The Craven Arms in West Berkshire

Absolutely fantastic for a wedding reception. We had our wedding reception here in Sept 2024 and we had a brilliant day. The staff, food and venue is brilliant. Kinga, the manager was so helpful all through the planning phase and I couldn't have asked for more. If you are looking for a family friendly, relaxed wedding venue in the Berkshire countryside - you can't do do better.

First time visiting. Old traditional pub which I like. Food, service and friendly staff all excellent. Will certainly be back. Also got large teepee tent for parties/functions. Definitely worth visit.

Lovely place for a wedding event & food really good.

Always have a nice meal here and staff are all very friendly. Has a great kids play area so popular as a family meetup as safe and keeps them entertained.

Simply the best place to drink and eat near Newbury. Clive and Kinga run a brilliant place. Staff are incredible, especially Holly. We love the place x

What an absolute Gem!! Brilliant from start to Finnish. Service top notch (Holly and Clive especially) The location is stunning! Well looked after, can see the passion and care that goes into this place. Food very presentable and tasty, great prices for the amenities, service and quality. New to the area, so far no other pub comes close. Thankyou!!

Extremely Friendly atmosphere and the Garden is GREAT for kids of all ages. The IPA Beer was excellent but the range of wines on offer a bit limited and while Most of the food we had - as a party of 6 - was considered to be excellent it was let down slightly by the salads which ,though certainly fresh, we’re just a bit bland. The calamari and prawns were Top Draw. And the Steak Pie was Excellent too - so combined with the great atmosphere and the more than helpful staff the overall experience was excellent.

Great Pub great people great food

Good beer (a well kept pint of 6x went down a treat!), decent food and good service. It's a nice little country pub.

Gorgeous Sunday lunch You must book though as its a popular place to eat. Room to eat outside so dogs are welcomed. Kids play area, parking. There's nothing not to like

Great Dog friendly pub. Scrummy pizza (just need to get some pineapple !! 🍍 😂) Lovely pub to meet with friends.

Nice pub with big area outside. Good for families as they have a playground. Friendly and helpful staff.

Just got home from a huge 40th birthday meal for my wife with all our family and friends. The Craven Arms never fail to provide the best atmosphere along with delicious food (AMAZING FOOD) and 5 star service. Such a lovely, friendly team that make you feel very welcome. ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ Thank you once again. 👌🏼 Simon & Sara

Excellent food, great service. We'll be back!

An excellent, traditional and first class English pub. Exceptional bar and restaurant service supporting a fantastic menu of choices to satisfy any taste buds. Ample car parking and a huge pub garden to soak up loads of visitors (especially in the summer). Keep up the good works CA, you deserve to do really well in this tough climate for pubs. Just wish we were in walking distance :-) The above review was done in 2020. I wanted to add a more recent review but Google doesnt allow multiple reviews to the same place so here is my addition (with some pics). Went again to Craven Arms last week and it was amazing. Special credit to Holly who looked after us with impecable service quality and professionalism - Holly is a credit not just to the pub itself but the hospitality industry in general...just fantastic. The food (I had the steak burger) was exceptional. Came with chunky onion rings and proper chips...AMAZING! Beer was awesome too! Worthy of a ten star review!

Great atmosphere lovely attentive staff and good food

The food is great and the staff are excellent. The venue was an experience with the tipi as a dining hall. The service was great but they just offered condiments in plastic wrapping instead of bottles and was frustrating when trying to serve a wedding party of 30 people and there wasn't enough to go around, nor was it easy for people to open plastic wrapped vinegar and ketchup when nearly everyone had chips with their meals.

This was the first time we have been here. We are a group of friends who meet every 3 months and were looking for a change of venue as our usual pub had gone downhill in our opinion. We were all very impressed. The staff are lovely, very friendly, very helpful and we were well looked after by our waitress today ( sorry,we didn't get your name) I hope your manager reads this and you get the recognition you deserve as you were brilliant today 😊 The food is really very good. Mum had fish and chips,an enormous piece of perfectly cooked fish with chunky chips , two of us had fish finger baguettes (proper fish fingers and not greasy goujons like most places!) These came with chunky chips and sides of delicious creamy home made coleslaw ,the portions are generous and very filling. The others had the chicken and bacon baguettes, which were also lovely. After a long break,we went for desserts. Our lovely waitress gave us good tips of her favourites and we went for banana split sundaes, Eton mess sundaes ( no jam in this, if you know, you know 😀) and brownie sundaes which were all fabulous. The coffee is also very good and piping hot which was nice. We all had an enjoyable afternoon catching up. Thank you to all the staff who looked after us today front of house and in the kitchen. We will definitely see you in 3 months when we meet up again.

Delicious food, had the chicken roast off their Sunday menu. We came as a group of 18, the food all came out at roughly the same time, lovely and hot, tasted great. Staff are super helpful and friendly, nicely decorated in the outside tent area.

Very quiet at lunchtime. Food good. Service excellent. We had 2 small children with us and the lady behind the bar couldn't have been more helpful and accommodating.

Fantastic pub, 2nd visit with the family, and it was great, great food, lovely atmosphere and lovely staff x 😀

What an incredible family lunch we had. 7 of us ate and all our lunches tasted amazing. The portions were huge too which was great. Took my Mum forever to eat the ploughman's! Amazing service too. The staff couldn't do enough to help. Highly recommended. We'll be coming back to enjoy the stunning beer garden too!

We recently had a lovely meal at The Craven Arms. The food was really nice. The staff were very friendly and helpful. The pub is dog friendly too which was an added bonus. We will definitely go back again!

Found this pub by chance, lovely characterful place with a lovely big garden & plenty for kids to play on in the summer.

Good country pub, well priced food and drinks , nice Guinness , very clean toilets , which is always a good sign

Good taste and Excellent service.

Lovely country pub, with amazing wigwam space attached.

We didn't spend much time in the pub at all but the garden teepee to celebrate a birthday. Was a lovely experience. Staff were there throughout taking drinks orders. Food was party buffet style. A nice time was had by all.

Have not been to the Craven for a while but will be returning soon. Great food and service. The Rib eye steak that I had was perfect, and my wife loved the Tie green curry. The only recommendation would be to be more adventurous with vegetarian options, my daughter did not have much choice. Maybe an halloumi burger added to the munu would be nice.

Really nice building and interieur. The food was delicious! Only thing that can be improved is the coffee :)

Wanted to try the pub because we saw good reviews but we would not come back. Service was slow which was OK but our table (by the way going to the kitchen) was forgotten. When we finished our meal we were sat for half an hour waiting for our table to be cleared. It was only cleared when I asked one of the staff if we could have a dessert menu. After giving us the menu, no one came to get our order so we decided to just pay and leave. The sirloin roast beef was chewy. The roast potatoes were stale. Hard and chewy! Shame, the outside space looks really nice with tipi and play area for kids.

Lovely place, really liked the tepee, and the play area for the kids. The good was great aswell 👏

Lovely traditional pub and delicious food staff were friendly and helpful well recommended It has an outside area for children and you can eat inside or in the tippee good ample parking

A character country pub with plenty of car parking. A spacious restaurant, good menu and efficient service.

Lovely setting and amenities for kids and adults both, however, a little downhill from there. Our booking not registered and relegated to porch bench tables was not ideal, our server was very nice and did his utmost to soften this. However, abysmal food. Tasteless suma it up, especially the peri peri chicken which was dry, painted with something orange and arduous to eat. Big potential, but the menu needs relooking, just not good enough for the prices.

We were a large party for Sunday lunch, and the service was great. Menu is lovely (several roast options) and outside play area for kids. Dog friendly and staff even brought a water bowl for them. Visited again 1 year later as very central for a family meet-up. Staff were great, the food was delicious so likely we'll pick this pub again next year 😀

Great for kids, parking and lovely staff

Fantastic and cosy pub, awesome food, amazing staff, very friendly and helpful and personable, gmhad the lamb shank roast and partner had vegetable curry and both were mind blowing if I'm down this way again will be deffo popping back in

Beautiful spacious pub. We had a table outside on a sunny day and it was a relaxing place to hang out. Beef rendang curry with rice hit the spot. Children’s portion of fish fingers and chips.

Great quality tasty food. All served with a friendly face.

So pleased we found this place. Great outdoor play area for the kids and lots of tables. The food was brilliant and every single member of staff was smiling, accommodating and went out of their way to be helpful. We will definitely back!

I will not be rushing to return. The pub itself is pleasant enough and with ample room. The food was sadly lacking. Both burgers were dried out, buns were overtoasted and lacked any of the usual burger relish/mayonnaise, cheese, lettuce ect....so rather sad and definitely not tasty. Chicken gougions were overcooked and the chicken and bacon baguette was just about acceptable. Less than 'standard issue'

Went here with the family(12) of us to celebrate my birthday. Age range was from 67 - 6 and we all had a great time. Food was fantastic and reasonably priced and the children loved being able to play/return to our table in the Tipi. We also went here a few years ago for my birthday, also with the family and on both occasions the staff and food have been excellent. We wouldn’t hesitate to return for future family occasions. Well done Craven Arms.

Excellent burgers at lunchtime! Lovely country pub. Note to owners - why not think of offering a nonalcoholic draft beer for drivers.

Loverly pub to stop in after a walk, also has a great garden for kids and is dog friendly! The only shame was they had run out of both the beef and lamb when we got there at 2pm!! we had the gammon and it was great.. Yorkies slightly overdone.. but would eat here again! Loverly staff!

Had Sunday lunch at this pub and it was well cooked and taste. Pubs clean and well staffed. Felt that the amount of food for the money didn't quite match. At 18 pound a meal seemed lacking in potato's, 2 per person. Vegetables where a share dish and that seemed small as well. We ate everything and could have done with a little more.

Nice looking pub. Service was attentive but the food took a long time to come. Wife's peas were cold and chips not great. Given prices the food was disappointing. Wouldn't rush back.

Amazing food, had the lamb shank and it was divine, the meat fell off the bone. We had a family event there and there was probably 30 of us and they handled it so well, all food came out at the same time so no was left waiting, they gave big platters of Veg and asked if we needed more. Service was very friendly fast and they all had a smile. Toilets were clean which is always good. Very nice and calm atmosphere. The park outside is amazing if you have a little one to entertain. They also have tables outside in a big tent which looks ideal for events. Good amount of parking and all round amazing experience.

Lovely pub and really nice staff

5 stars all round. Frequently visit here. Lovley homemade food traditional pub with friendly staff. Great back garden with a park for kids and tipi tents for outdoor dining. Outdoor bar and summer bbqs.

An excellent venue for meeting up. The staff are friendly and helpful. There's plenty of space both outside and inside, with a nice play area for kids outside. Rather a lot of wasps when I visited! Recommended.

Lovely country pub and food is incredible. Had a ploughmans here 6 years ago it was the best ever returned and its under new ownership since I last came and it was equally as good presentation was exceptional

What a beautiful venue 😁 fantastic food and staff was amazing. A group of us went for a meal and it is definitely worth a visit ☺️

Stopped for lunch and a pint. It was delightful!

Amazing sunday roasts with superb sevice , Great garden for the kids and rounded off with a delightful crisp pint of cider. Thankyou The craven Arms for a wonderful day.

Lovely little place. Great food

We had Panini twice and it was delicious.

Went to the Craven Arms for a family (30 people) get together Sunday lunch. Everyone enjoyed the food (lots of empty plates!), the children enjoyed the play area and the staff were amazing. Nothing was too much trouble and all our ‘on the day’ additional requests were dealt with really well, all in all a very relaxed atmosphere.

We called in to The Craven Arms as an off chance for dinner while in the area, and we didn't want to leave. The staff were attentive and we didn't have to 2nd ask for anything. Food was great but to top it off our 2 boys had the most amount of fun in the garden/play area We will definitely be returning and highly recommend to anyone

Food was lovely and the servings were huge, everyone was very friendly and the garden was perfect for the little one to play in. Will definitely be back

Amazing pub great food and service was amazing

First time ever at this venue. Family gathering for my son's 40th Birthday. Tables had been reserved in the Tipi area. Nice atmosphere pleasant staff , good waitress service provided with food and drinks arriving on good time given how busy they were. Nice children's play area. Very enjoyable visit and occasion. Good choice of dishes and Children's Menu. Will return.

Lovely lunch in the Garden Tipi. Sun or shade as you prefer. Typical pub menu, but good quality. Our group had Fish and chips, Chicken Burger and Bacon Brie baguettes. All plates clean, chips were excellent.

Very enjoyable afternoon with family. Good food and loverly outside seating. Dog friendly to Happy days

Friendly staff and terrific food in a lovely garden setting. Must return here.

Amazing play areas for kids, and there's a big field for kids and adults to play games. Staff are very friendly and they manage well even when it's very busy. The teepee dining area looks great. Food is average pub grub (not gastro)

Excellent staff all make a point of talking to everyone food is gr8

Great food, gorgeous setting. Sat in the garden in the sunshine. Only issue was 6X was off again.. seems to be a reccuring issue when we visit and that's one of the star attractions for us 😁

Huge portions of food but very nice

Great pub with friendly staff and the best kids play area for miles. We had Sunday lunch (at 4pm) and it was AMAZING. The beef was cooked to perfection and there was plenty of it as well as all the trimmings. The covered outside eating area is spacious and heated so accommodating whatever the Great British weather decides to throw at you. I can't remember going into the actual pub so can't comment on that but the outside is lovely ;o)

We had a family gathering of 17 people, food was tasty, with large portions and they were very accomodating of special dietary requirements and got us vegan cheese specially for our vegan burgers. Lovely place to come with children, thanks to the fantastic play ground in the garden space. Price of the food was good value. Will definitely come again.

Fantastic country pub with friendly people and good food.

Fantastic staff, so helpful and friendly. Lovely food. Tipi is fab. Play area is really great. We will be going back.

Lovely service was amazing, and food was very tasty.

Nice place we found in passing helpful polite staff nice big kids garden area great fish and chips (best I've had in years ) Thanks

Excellent pub and beer, with great service and lovely food too.

Nice local pub, great outdoor spaces and tasty food

Great food, great service, lovely place. A bonus as its dog freindly.

Lovely Sunday Roast..excellent service in a cosy setting.

Hasn't changed much in the 30 years since I use to drink there. Good food and beer.

Very friendly on a Thursday night. The food was good pub grub, nothing fancy. The steak and ale pie was nice and meaty. It's also lovely to go to in the summer.

Excellent, very friendly and welcoming staff - we all thoroughly enjoyed our food and drinks - the Sticky Toffee Pudding is sooo GOOD...be warned! 🙂

Great food & nice oldie worldie atmosphere!

Pleasant Ham, egg and chips, with peas, and they have Wadsworth 6x, what more can you ask for!

Good food. Cater for children, including outside play area. Friendly staff.

Very good food with excellent service made for a lovely family meal.

Had a great Christmas meal with 7 friends this evening. The food was fabulous, and a big thank you to the staff for their professional service. Well done again for making our evening a pleasure. We always choose the Craven for any occasion

Food wasn't as good as we have previously experienced here. I ordered a steak burger. The chips were overdone, and the whole meal was only warm, not hot. We have visited several times and unfortunately didn't enjoy this occasion half as much as previously.

Warm hospitality and good food. We meet up with friends regularly here.

Perfect pub for a family Sunday roast where the kids can play and the food is great.

Lovely little pub with fantastic outdoor seating. Playground for the kiddos and dog friendly. Black pudding starter is divine and the Randang was delicious.

Friendly service with good prices, attended a birthday party in the tipi and it was very well organised. Food was also very good. Will be returning soon!

Lovely food. A nice place to take the family out for a meal.

Lovey pub food, atmosphere & friendly staff. Will certainly return when we are next down south. We sat outside in the tipi, great service & tasty food. Beer was 👌🏼 too!

Only had a drink, however a great choice of beers and wine. Friendly, knowledgeable staff - well return!

Great pub and a great garden tent!

Great outdoor space with quality food, but limited ales. I visited a Friday evening, the outdoor are was fairly quiet. There is a lovely outdoor but sheltered tipi, which looks like it would be so cosy in winter. The food was good quality, the burgers can be recommended (beef burger was served pink). The servers were welcoming and attentive. The beer options are limited if you're an ale drinker. Only 2 ales but 1 of them a amber IPA. The location is somewhat remote but don't let that put you off, unless you're not so keen on country roads! Toilets were clean.

Great food. Nice range of vegetarian dishes. Great to eat in the tipi. Will be back soon.

Excellent all round, staff, food, drink, play are

Love this family pub. Something for everyone. The Tipi is great and comfortable pub dining indoors. Locals happily drink alongside visiting families and party groups. Huge kids play area. Never ever had a bad meal here. Staff are lovely, warm and welcoming and beer is well kept. Thoroughly recommend.