The Harrow in West Berkshire

An amazing Sunday roast in such a beautiful little village pub! Service is 10/10 too! Smoked roast leg of lamb with plenty of fresh vegetables and roasted carrots and parsnips. Gravy to die for! Highly recommend!

Very welcoming pub. Staff couldn’t do enough for you. Food was delicious and good choice on the menu. A great spot to start or finish a walk up to the Ridgeway. Will def visit again.

Travelling up the A34, we dropped in on the off chance of Monday night food and had the most superb meal in cosy restaurant watching the moon rise over the cricket ground. Exquisitely cooked pork with such interesting, well judged accompaniments and delicious home made bread. Will be back!

The food here is outstanding. Dog friendly and amazing staff. If you’re passing by car, horse, foot or bike, make sure you call in ⭐️⭐️⭐️

The setting for this pub is very nice overlooking the cricket pitch. We popped in for lunch. We both had a sandwich which was fine but ridiculously over-priced at £16 each. £32 for two sandwiches is frankly daft. The service was frosty and the mature lady serving was off putting. Sorry, but not coming back.

Absolutely stunning food and atmosphere. Hats off to the chefs. Great menu , delivered perfectly, they really do know food, unlike a lot of chefs in restaurants. The waiting staff are very attentive and professional.

I recently had a lunch to celebrate my 50th birthday at The Harrow and had a great time. There were 18 people at the lunch and we had two large tables at the end of the pub to ourselves. We pre-ordered the food and it was very good indeed and the service was excellent. The setting of the pub opposite the cricket ground is lovely and ~6 of us cycled there and back from Wantage via the Ridgeway. Thanks a lot!

Absolute different class!! fantastic roast beef, cooked to perfection and reasonably priced. Excellant service, great choice of drinks and friendly staff. What more could you possibly wish for. Possibly one of the most attractive pubs in the UK. Highly recommended.

Beautiful country pub, lovely atmosphere and great food. This is the second time we’ve been here and will definitely be back!

The Harrow is a very welcoming pub, with attractive decor inside and out. There was a nice peaceful atmosphere, with a few local drinkers and lunchtime diners. Our lunch was imaginative, delicious and nicely presented, with something for everyone. Service was prompt, friendly and helpful. We'll definitely be back!! THANK YOU!

This is a lovely pub and we enjoyed our evening. Fabulous food and excellent service… thank you so much, we will be back!!

An excellent long lunch, with great food, top quality beer & wine with great service from Jane, Connie & Jack, definitely be back, Paul Lafford

The Harrow is a very special pub. If you’re looking for a cosy welcoming atmosphere in the Oxfordshire countryside then this is it. Perfect position overlooking the cricket pitch. We went on a Saturday night the atmosphere was perfect sitting at a table in the window. A fantastic team run the pub and do it so very well. We have eaten here for Sunday lunch, week day lunch and dinner. Each time the food has been superb. Really can’t fault it. The menu is extensive and the young chef is extremely creative and very talented. Thank you guys. Especially Connie and Liam!!

Disappointed to feel the need to write a review about our Sunday dinner. The table in questions was a table of 15 not 4, of course the disruption would be a little louder. But nobody was drunk, nobody was swearing all the children were playing nicely on the toys or iPads brought along for them after the “careful planning ahead” had taken place. Expect for my one year old girl who likes to excitedly squeal, regularly…. We are extremely sorry for the nice couple sat next to us, we did feel we may have ruined their dinner albeit crammed in like chickens in a pen, a bit more space is definitely need per table. But the absurdity for one of the managers to ask us to keep my one year olds noise down was ridiculous and insulting. How uneducated to think silencing a one year old who’s not crying but enjoying herself with all her lovely cousins can happen at the click of a finger. The moment lasted less than a few seconds but the rudeness was enough to leave my poor wife in tears and us all wanting to leave. We stayed trying to enjoy my nephews birthday but we truly didn’t. Such a shame!

What a little gem, we stumbled on the pub on our way back from Newbury. Made to feel very welcome and give a table for two by the fire. The food was of such a high standard not what we had expected from a country pub. The dishes were inventive and excellently executed. A true gastronomic experience. We will be back!

I’m a fan of a pub Sunday roast so a friend suggested I try The Harrow. Well, it’s no exaggeration to say this is by far one of the best pub roasts I’ve had! What an absolute gem of a pub, superb service and atmosphere and an extensive menu even on a Sunday. Yes the tables are quite close together but it shows how popular it is and at no point did I feel overwhelmed by the busy layout. Teens both had burgers which my son rated in his top 5 - high praise indeed! The brownie for pudding was exceptional. We will be back!

A true gem of a pub - visited with my wife and 1 year old son and was made to feel so welcome. The pub has that unique charm only few can pull off. Low lighting, cosy warm, tantalising smells coming from the kitchen and so on. The food was truly amazing, they have an excellent chef who is incredibly proud of the new dishes he serves, and quite right too. The bar staff all very charming and nothing was too much trouble. I can't wait to return, especially in the summer whilst watching the cricket. Keep up the great work all!

Having now read the 2 most recent reviews its right to voice another viewpoint. As I was present during their attendance I would report they showed little concern regarding the noise levels being created and this did have a detrimental effect on people there. Indeed a couple had to move to avoid the issue. All whilst this was going on a family of 4 with children of extremely similar ages managed to enjoy their meal and time together whilst not causing unnecessary disruption to others. So yes it can be done, you can take children out and not ruin it for others. It just takes a bit of planning ahead. The Pub is family friendly, the Roast was very well cooked and presented, the staff were excellent and we thought dealt with a difficult situation in a professional and polite manner. We will be returning.

This is absolutely not a family pub, do not take any children here!!!! One of the landlords shockingly told my sister in law to keep her one year old quiet as EVERY SINGLE person in the pub has complained at her excited squealing. My sister in law was so upset and made to feel embarrassed as she was trying everything anyway to keep her one year old quiet and happy, she then ended up crying. We were made to feel terrible about it, on top of that they also ignored us and didn’t come to the table once to serve us drinks! The food was not worth the money even though we tried to salvage a good time after the upset! Very average food for above average prices! Very very upsetting experience, will not be going back even though we are local- ish. Absolute shame! On top of this we pre ordered food and were made to feel so bad and awkward that we left before puddings came out and they still charged us for the puddings!!! If you have kids avoid, if you want fine dining avoid, if you want pub grub avoid! I think local villagers are only welcome here I’m afraid

We live in South Hampshire and we passed this lovely pub on the way to visit my Father in Law earlier in the day, on Sunday 28th January. We then decided to make a visit on our way home back to Hampshire, that evening. We were into a very cosy, busy pub and beautiful interior. We were meet by a very friendly member of staff and waited for a short while for a table to be prepared. It was very busy, but we ordered our drinks. We were shown our table by the owner who was very polite. I have to say all the staff were friendly and very attentive throughout the meal The food was delicious and sadly we missed the Roast. My only concern was that we didn't see a Cheese board or Cheese Cake on the menu, which is a personal favourite of mine and little more choice in Vegetarian Dishes and Fish dishes. We stared with the Camerbert and the Battered Cod for me and Veggie Burger for my partner. Presentation was good and the homemade Tarta Sauce was lovely. Overall no complaints and food very good . We will be back!!

We called here for lunch after a brisk walk on The Ridgeway. The pub is lovely, friendly and great food. They are dog friendly, which is great. We ordered the gammon steak chips egg and pineapple. The steak was juicy. The pineapple was fresh not tinned, an amazing fresh egg, and beautiful chips. We also ordered the pie of the day, which was wonderful. Big chunks of tender meat, lovely gravy mixed greens, and wonderful chips. The veg was on the crunchy side for me, but it didn't detract from the meal whatsoever. We had a couple of drinks each and the price was very reasonable. Definitely recommend.

An excellent pub ! Staff were exceptional and the food and service was first rate. We had a large Bernese dog who was made so welcome.

Incredible place to have lunch. Very comfortable table for twelve people, including Claudia. We loved its mushrooms and chicken pie. Very nice and professional service.

Have just had the most amazing Christmas lunch. Amazing atmosphere and company. There was only the two of us but were very lucky to sit near other tables who told us stories of the pub and local history. Would definitely drive an hour to get...

We live in North Hampshire and for several years East Ilsley has been a good half way point to meet up with friends who live in the Oxford / Cotswolds area; we have always had a very good lunch and been well looked after. On...

Lovely friendly atmosphere. Made very welcome, lovely clean restaurant. We had chicken steak and arancini... all were beautifully served and delicious. Great Christmas decorations and lights. Meals just right in size and taste!

I have made two visits to The Harrow for lunch in the space of a week. Both visits were absolutely wonderful. I took my parents who are in their 80’s and we had food off the main lunch menu. The portions were very generous and...

My first visit to The Harrow since the new management and I was very impressed: the pub looks lovely and Christmassy and the food was served quickly and was absolutely delicious. I was there to celebrate a birthday with a friend, thank you!

Can’t rate this pub highly enough! We visited with our dog today after seeing some advertising on Facebook and we’re so glad we did - the service was warm and welcoming, the roast was the best I’ve had all year AND they were brilliant at...

Under quite new management, this countryside pub is being transformed into an exceptional place to visit. We were there for a mid week dinner and it was faultless. The staff were warm, welcoming and efficient, the food was imaginative and excellent and the real ale...

We chose The Harrow for the first of our Christmas Lunches - and were very glad we did so! The food was delicious, the service excellent and the Christmas decorations are amazing! A lot of thought has obviously been put into The 'New' Harrow and...

Really delicious food, excellent service and a friendly atmosphere. Fantastic pub/restaurant. Highly recommend.

Have heard about The Harrow and decided to give it a try. Food was delicious, staff were friendly and helpful. Will definitely be back soon!!

I went to this country pub over a year ago and the experience was awful….. I had to meet a business associate and this was half way. I was dreading it. But…from walking in and being greeted by the lovely lady behind the bar (landlady?)...

First visit under the new management. Improved menu, which is rather highly priced; friendly & attentive staff. Surprised no soup or salad offering on the starter menu. One of the nice features here should be the view of the adjacent cricket pitch, and cows grazing...

Went for a lovely dinner on a Tuesday evening. Even though it was mid-week the pub was busy with a lovely atmosphere. The waitresses were really attentive but not over bearing. We both had a starter, main and dessert and we have to say each...

Been there twice this summer. First time was when they had just finished the refurbishment. We were the only guests. It was so good we booked again and were not disappointed. Both lunchtimes the ambience and service were great. The staff cheerful and efficient. I...

Recently refurbished pub, lovely atmosphere. Friendly service and incredible food! Wide selection of spirits behind the bar

I’ve known The Harrow for many years. It has a lot of good things going for it, not least its location overlooking the cricket pitch in a tranquil village. But the previous owners were, how shall I put it, less than brimming over with bonhomie...

We were a group of 10, including 6 veggies & 1 vegan, with several allergies - a nightmare for any restaurant. We were looked after very well, with humour and patience, and we all liked and enjoyed our food very much. My lamb was particularly...

We had a very enjoyable evening, Friendly and very helpful people and the food was Fabulous with a variety of meals to suit different tastes. We will be going again!

Great location to combine a Ridgeway walk with a pub/restaurant at the end. With the recent refurbishment there is more space both inside as well as outdoor seating. Nice variety of food including pub classics ( gammon pineapple and chips ) as well as new...

The pub has recently reopened this summer after a long absence and I’m afraid it’s a victim of its own success. First off, there’s no proper car park, so customers have to vie for a tight parking space all along the roadside (close neighbours of...

We were driving from the West Sussex coast to Ross on Wye & found the Harrow off the Motorway for a lunch break. We had no expectations. The crab & Pork starters were exceptional. We strongly recommend

Fantastic Sunday Roasts, really friendly staff and dog friendly! Worth the detour from the Ridgeway! And we got to watch a cricket match. Brilliant experience!

A lovely pub, newly refurbished inside and out (it’s now green on the outside, not white), pretty location with views over cricket pitch, very good food and selection of drinks. This wasn’t actually the pub we were heading for……but when we arrived at our chosen...

What a fabulous place. Great atmosphere, extremely pleasant and efficient staff and delicious food. Highly recommend the roasts, large portions so wasn’t able to finish or have desert. The bar manager was very accommodating and polite, waiting staff were friendly and efficient and nothing was...

Fantastic! Great modern / country refurb . Caring and friendly staff , menu that suits all the family . Every-time I’ve visited I’ve had sirloin or rib eye steak and it’s been excellent . Kids like the selection on the kids menu and husband has...

What a lovely village pub with fantastic staff that are very welcoming, chatty and friendly. The food is outstanding. I had the ribeye steak with peppercorn sauce and it was epic. Highly recommend and will definitely be going back!!!

A great traditional village pub overlooking a cricket pitch. It has newly been refurbished and a great selection of food and alcohol on offer. The staff are extremely helpful and friendly as well. Well worth a visit!!!

Super menu with really well cooked and well presented food. Friendly waiting staff and a lovely atmosphere. Wholly recommend.

Pub has been newly renovated & is under new management. The food is amazing & the place holds such a great atmosphere. Would highly recommend.

These lovely people looked after us very well when we popped in for lunch, offering a great menu catering for all. From a wonderful mackerel starter with fennel and tart apple to a huge and hearty fish finger sandwich. It was so lovely that we...

Good to find a place serving food on a Sunday evening, but with roasts sold-out not really much choice. Food was ok but with tooooooo much salt. Restaurant was also very noisy.

New team, excellent intelligent menu to suit all, perfectly delivered. A real relaxed treat and lovely staff.

Just been for lunch, the first time since the renovation. The pub looks lovely and hasn’t lost any of its charm. Service and food were really good. Mussels in particular were excellent. Just a really nice, easy atmosphere, no hassle, place to spend time.

What a lovely treat. We were a large group and all our food came up at same time. The menu catered for all diet requirements with lots of choice. My sirloin was perfectly cooked and the chips piping hot. The staff were so attentive, even...

Very friendly and welcoming pub with airy atmosphere. We were a party of 16 and the food came roughly all at the same time, hot and delicious. Would definitely recommend a visit.

Beautiful location and quintessential village . Historic old pub with interesting memorabilia mainly relating to horse racing as well known trainers have stables nearby. Lovely lunch and service . I had tempura prawns with salad and chili sauce , deliciously crisp and well cooked ....

Family walk over The Ridgeway; planed just a drink, & decided to have a meal. Glad we did. Good portions & welcoming service

Popped in for dinner the other night and the landlord couldn't be more accommodating. We had missed the dinner kitchen times and the owners went out of their way to prepare a meal for four people. The food was delicious , well presented and ample...

There is nothing positive that can be said about this fallen star of a local pub - avoid it at all costs.

Telephoned to make enquiries and book a table. The person I spoke to was unwelcoming and critical of my enquiries. Enough said, we decided not to go!

Walked from Scutchamers knob and the walked back then longer way to re join the Ridgeway. Great food inc veggie options. Nice pub with views of the cricket pitch and benches outside.

Went here for dinner after a long walk on the Ridgeway, was pleasantly surprised by the equestrian theme. It’s in the heart of racing country so the place to go if you are into horses. The pub is decorated with racing memorabilia. Food was delicious...

Arrived at the Harrow at 9pm on Saturday night, (10 of us) went in to a empty pub and landlord confronts us with " I'm shutting in 10 minds" apparently we were the only people to have gone there that day. He was rude didn't...

We walked to the Harrow on a Saturday evening and we were the only people in ! Such a shame for a local pub like the Harrow to be empty. We had to make the atmosphere. When we left, i wonder if they just closed...

First time visiting the Harrow, but was not disappointed. We recieved a warm welcome from the staff and other customers. The bar was very cosy, a fine log fire burning in the hearth. I enjoyed my pint of Morlands and my meal, teriaki salmon, was...

Stunning location with beautiful views over the countryside.The warm welcome on our arrival and the very high quality of service from the lovely team working there was all fantastic!All of our food was delicious - real home made food - outstanding in all ways and provide myself and my family with a highly memorable luncheon - thank you to everyone!Kindest regardsRobin

We popped in to The Harrow on the off-chance and, as usual, it didn’t disappoint. Not a lengthy lunch, but time enough for a couple of baguettes, some wine and mineral water. I think the locals are well served by this place and, for me, it would be a great draw in perhaps moving to the village.Good food, good drink, great service and spotlessly clean. Oh, and dog-friendly too. Pretty much all you want in a country local.

We are always trying to find new pubs to try and we thought that we would try this one. The pub was lovely and in a very picturesque area over looking the cricket ground. It has a nearby pond where duckling were running around. The food was very good and the staff were pleasant and polite. The only let down and that is not the pub's fault is that you have to park on the road and walk up, which is not good if you are not able to walk far. Otherwise it was a lovely pub and I am sure that we will be back

Pop in now and again good selection of beers and lagers friendly staff/ owners and the food always looks good quintessentially English 👍 and it was myGrandfathers favourite pub

Every time we have eaten at The Harrow we have been delighted and this visit was no different. Our food was delivered in good time by Juliet who was a delight. Very polite and friendly most definitely a considerable asset to the company.My salmon teriyaki was very succulent and tasted terrific. We ate outside in the sunshine and were entertained by a schoolboy cricket match on the other side of the road. By the looks of some of the batsmen, they could well be vying for an England place in a few years.

A small family gathering as siblings etc were on the move just after Christmas and this was roughly where our paths crossed, and I was born just up the road!Typical country pub overlooking open farmland, easy parking and a good reception. The temperature was a bit chilly to start but soon warmed up as people arrived - especially the shooting party! Good choice on the menu and it was served in good time, hot, tasty and very good service.

A perfect spot to stop for lunch after a walk on or nrear the Ridgeway or country drive from Reading or Newbury. Situated at the end of the pretty village of West Ilsley facing the pond and cricket pitch. Enjoyable all year roud but particularly on a fine Summer’s day. Good selection of bar food with generous portions.Frindly staff and comfortable, simple interior with picnic tables outside. We have visited this pub in Summer and Winter..

The food offering is sometimes either not available or restricted in range; it'd be handy if proprietors flagged this on their www on the day, so those travelling weren't disappointed.

With the wealth of country pubs in west Berkshire, it would have been a pleasure to try out this venue. Unfortunately the attitude of the person on the telephone was appalling. Off to Peasmore.

Nice pub, been here a few times over the last 20 years. Went for Sunday lunch with friends & family. Staff were nice & friendly. Had beef - was a very long wait from ordering- about an hour. Veg & gravy all good. Food not very hot & a bit stingy on the beef. Only 2 roast potatoes on the plate, which weren’t crispy & fluffy - I judge a good roast on the roast potatoes so these were disappointing. Desserts were very nice - tried sticky toffee pud & lemon treacle tart (shared with a friend) - portion size just right.

Just a couple of miles off the A34 is this lovely country pub in a beautiful setting. We arrived at about 1350 but the lady, after consulting with the kitchen staff, was pleased to serve us lunch albeit a limited selection due to them finishing lunches at 1400. The baguettes were tasty and very filling. The beer, called "61 Deep" was light in strength but extremely flavoursome. An excellent place to visit if travelling North.

Had roast dinner of beef, thought it was slightly overpriced and not great quality for a roast dinner. The staff were friendly and the beer very good. Great terrace out the front to watch the village cricket. Lovely country pub feel to the place

My last visit to The Harrow was rated as five stars and we certainly received the same treatment again.

Went there for Sunday lunch. We had starters of Tempura Prawns which were lovely, and mains, which were a mix of haddock, cheese tart, and a Sunday Roast.

We called here for a light lunch but were not overly impressed. The service was quite slow which gave us the opportunity to have a good look at our surroundings. The whole pub is in need of a thorough deep clean and redecoration. A tuna mayonnaise and cucumber baguette was soggy and lacked sufficient seasoning. My husband’s pork pie was quite small, particularly for it’s £8.95 price! Two snacks, a pint of beer and glass of wine £30. We won’t be returning.

Whilst driving over to Bicester along the country roads and stumbled upon The Harrow, we decided to stop for some lunch.

Very nice atmosphere in the pub and the food well cooked. Didn't appear to be starters available on our visit and having to make choices from a blackboard not as relaxed as having printed menus which can be perused at the tables.

We met friends here for lunch, as it was a halfway point between us.

I always enjoy my visits to the Harrow, with my wife or on my own. The Landlord and his family are very nice people indeed. We always receive a warm welcome, good Real Ale and excellent home cooked food. Yesterday I was completely spoilt with a Home made Steak & Kidney pudding second to none! Made by the landlady. Being a Northern Knacker by birth who was brought up on hot pots and suet puddings and having thoroughly enjoyed this mouth watering steak & Kidney pudding, I would advise anyone who has a liking for steak and kidney pudding or would like a taste of authentic Northern Knacker food to venture to the Harrow before they are all gone. Excellent.

Lovely village pub. Cracking location.

I don’t visit The Harrow often as I am not local. But every so often while walking in the area it is a lunch stop. Yesterday’s Sunday lunch was once again excellent and always made even better by great serving staff.

The only place we found by default to eat off the A34 going south after a 2 hour drive. About 2 miles off the A34 in a lovely spot beyond the ridgeway.

We had booked a table at the Harrow for lunch and we walked in to a most warm welcome. We arrived 10 minutes early but this wasn't a problem even though they were very busy. There was a lively atmosphere that had a faint smell of wood smoke from the open fire.

Had a fabulous roast beef lunch today, great food, enjoyable bar banter and they couldn't have been more welcoming to us and our two dogs. This pub never disappoints, we just love coming here.

Dog friendly in fact very welcoming family run local.pub in a super setting in Berkshire.good beer good food good service reassuring realistic service speed. Booking recommended

Thanks to Pete and the Girls working on Saturday evening, thank you for your amazing hospitality - we had just walked the Ridgeway and couldn't have found a better pub, the Pie was spot on! The beers was lovely (Conkers Bonkers) and poured to perfection by the trainee, lol - thanks for everything.....

We stopped there for a light lunchon a horsey doggy cycle ride - and as you can imagine it's not easy managing a horse, dog, food, beers etc etc - but they were great and even gave Zido the horse a carrot (two actually) to eat. We had the smoked mackerrel and tempura prawns plus a few bags of crisps.

Stopped off for a quick meal on our way home from a long day out on a weekday evening. Friendly with good service. We had a fantastic vegetarian lasagne which was piping hot with a very nice side salad. Lovely pudding too. Gone on my list of pubs to return to again.

Quizás fue un día duro, pero fuimos en una noche entre semana y creo que éramos los únicos comensales posible y entiendo por qué. . . .

Un pequeño grupo de nosotros tuvimos almuerzos aquí un par de veces.

Visitamos el Harrow hoy esperamos el asado del domingo, que es siempre delicioso olvidar fue el lunes. Elegimos el bistec a la parrilla con ensalada y patatas fritas y era para morirse. Parece que no voy a tener que visitar en domingos y lunes! ! ! ! Así que vale la pena una visita, podrá volver más de una vez.

Llamado aquí un par de pintas y almuerzo en el camino a la Ridgeway, a un corto paseo. Pub muy agradable, muy buena cerveza local y una pequeña pero buena comida. Si bien la pena de llamar en la zona.