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4.5

Based on 193 opinions finded in 1 websites

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Nº 94 in 477 in West Berkshire

Nº 18 of 81 Other cuisines in West Berkshire

CUSTOMERS TALK ABOUT DISHES WITH..puddingcookedpizzagarlicsteakroastoldladysaladfish
Score
OpinionsNoteTripAdvisor1934.5

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Lovely bar staff but we'd booked for food (and received a confirmation email, although the pub didn't) & was told they hadn't had a chef for 3 months! So go for a drink or the beer garden but no food available, despite numerous mentions online.

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Nomad49395446587 . 2024-10-26

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Can’t fault this pub…. Friendly staff members they can’t do enough for you. Spent Saturday eating and drinking far too much luckily didn’t have a hanger over on Sunday morning. The Thai food was lovely worth the wait. Our waitress was lovely also she couldn’t do enough. Attention to customer service detail was out of this world will be going again once I book our next visit they should offer bed and breakfast they would be excellent at the thanks. Lost count of how many drinks we had. P and J x

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Englishbull39 . 2024-05-06

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The blue ball is a very nice place with a nice atmosphere and has very friendly staff the drinks are fresh and the food is delicious. You can even have a good game of pool with friends and family 🎱🍺

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Aaron L . 2024-04-19

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Nice friendly atmosphere and the pizzas were delicious and I am not a pizza lover - nice beer garden recently renovated /upgraded

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Karen M . 2023-10-17

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A lovely friendly village pub, gardens abd restaurant...... The Stone baked pizza's were huge, tasty and a lot of variety....... The restaurant is a little tired, needs a de cobweb around the windows etc.... its very dark...... Cannot fault the lady serving and cooking and running the bar, she was lively....

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Sharon M . 2023-06-04

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Not a great experience. First off no ice or lemon for the drinks! Ordered food, they managed to add an extra pizza in which we were happy to take away.... that was before out food arrived! Meat feast was ok but there was no bacon, Mariana pizza's were a disaster, no olives, they'd run out but didn't mention when we ordered, sparce on the spinach, garlic overload on one and no garlic on the other also very salty, neither of us managed to eat more than a quarter! Carprascio came with no egg or artichoke they's run out of those as well. They did refund one of the Mariana pizza's but on the whole it was a bit like a visit to Fawlty Towers!

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Micsha0623 . 2023-05-14

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The service was very poor. A 40 minute wait for 2 pizzas and we saw no food delivered to anyone else in that 40 minutes. Someone from a nearby table came and asked us how long we'd been waiting - he was also amazed at the slow service. The pizzas came with nothing - no napkins, cutlery or condiments; just a pizza on a board. Mine was lukewarm. The topping was good, base was stodgy - a real chewy mouthful. We went there because our previous experience there had impressed us. Sadly it appears to have gone downhill. There were very few people in - unusual on a sunny day on a bank holiday weekend. We won't be back.

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Don R . 2023-04-30

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Turned up and it was barely open, stunk of bleach, ordered wine, but the bottom of an old bottle tasted like vinegar, they changed it but it didn’t help that much. Then we ordered nachos, it was covered in what did not taste or look like cheese. It was so so terrible, worse thing ever, even the tortilla chips were stale.

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Nsuzannel . 2023-03-25

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Me and the hubby stopped here for pizza and it was delicious - they also have gluten free pizza, which is also delicious! We'll definitely be back!

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S9903VRkarenr . 2023-02-12

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Presentation excellent. Cathy and James made us feel welcome, and treated us very well. The pizza is to die for, I mean it.

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Passport42103785927 . 2022-12-20

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Visited the bluebell Friday night and what can I say, it’s an amazing local family friendly pub. Staff are very welcoming. The pub was warm and food was amazing! Especially the pizzas! Will definitely return!!!

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Tomjones2789 . 2022-11-20

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We’d been up to Kintbury for a canal boat trip and heard a recommendation for the Blue Ball so thought we’d try it. On arrival we had a warm welcome from the landlord and landlady. Nothing was too much trouble, a small menu but our choices , arrived and we weren’t disappointed. Lovely little village pub which takes you back to how a pub should be, would recommend if you are in Kintbury looking for lunch.

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Pompeyalbie . 2022-08-30

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I was with a party of 13 who needed a quick, simple and light lunch recently. I phoned the day before and spoke to Lisa, who was very friendly and helpful. We booked in the day before and she shared the sandwich/ jacket potato fillings she could do. I text over our order and it was all ready and waiting for us. Lisa took over the pub four months ago, and her team are steadily making this pub into a lovely village location! Thanks for a nice lunch and I have made sure that I passed on the feedback to our larger group so that others utilise the pub when we are in the area next year.

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Steph R . 2022-08-29

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tomato sauce tasted weird, not cooked properly and cheese looks weird. forgot one of our pizzas......

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mayd590 . 2022-07-26

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We visited the Blue Ball whilst staying in Kingsbury. Lovely landlady and landlord very welcoming. Well worth a visit.

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I2694OBdenises . 2022-07-09

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We'd booked a table for lunchtime on a Saturday,as this pub had good reviews,and was in a good location for a meet up with family. We arrived half an hour early,and went inside to get a drink .The barman was welcoming....but the problem started when we said we'd booked a table ; it seemed fairly obvious that no food was being served as no tables were laid up,and there was no sign of any kitchen action. On checking the booking diary,we were actually booked in ...but the landlady said the kitchen was out of action ;she said she could probably rustle us up scampi &chips or something similar,if we wanted to wait,but that wasn't quite what we had in mind. So we drank the drinks we'd ordered,and fortunately we'd passed a pub next to the canal which I phoned and they were able to fit us in at the last minute. We did get a vague sort of apology,but we said it would have been appreciated if someone could have phoned us to let us know that no food was available. Moral of the tale....if you're going to The Blue Ball for a meal,ring to check that food is actually being served on the day you've booked!

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JSA_11 . 2022-06-25

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Very friendly landlady and her family. Lovely Sunday lunch. Good value and very tasty. Thank you very much. The narrow boat crew.

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Alicebat . 2022-05-22

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Great local pub to visit from the canal. Friendly staff and locals. Excellent pizza. Good beer. Will come back on our return.

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Pete C . 2022-05-05

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We popped in on our annual holiday through Kintbury on our narrow boat as it’s close to the canal and had been there a few times before. It’s now under new management and we were not disappointed. There was a lovely friendly atmosphere and the staff could not have been more obliging. Lovely food and great prices and service. They also allow dogs in which is lovely. Would highly recommend.

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lynnpelymi36 . 2022-05-05

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Great pub nice food new owners very accommodating.will definitely be visiting again the only thing I could say is a better selection of wines and more food choices but as they are new I guess this will come in time

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markangell . 2022-04-10

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We had been here a few weeks before and enjoyed the food and service here so decided to try it again. We where no disappointed as yet again the food and staff where excellent. We ate here 3 evening in a row and every meal was a delight. Alfie and Eliot looked after us so well really enjoyed the quiz even though we lost but look forward to coming back to a great place again in the summer.

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briandD1316IK . 2021-11-20

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Excellent food, great pints, fun, welcoming and amazing landlady, landlord and staff. The Blue Ball is one of those places you come to time and time again, and recommend to friends and family, from a cosy romantic dinner date to a family get-together. If you want great food (personal favourites include the squid, and the handmade pizzas cooked in the pizza oven!), great drinks, and to feel like you’re part of the family and a true local, this is the place to come!

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alijwalker . 2021-10-15

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I booked a family meal and this was a birthday celebration, I asked for a wine menu and was advised they don’t need one it’s all in my head! We proceed with ordering a bottle of dry white, and other drinks. The waitress brought the wine over with a variety of non wine glasses, I asked if we could have wine glasses and her attitude was just awful - was told no as they had a party of 50 arriving later and needed the wine glasses for them, I stated that we had also booked and I like to drink my wine from a wine glass, I was advised this was not her problem I therefore asked to speak with the manager. The other drinks were brought to the table by this waitress and plonked at one end not even given to the people that ordered them! Again I asked when will the manager be available and was advised when he is ready. ( the attitude was really not required). Any way the manger came over and advised that once wine glasses became available he would wash etc.. and bring over I told him that I was not happy with the service and attitude and therefore would make a decision on if we would be staying to eat, he responded with ‘oh well that’s your choice’.. I could only see the situation getting worse so decided we would be best not staying. On leaving the manager & waitress were talking about us to customers sat around the bar, not very professional, I am a local person & certainly will not be recommending this place for food or drink. (You may wonder how we knew they were talking about us, my daughter is proudly Deaf and could lip read)

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coxym1 . 2021-10-10

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We spent a few nights in Kintbury and found the Blue Ball so welcoming. The food was excellent on both nights we ate their and the staff Tasha and Keely looked after us so well not forgetting the chef who seemed eager to please all the people who came in with different requests. The prices where much more reasonable then the other pub in the village and we will be back soon. Thx all in the Blue Ball

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briandD1316IK . 2021-10-08

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My wife described her takeaway pizza last night as "the best ever". Well done Blue Ball Kintbury. Happy life is a happy wife.

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pgwalsh007 . 2021-10-03

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I'm glad to inform anyone reading these reviews that the blue ball is under new ownership! The place is lovely and clean, the staff are incredibly welcoming and food is delicious!Really transformed this local pub and created a lovely atmosphere; with fantastic quiz nights to help the locals bond and always a great experience all round! Thank you Elliott, Tash and all the team!

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Isobelle C . 2021-09-28

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Love coming here. The welcome you receive is so genuine. Such a dog friendly pub. Love the food. The staff are fantastic. If my dog had the chance he would be over every night!

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66katiev . 2021-09-09

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This place has been utterly transformed in the past 18 months! It is now the best pub in the village. Friendly, flexible, accommodating - and good food too! Feel so lucky to have this on our doorstep. Elliot and all the staff couldn't be more welcoming. Its so inclusive and warm…..

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Bluebee1958 . 2021-08-29

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Excellent lunch at the Blue Ball after a long walk in the lovely surrounding countryside. Fantastic pizzas and great friendly hosts.

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beeroverhere . 2021-08-28

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Almost nothing available from the menu which was pointed out by the very friendly and helpful waitressWe had hoped for steak but no, we ordered burgers, pies and the Mississippi chicken insteadAll arrived over cooked and looking like sorry apologies for the expected home cooked delicious dishes. No salad in the burgers, frozen over cooked chips - nothing remotely home cooked at all and rather measly portions to boot So we ate what we had and unsurprisingly did not venture to the puddings menu. The other thing that bothered us was the front of house gentleman who constantly badgered us to have more drinks especially shots and it should have been patiently obvious that as a family group once we had declined a round of shots on top of already ordered drinks, that we didn’t want any, but he persisted to the point of annoyance Great location and great garden but please you need to sort your pub out and get the food right, the potential is there, don’t spoil it

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Bongo12345678 . 2021-08-21

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What a pub! The owners are the warmest people and the bar staff were friendly and welcoming. Then the food, I had planned to savour the burger but it was so good I couldn't stop eating it. Patty cooked to perfection, perfectly crispy bacon and the relish was delicious. The chips were cooked to perfection as were the onion rings. This is the epitomy of your village local, couldn't recommend more!

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A2565ZVnickj . 2021-08-21

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Beautiful village pub in Kintbury recently opened with new management. All I can say is this pub is amazing. The landlords Tash and Elliot are genuinely the absolute best people you could ever want to be your barlady/barman! The food is amazing with a super current but also cosy, warming menu; they are facing the worst possible times in terms of CoVid and Brexit but somehow they seem to WOW us every time we’re here with supply, variation, menu and atmosphere and we can’t stop ourselves from coming back! If you’re ever in Kintbury or the surrounding area, please go to the Blue Ball!!! Oh and also - the squid is AMAZING!!

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alijwalker . 2021-08-21

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Had a really good lunch here. My husband says the beefburger was the best he has tasted in years and my veggie burger was also excellent. The staff were super friendly and the service great. Well worth popping in. It's under relatively recent new management and the team are clearly giving it their all.

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Jasmine100 . 2021-08-08

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I get due to the pandemic they only had one substitute chef. On arrival the waiting staff were fantastic. At the beginning they said the local pies were off menu. By the time order (20 mins later) half the menu was off - therefore orders only came for burgers, pizza and Mississippi chicken. We ordered some nibbles first.The olives fizzed in the oil and were past due.The burger patties were not done, the pizzas over salted and the chicken (mentioned above) was dubious. Chips were over cooked in what must have been old oil.A few upset stomachs later - we won’t be rushing back there - but the staff were absolutely brilliant!Sort out the kitchen!

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AliandVince . 2021-07-31

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Been coming here several times a year (lockdowns permitting) for many a year, always been a proper village pub, the one used by the locals, finally making more use of the beer garden. Good food, especially the pizzas. Most recent visit was in a large group, some of whom clearly haven't been out for a while, & we were probably showed more patience than we deserved. Staff were efficient & patient. If you're out walking along the canal path, and time permits, go the extra (half) mile and make a visit.

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davemarsh1759 . 2021-07-25

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We went to watch the football and eat here and found the service and food excellent. We and some friends are returning on Saturday, 31/7/21 for lunch

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shawej . 2021-07-16

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Superb hospitality! The new owners and staff are fantastic and incredibly patient especially during such testing government restrictions. We had a large party of 16 with kids who were very entertained with the excellent climbing frame and large garden. The food was incredible as always too! Special thanks to Beth for looking after us so well!

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Happiness59391731852 . 2021-06-05

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Hidden Gem in Kintbury. Really worth a visit the food is great and the staff so lovely. Dog friendly and great menu

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Bainage . 2021-05-31

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Staying close by we came here for dinner one evening just before 5. Owing to Covid restrictions we had to sit in the garden but luckily the sun was out and not a cloud in the sky. We had whitebait and nachos for our two starters followed by Sicilian Pizza and Vegan burger with chips. All washed down with 3 pints of lager and 3 brandy and cokes. All were delicious. The landlady introduced herself to us and stopped for a chat. The service was second to none. A lovely young lady called Keely was serving us, she was very attentive, helpful and so sweet. We had a great time and only left because it was getting a bit chilly. Great pub, nice staff and friendly locals. If I am in the area again I will be coming back Happy days.

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A4524CJmarkk . 2021-04-25

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Sadly the menu had been impacted by the pandemic. We couldn't eat inside, and had to sit in the garden. Pity we didn't know that they will deliver, which would have been perfect for us.Ribs were tasty, and the whole staff were excellent. Alfie, the young man in the kitchen (he even looks like Jude Law!) is particularly worth a mention as he produced a delicious desert by magic.Other than the rain, everything was perfect.

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Lynda W . 2020-08-26

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The kind of village pub that offers a welcome to all, food is reliably good. Price on the high side of average for the area.

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SteveFromReading1 . 2020-05-29

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Just had a lovely blue cheese pizza and chips delivered.What a great idea guys...and so welcome in these difficult times.Arrived on time by a smiley lad Alfie ..well done for serving the locals in kintbury and inkpen ....Keep up the good work and stay safe

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Angel01Berkshire . 2020-03-28

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absolutely wonderful, friendly and chatty staff lovely food, beautiful roaring fires, great lunch will recommend wholeheartedly.

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robgC8348NF . 2019-12-14

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My wife is coeliac and also vegetarian. We stayed one night in a local Airbnb, got to pub just in time for last food orders. Chef was very accommodating and cooked a very light battered fish with chips. Very tasty, best gluten free batter! Thank you also for the milk for our tea in the morning.

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Cltrounson . 2019-09-27

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Called ahead before visiting as we live locally but we have 3 vegans in the group and its kinder to be fair and ask ahead. Spoke with a lady and asked if there were any vegan options on the menu. I was told no, which suprised me as its 2019 and veganism is now incredibly popular (given the planets about to give up on us). Asked if something simple could be provided ... and i was told "oh no that would be very difficult for us" ill be honest... i struggled to understand this... i am no chef, im actually a pretty crap cook and yet manage to feed myself every day. Some veg and potatoes... a salad with roasted veg. I really dont think is that difficult. I can only assume they dont need the custom of the environmentaly aware.

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Aimee G . 2019-09-22

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Moored up by Kintbury lock and wandered into town. Found this lovely country pub. Staff very welcoming, food absolutely amazing. I can genuinely say this is the best rump steak meal I have ever had. Steak was cooked to perfection and the accompaniments were piping hot, mushrooms, grilled tomatoes and chips with a lovely side salad. Steak was huge so the planned pudding was suspended for another day. Will definitely come here again.

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Nicky176 . 2019-09-12

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Went to Kintbury to look at maybe purchasing a house in this lovely village, popped in The Blue Ball after the viewing to see what the local pubs were like, lovely lady served us, very friendly pub just how a local should be. Had a look at the food menu, had a great selection of food at very reasonable prices. Makes me want to move just so I'm able to use this lovely pub.....

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452micka . 2019-09-04

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We visited on a Thursday when it was steak night. Generous portions and tasty. Excellent value for money and customer service.

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AnnekaVirginiaWater . 2019-08-18

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Second time on the canal and return especially for the pizzas. Greatly disappointed with quality, now seems to use supermarket reformed as toppings. (Real garlic butter for the garlic bread is easy and cheap to make, powdered garlic/parsley does not work). Won’t bother in the future. Son enjoyed his steak thought. in side does have a great atmosphere and staff is good.

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andys288888 . 2019-08-09

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Visited Blue Ball with my family, was brilliant service, great food with amazing portion sizes for money. Will definitely return in the future.

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DylanStevens1993 . 2019-07-30

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Went to a friends child's christening yesterday and I really feel for them for what they paid they were really ripped off. There was hardly any food for there guests and they had a major wasp problem which was a serious problem with so many children around. I think you should give them some money back!

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JOHNJACKSON12 . 2019-07-29

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The good reviews on TA encouraged us to book for Sunday lunch. But, not only were we surprised by the incredibly slow service upon arrival, we were also disappointed that the prices on the Sunday menu bore little resemblance to the menu on their web page. On the website, we were told, 3 courses for Sunday lunch would cost £12.95, but upon arriving, it transpired that this was the price just for a main course!!!!! Starters were. IIRC, £5.50 on top. Having booked a table for a 1pm meal, at 1:45 I found myself going to the bar to ask if we had to come to the bar to order our food.... At this point I was told someone would come to serve us. They did, a few minutes later. But, overall, it was an incredibly poor and slow service. For a pub where the staff's uniform boasted about their expertise in ales, it was weird that when my Dad asked what was on offer he was told that the only 3 options were lager....He even double checked, before being told that these were the only options. The food, when it arrived, was way too large in portion and rather basic indeed. For example, the bacon & black pudding tower was (along with salad leaves) simply 2 rashers of bacon interspersed with 2 slices of black pudding. The attempt at gravy for the roasts probably owed far too much to Bisto or OXO rather than the homemade that the menu boasted. Added to that, how they could charge what they did for the veggie pasta felt nothing short of criminal. We concluded that the ingredients cost less than £1 a serving. We're due back in Kintbury very soon, but nothing would persuade us to return.

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FMF22 . 2019-07-28

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Today we had our second daughters christening party here and once again it was amazing just like the first christening party we had here. Food was amazing and we also had extra pizza cooked for us. Stuart the owner and his team are always so welcoming and work extremely hard to make us happy, which they always do.I highly recommend.

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KatieHanson1 . 2019-07-28

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Celebrated a christening here and what a great occasion it was the room was clean, and tidy the food was amazing and plenty for everyone. There, was great service by the staff no request was too much really helpful and friendly and always to hand to help. Thankyou very much

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Dieterhanson . 2019-07-28

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We called into this old village pub the other night and the place was a frenzy of activity and pandamonium - there was a children's party in the gardens, a retirement party in the lounge bar plus all the locals - used glasses kept piling up on the bar top until there was no space to serve drinks - the young barmaid struggled to keep up on her own, and did'nt seem to know what a sleever glass was when I ordered a pint of real ale, initially serving the ale in a lager glass ! Only one real ale on (Doombar) and it wasn't great.

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rotiel321 . 2019-07-27

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Have just spent a lovely late afternoon early evening with the family, sitting in The Blue Ball drinking beer, eating pizza's and burgers, and watch my boys play.

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andrewnX1419ED . 2019-06-29

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we’re from the US and we came here and loved it! such good pizza, beer, and service. lovely outdoor sitting area, we would really recommend the salami pizza

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mallorymatheny . 2019-06-22

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My Pal and I attended steak night on Thursday and enjoyed a great meal and very reasonably priced. The plates could have been a bit bigger to accommodate the size of the lovely rump steak.

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silverrayfox . 2019-06-15

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Excellent staff, friendly, welcoming, charming. Possibly the best pizza I've ever had, made with care and precision even when we ordered several at once. Great atmosphere, history, local feel. Great place for a beer and a meal or several of each.

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Bastobann . 2019-06-13

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This is a lovely local pub serving yummy wood fired pizzas! The staff were also very accommodating and friendly, I would recommend!

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KatherineM1856 . 2019-06-01

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We went into the Blue Ball for the Tuesday curry night after visiting Monday evening. The food was excellent, the staff were very friendly, nothing was to much trouble for them and when asked if they could change the starters they were more than happy to oblige. One of the best dog friendly pubs we have visited. Thank you and top marks to you all from Devon the dachshund and family.

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Chris B . 2019-03-06

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Read the reviews for this pub, and as we live locally thought we would give it a try.

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devaney2 . 2019-03-05

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Our monthly lunch meet up with family (4 adults) found us at The Blue Ball a small but comfortable pub in Kintbury.

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B3267TJalanc . 2019-02-25

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Wandering round Kintbury and stopped for a drink and sandwich. Had brie and bacon and ham and cheese ciabatta. They made them for us as we didn't want anything from the main menu. Came with a side of fries and salad garnish. Excelkent value for money.

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Sue1454 . 2019-02-23

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We ordered the roast beef, which was a little gristly. Roast potatoes were small and overcooked (and only 3 of them). Other veg was fine. Gravy was tasty. Horse Radish sauce was plentiful (too much really. One small jug would have been plenty for all 4 of us, but we had one each). Sticky toffee pudding was burnt on the bottom, which made the taste a little bitter. This could easily have been cut off before serving. The pudding also came with a small amount of custard. With a little more attention to detail, this could have been a very nice meal. On route to the loo you walk past a kitchen area, which was piled high with dirty dishes in the sink and on the counters. Very untidy and not something I really wanted to see. The loo was small and not the cleanest.

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Holidayheaven1017 . 2019-02-17

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Great pizzas had by us both Beer was great too Service was friendly and faultless Perfect Thoroughly recommend

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Pete S . 2019-02-17

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The owner and head chef seemed happy to create a dish for me that was vegan, and it was delicious!! He suggested some foods for my friend as well and she ended up having a pizza which looked very good. He is obviously passionate about food and was really friendly. Obviously couldn't do this all the time so that's the benefit of going on a quieter night! I go to Blue Ball often as live locally - love the cosy interior and reasonable prices for food and drink. In the summer it has a big garden and an outside woodfire pizza oven. I found out that did take away aswell!! Couldn't recommend more.

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769miah . 2018-12-14

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We met up for a Sunday walk with friends along the canal, followed by lunch at the Blue Ball. We hadn't been before but were encouraged by their dog-friendly attitude. We were made to feel very welcome and we enjoyed possibly the best home-cooked traditional pizzas I have ever tasted.

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HJEW . 2018-11-08

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The Blue Ball is certainly worth the walk up the hill from the canal. It is a first rate friendly local pub we're you are made to feel very welcome by the locals and landlord and staff. We decided to eat here as the menu looked very appealing. Wow the portions were ample and very tasty indeed. Proper food that is not over garnished and oozes with tastes and flavour. I can not stand fancy food that looks like something that is an art exhibit. The food here just looks good and is good. We was not rushed and was asked often if everything was OK. The next time we pass by on the canal, we will certainly call in again. Ignore the Dundas Arms and take the 5 min walk up the hill to The Blue Ball, I promise that you will not be disappointed.

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Lara M . 2018-10-27

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We have never been to this pub before. My husband had BBQ ribs, I ordered king prawns and garlic bread. Food is great! Service very good and friendly! An excellent chef !!!! Our congratulations and we wish you all the best !!!!

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justyna588 . 2018-10-06

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We visited the Blue Ball on two occasions whilst on our way to and from Cornwall . Each time the food , BBQ Ribs, Fish and Chips and Pizza was absolutely excellent . In fact my partner thought the Ribs were the best she had tasted and the Pizza was up there with Italy's finest ! Also worth mentioning that the proprietors provided an attentive and hands on service . Thoroughly recommended .

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PGL2610 . 2018-10-02

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Visited after lots of advice from fellow boaters - it's a hidden gem. Unfortunately they had run out of the rump steak which was what everyone said was good but we ordered fish and chips instead. The local drinkers were really nice when we went into the bar, making way for us to get to the bar and making conversation. The fish and chips was exceptional - and this is from a couple who originate from a fishing community! The little waitress was sweet and the landlord friendly, he was busy making pizza in the brick oven in the garden but found the time to come across and apologise that they had run out of the steak. We will go back again and again.

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lindaholmes51 . 2018-08-23

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We passed through Kintbury while on our canal holiday and decided to moor up for the evening. The canal side pub didn’t have a nice feeling about it so we took a short walk to the Blue Ball, and we were so pleased we did. There were 6 of us and nothing was too much trouble for the staff or the chef. There was plenty to choose from on the menus, the food was delicious, the prices were very reasonable, in fact the cheapest along the canal and we were made to feel really welcome. Thankyou Blue Ball, from the Plymouth family.

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wbillie . 2018-08-13

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Rainy day on the Kennet and Avon canal, but all that was worthwhile for best pizza we’ve had in ages.

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Andy s . 2018-07-29

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Locals village pub being run very well. Excellent welcome from the moment you walk trough the door. Good pub food and well kept beer. We visited on their Pizza night, they were turning out some really good food

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TravellingDSSM . 2018-07-21

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Stopped here with no reservation. Feels like a drinkers pub but without that awful silence that can happen when strangers enter a locals pub. Staff and locals were chatty and food was reasonably quick to arrive. Vegetarian options very limited but the woodfired pizza was a good choice. My husband had a burger which was served on paper on a board. Burger was tasty but the paper disintegrated and he kept chewing bits of it accidentally. Wouldcall in again if in the area.

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Chumbleyvan . 2018-06-18

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I had an enjoyable dinner with friends at The Blue Ball. The pizza that I had was delicious , and their meals were very good.

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Aston P . 2018-06-17

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My partner and I are staying in Kintbury for a christining, coming from Canada, we rely on word of mouth hugely. So glad our hosts suggested The Blue Ball pub!!! I had a venison burger to die for and my partner enjoyed a lovely Ploughmans lunch that was as big as the table. We enjoyed the atmosphere, food, people so much, we came back that evening for drinks with the owners. What a fantastic experience! HIGHLY recommended.

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jaxhodd88 . 2018-06-16

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On a recent visit to the area we (wife and friend and me)walked a few miles of the Kennet and Avon canal from Hungerford.On arrival at a pub on the towpath we were dissapointed to find it closed for some reason or other. This misfortune was remedied by remembering that some years ago we had been in Kintbury before and saw a pub in the village itself (which was closed at the time by some strange coincidence) we walked up the hill to find the Blue Ball and how welcome they made us,it was an absolute pleasure to be in the bar, friendly owners and locals made our lunch of Pizza with a lovely dish of chips on the side just perfect. The lady (owner ?) made us so comfortable we didnt want to leave. Thanks for the service we will see you again.

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Michael D . 2018-04-12

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Great place. Had a wonderful burger during the burger event. Even catered for me being a coeliac. Stuart, the owner couldn’t have been more accommodating.

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Pink1989 . 2018-04-02

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Just finished eating dinner here. Great pizza, great service. We were a little late due to our train being delayed but as soon as we walked in we were welcomed. The kitchen was about to close but they kept it open to feed us. Had a lovely chat with the owner too. Overall a really friendly pub with good food, a gem if ever there was one.

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Kirstyalx . 2018-03-27

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A very warm welcome, being strangers to this village and didn't bring the usual stigma. Nothing seemed to be a problem, they accommodated our request for cheesy chips without blinking an eye. Menu had good variety, we highly recommend the stone baked pizza. The food was amazing, we will be returning with the rest of the family as soon as we're able. Recommend to anyone who is looking for great food and a lovely atmosphere.

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Kate B . 2018-03-15

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We had an evening dinner here, it was excellent, the atmosphere was lovely and the staff welcoming. cosy local village pub

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alanh517 . 2018-02-19

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We visited as part of a canal boat holiday and although not the closest to the canal it was worth the effort to go here.

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Chris B . 2017-10-12

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Been there three times , wonderful food , as my son would say (banging) en Even if what you wanted was not on the menu he would cook it.

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henrykingsnorth . 2017-10-06

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We visited this inn whilst on a short canal break.

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harve9112015 . 2017-10-05

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Excellent customer service & very friendly relaxed atmosphere. First time in kintbury & I will definitely visit here again to try the food

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108robyna . 2017-10-01

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Booked a team meal with Stuart who offer room in the restaurant or in their private dining area.

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237brentb . 2017-09-28

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Having now been down this pub several times the food is very Good, the Pizza is just amazing and very very well worth a visit it is huge and tasty and oh look I am ordering another one lol

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Dave3872 . 2017-09-13

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Myself and 2 girlfriends visited the Blue Ball at the weekend. They were serving a Pizza and BBQ menu which had a variety of different choices. We sat in the garden and were able to watch our pizza and other food being cooked which is a lovely touch. The food was absolutely delicious and the presentation of our dishes just fantastic. I highly recommend The Blue Ball to anyone wanting first class food in a beautiful country pub settling. I cannot wait to sample more of their menu

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Aimee M . 2017-08-31

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What a lovely village and pub, they made us and our energetic puppy very welcome. She had a bowl of water and we had some wonderful food- you won't leave here hungry.

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202KarenG . 2017-08-27

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Very rainy Sunday night but warm and very friendly pub. Good beer. Best handmade burger in a very long time. Excellent.

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Goiridh . 2017-08-20

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We visited as a family. 2 adults and 1 child of 9. We parked in the car park at the back of the pub. The beer garden is huge. Loads of tables with umbrellas and a children's play area. There is also a pizza oven as well. We walked in to the bar and was greeted by the owner Stuart. He was very welcoming. One side of the bar was very busy but we were shown to the quieter bar where we ordered our drinks. The staff were very attentive and came by to check that everything was OK. We decided to eat there and the food was first class. My daughter had the garlic bread and a pepperoni pizza. She was very impressed. I had the amazing garlic chicken for main which was beautiful and strawberry shortcake for dessert which were both absolutely out of this world. My husband had the BBQ ribs. The ribs were bigger than the plate. He actually went as far to say that they were the best ribs he had ever had!! We could not fault the food what so ever. Very reasonably priced as well! The chef is very accommodating and will cook you whatever you want. The decor in the pub is very shabby chic which is lovely and the atmosphere is great. Very friendly and children are always welcome. Even the toilets are very nicely decorated and very clean. We will definitely be coming back again! 10/10.

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Stephanie C . 2017-08-13

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Just had an excellent drink. Very freindly licensees and brilliant professional service. I didn't eat here however the pub comes highly recommended by the locals.

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johngcave . 2017-08-06

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Found on TA while looking for somewhere central to a family get-together and booked for Sunday lunch for 8.

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Phil25 . 2017-07-24

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There is a good atmosphere in the Blue Ball. The staff are friendly and the beer is pretty good. It's not cordon bleu food . Just good pub grub in a congenial setting. In summer there is a large garden which is used for dog shows, pop bands etc. I'd like to see more people in there to make sure it stays open!

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Charles517 . 2017-07-12

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Had a couple of evening meals here, both good. Good selection of ales (served too cold, but it warms up). Excellent service. If you like classic cars and the landlord's not too busy, ask him about his Reiant Scimitar.

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PeterK8242 . 2017-06-27

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Best pizza in the area. Nice outside area with loads of space. Can't wait for Stuart to start making South African summer braai's.

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desfx17 . 2017-06-11

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Fantastic freshly cooked pizzas, better than any pizza "chain". Good choice of real ale which was excellently kept. I had Doom Bar

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wrightjw1 . 2017-06-11

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We were torn between the wood fired pizza and the Sunday roast... Sort of compromised with a garlic bread out of the oven, very very tasty, home made dough. The roast came with an outstanding range of vegetables, probably best we've had for a long time. Well worth a visit but bring an appetite!

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rob_mrg6 . 2017-06-11

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