow River, Riverside Level, The Oracle, Reading, RG1 2AG


Riverside Level, The Oracle, Reading, RG1 2AG

Whilst looking pretty standard and not screaming out to you ‘This is a great place to eat!’, don’t be fooled! The restaurant is a little dimly lit but has a lot of character with oriental paintings and adverts adorning the walls, giving it a pleasant feel. The kitchen is in the restaurant, not hidden behind doors, so you can see that the food is freshly prepared, and the enticing aromas and occasional flames, ensure that you know that microwaves are NOT part of their style! The décor and surroundings however are unimportant, and it wouldn’t matter how the place was decorated.
By m at 09/03/2006 - 12:18 | 2004 | Approved | Berkshire | England | Other Asian | Review | UK | ££/$$ | add new comment | read more | 45 reads

Il Palio, 8 Maiden Lane Centre, Kilnsea Drive, Lower Earley, Reading, Berks, RG6 3HD


8 Maiden Lane Centre, Kilnsea Drive, Lower Earley, Reading, Berks, RG6 3HD

The décor is very subtle but evokes the warmth and familiarity of a small Italian restaurant in one of the better quarters of Milan or Florence. The masks on the wall by the kitchen and the prints add a touch of class and ‘Il Carnivale’. The staff are friendly and efficient, with the manager in particular having a very easy way with all the clientele. The menu has recently changed and includes more fish dishes. There is a very good selection of pastas which can be had either as a starter or main course, and a tempting selection of steaks and veal dishes. The pizza are large, filling and ‘top heavy’. The cooks certainly do not skimp on the ingredients. The quality of these can only be likened to those found in the non-tourist pizzeria of Italy and Istria. It may be better to order one between two unless you have a big appetite! My only complaint about the food would be that the exceedingly good insalata de la mama (artichoke hearts, peppers and parmesan shavings on a bed of crisp leaves) is no longer on the menu. However the side dishes are tasty and compliment the meats and fish very well. The wine list is not exhaustive and has a fine selection of both reds and whites that range across the spectrums of taste, body and price. The dessert menu has not changed and includes such favourites as tiramisu, sorbets and ice-creams, and crème brulee. A good range of liqueurs and spirits are stocked to finish your meal with a select range of the better whiskeys.

By m at 09/03/2006 - 12:18 | 2004 | Approved | Berkshire | Country | England | Italian | Review | UK | ££/$$ | add new comment | read more | 160 reads

Ma Potters, The Oracle Centre, Reading, Berkshire. RG1 2AG


The Oracle Centre, Reading, Berkshire. RG1 2AG

A shopping trip to Reading provided the opportunity to meet up with a good friend for lunch. Not being a 'local' I bowed to superior knowledge and was guided to Ma Potters in the Oracle shopping centre. This restaurant sits adjoining the terrace area at the rear of the centre alongside the Kennet and in fine weather has tables outside. It was a tad blowey in November so we opted for a table inside. It was 1pm and the restaurant was packed but we were shown to a tabel within a couple of minutes and I ordered a glass of Chardonnay whilst L opted for a frozen Margharita. A few minutes later the very friendly waitress took our order for food. I went for the char grilled chicken in pasta with herbs whilst L went for the vegetarian combo and we went for a side order of mediteranean veg. The drinks arrived followed by the food a few minutes later. Large portions, well presented and as hot as hot could be temperature wise. The chicken was well grilled and the pasta was tender. L commenetd that her combo was great and we ordered a mineral water for L and I went for a strawberry milkshake. It wasn't the best milkshake I'd ever had but was very acceptable. Having polished off the main course we agreed to share a toffee sundae surprise which was truly yummy although I have to admit I did eat most of it (Ahem!). Then came the bill. Just under £30 for both of us including the drinks which was spot on what I would have expected.

By m at 09/03/2006 - 12:18 | 2002 | Approved | Berkshire | England | Review | UK | ££/$$ | add new comment | read more | 38 reads
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