The Rowbarge in West Berkshire

Excellent service from a very enthusiastic young man. Unfortunately several dishes were not up to the usual standard. The pork rib eye and beef feather were very good and presented well. The tandoori prawns on Naan bread were a poor substitute for the old garlic prawns and more reminiscent of a TV dinner. The chicken schnitzel presentation was poor. It came without the coronation mayonnaise and there could be more imagination with the salad which was just little gem cut up. Flavour, however, was good. The hot drink with small pudding was a winner as usual and delicious.

Booked for lunch with friends. The food was excellent and good quality. Very friendly and good service and although the service was a bit slow we were not in any rush and we were able to chat! We will be returning soon

We had a family lunch at this gorgeous pub. The food was excellent and the staff serving the food could not have been nicer, nothing was too much trouble. We live in Dorset, but I really wish that we lived nearer so that we could go more often. Thank you for making our visit so special.

Typical pub with a few different meal choices than usual pub grub. Unfortunately I wasn't hungry, which left me with little choice but the rest of the family really enjoyed it' Good service. Reasonably priced food

I came with my two daughters for dinner. The service is superb, the food quality is the top and location is simply fantastic. Every time I come I have a spotless experience. I did recommend in the past and I will keep it on. The super star us a Polish chef. Thanks

It was very busy as they had a pub quiz on. However, we couldn't hear the quiz and it didn't impact on our visit. Lots to pick from on the menu and the food arrived very quickly. My calamari was meant to be crispy but it was just soggy and greasy. My partner's roast was very good value and he very much enjoyed his meal. Jasmine, our waitress, was lovely. She was welcoming and friendly. Jasmine was working very hard but she still was about to look after all the tables.

Very nice location, good was tasty and hot and the team welcoming and friendly. We will deffinetly gone back next time we are in the area.

We have been visiting the Rowbarge on and off for years as our son lives near. It has always been a lovely place but we visited yesterday and my coeliac husband was blown away by the amount of things on the menu he could eat. Nearly every item was gluten free. Added to that the waitress was very knowledgeable and knew exactly what was what. The Rowbarge should be congratulated for the care and attention given to people who can be very ill if they eat gluten. We have said for years that there is no reason why food can’t be made gluten free. We can’t thank you enough. We will be back soon

Having eaten here with family on previous occasions, our recent visit was really disappointing. On the plus side, the service was good. What was not were the prices and the food quality. Something must have changed recently. All our party had the Sunday roast. The beef was tough, the pork was tasteless and the vegetables were poor. At around £25 it was way below the standard of roasts we have had for £10 less. Sadly will not return as the setting and service are good.

Great food in a comfortable, friendly atmosphere. We had the braised beef and chicken pie - both very tasty and well presented. Irish coffees were awesome.

Ambiente simpático e bastante acolhedor no que concerne a comida sem dúvida bem elaborada e de óptimo paladar o atendimento é eficaz e atencioso carta de vinhos razoável

Fantastic staff and great food. We went there last Sunday and it was quite busy but the service was great and the food was lovely. Our server was very attentiva and helpful. This is a great pace fr a couple of beers and some food and has a refurbished outside area with great views of the canal and countryside. Overall, highly recommended

My first visit and all seemed good except for ridiculously high prices till the food arrived. Potted rabbit starter too solid and heavy. Fish cakes lacked fish - always a good test of a restaurant’s standard. Staff indifferent when I commented on the fish cakes.

The quality and range of food seems to have decreased substantially since my last visit (I'm sure there used to be a small fish & chips for instance). Having settled on a large fish and chips I found that the chips were over cooked, the fish was all batter, the presentation was lacking, and the cost was 17.95 (well over priced for the quality). The staff were friendly, but the service was poor , being very slow and not remotely attentive. Doubt I'll be visiting again in a hurry.

A very small sausage roll slice for £6.75. I spoke to the manager, and he serves what he is told by Bunning and Price. Must do better, a 20mm slice of sausage roll for £6.75 is embarrassing. I am a sausage roll fan, trying to cope with the disapointment. Prey for me. X

The food was lovely. Unfortunately, the vegetarian meal was tiny. I queried if it was a starter as I thought (off the top of my head) it was going to be £13. I was told by the lady that it was as advertised a salad and beetroot tarte Tatin and a small dish as it is £11. It was not on the small plate section and when I double checked the price she admitted it was £11.95. Had I known I would not have ordered it. Thankfully, I had also ordered some new potatoes to share. The lady eventually came back and said her manager had adjusted the price to £8.95, which is a much more reasonable price for the dish. The confrontation left my a little shaken and put a dampener on our meal. Not once did I have any form of apology. So I’m posting on here to warn others. I’m fed up with vegetarian food being over priced for tiny portions!

Elle was excellent, great customer service and we got everything we needed. Food was lovely. A lovely few hours catching up with a friend - perfect evening! Thank you

We often visit the Rowbarge for various celebrations but have recently noticed a decline in food/service. On Sunday we visited and left extremely disappointed. Starters were ok but not worth the prices. For mains I ordered the roast chicken with seasonal veg and trimmings. When served it was just chicken, undercooked potatoes & cabbage on my plate. I realised the Chef forgot to put on the stuffing and pig in blanket and flagged to the waitress. Items were delivered a little while later cold (and undercooked) in a bowl, which I didn’t eat it. Queried why it was just cabbage for veg and chef advised (via the waiter) it’s all they offer. Pointed to my partners roast dinner, who had other veg options but waiter just shrugged and walked away. At £22 for a roast dinner, I’d expect a better offering and service. 2 starters, 2 mains and 2 soft drinks cost us £83 - if the service and food were A* then I’d happily pay, but this wasn’t reflected on the day. Reluctant to recommend to others as we have done before.

Overpriced and underwhelming food. Starter was a salmon cake with lemon grass a measley portion for £10. Was a premaid portion microwaved. Main was supposed to be half a BBQ chicken ands chips etc. Ended up with what seemed an oven cooked chicken with bbq sauce and this for £20. Provided feedback on night but couldn't care less. Will not be visiting again!

Decided to go for a drink with my wife and daughter and my daughter fancied some cheesy chips which cost £5.75 and after 20 minutes reminding the staff of ordered chips a while ago I was presented with the smallest laughable portion I’ve ever seen. An absolute joke and I can see why more and more please choose not to eat out.

What a disappointment, we have been here numerous times over the years, although not since covid lockdowns. The pub was packed and they appear to have crammed in many more tables. The noise of chatter was deafening particularly a very loud woman behind us, which...

Not the greatest food, have had much better and cheaper! Highly overpriced at £16.95 for burger and fries, as for presentation not a lot of care given, food looked like it was thrown on the plate! On a plus the staff were very friendly!

Kitchen issues We visited today (Sunday) as a group of 8 and asked to sit in the outdoor area. We were asked if we'd booked, which we had, an were told we would be OK to get food but there was an issue with the...

The location is excellent, and the staff are friendly and helpful. Unfortunately the food is pretty flavourless and over priced as a result.

This pub is always busy on a sunny day with a good size garden on the canal. Overall its good BUT it is overpriced, drinks and food. The setting is nice but its not like you are sitting at a world tourist attraction where you...

First time I had been for over 30 years. Meeting best friends whilst up ftom Sussex. Extremely hot day. The outside tables were full indoors was full which I feel.is a great indicator that it is good. We had booked a table we had our...

Having been to the pub plenty of times, the outside area is lovely, the drinks menu is plentiful but the service needs a little bit of work, staff were pleasant enough but came across very unorganised. I don’t think the current set up works during...

One of our favourite pub/restaurants but disappointed with the new menu. Couldn't really find anything I wanted.

Had the most amazing night and Ethan could not have looked after us any better than he did, he’s been amazing! The food and drinks was so lovely and we will definitely be returning. Once again, we’d like to say a huge thank you to...

Food is not bad and above average for the area. Outside by the canal is pleasant. Service, however, is very poor. Typical Berkshire in fact, unprofessional, no courtesy, you feel lucky if the barman notices you. Serves my wife her meal and I have to...

We had a lovely lunch outside on the terrace. The food was excellent, the service was excellent, and we really enjoyed our visit. It was very busy so glad we booked in advance to get a table. The service was at a good pace -...

Great food, good location, vibrant atmosphere but let down by one grumpy “older” individual who has no front of house capability - immediate customer training required! Suggest if you go then engage with the younger members of staff they are really helpful.

The Rowbarge has a fabulous outdoor seating area and their food is above average. The problem is that there is always a very long wait to get your food. Even with reservations and arriving as first customers, we waited 45 minutes, no one checked on...

If you want to while away a sunny afternoon then book for Sunday lunch at The Rowbarge but best to take a book/game with you. We booked for 12.45 p.m. and then were told there was a 45 minute wait. On querying this the excuse...

We went here as a group of 6, it was very busy but service was still very good and food arrived in a good time. Food was very good and tasty.

Absolutely LOVE this place!!! It's just amazing. The weather obviously adds to the charm of a place when you can eat outside, but BOY! what an extensive outside area they have!!! Sadly, on our first visit, which was a Saturday night, the bar was incredibly...

Another wonderful meal had last night at The Rowbarge, Sam made the evening go smoothly with her exceptional friendly manner

Lovely meal as always, made particularly special by the fab service we had from Sam! Friendly, professional and now our dog Maya’s best friend, thank you Sam!

Never been before , just got back from a wonderful birthday lunch with family, we sat on the lovely patio area, luckily got there early, it got very busy and no wonder! It was lovely, Amazing food from the barbecue, service was great,location was great,definitely...

Great place for an afternoon in the garden. Food was fantastic with large portions, even the kids were full. Very nice range of beers and super friendly staff. Will be back soon

Great spot for evening drinks and a meal! Have been many times with friends, family and date night! Love the crispy beef and fish pie (my mum said it was the best she has ever had)

Amazing food and brilliantly attentive staff, great value for money will definitely come back with the family

Great location for walking the Kennet & Avon. Lots of parking available plus outside seating if the weather is kind. Menu selections wide and varied, everything from nibbles, light bites, mains, desserts. Also do a small dessert and hot drink option, an interesting alternative. Staff...

I have dined at the Rowbarge many times and have always enjoyed it. The food and service are always good. However, I dined here recently and am sad to say that it has become overpriced. I and one other in the party ordered the belly...

As always food service staff first class. Yesterday one of our party was taken ill the help we received from some staff members was admirable and a credit to the company. Our friend was taken to hospital by ambulance, nothing at a to do with...

A group of 12 for work lunch and served by Sam who was very good at providing a friendly welcome and efficient service. Food was lovely too.

The best roast I have ever had! Great vegetables which always seems to let roasts down. Meat, Yorkshire and gravy were spot on too. Only comment is that it was a bit pricey, despite the quality.

Really lovely, cosy, warm and lots of atmosphere. The food was excellent, the service great and the location is very very pretty. Nice walk along the canal either before or after lunch. Will definitely go back here on our next trip to UK

Just a fabulous Sunday roast with great service. Second time in 3 months for us and both times excellent. definitely being going back

We visited this evening and were blown away by the Christmas Menu. All three courses were superb, best Christmas Pudding ever. Want the recipe! staff were very friendly and efficient. Could not fault it.

Came here with my wife yesterday and it was absolutely disgusting. It was awful. The food was it. Nice to service wasn’t nice and it was absolutely disgusting. Food came cold and not even presented well. It was absolutely awful. Me and my wife had...

I have been going to the Rowbarge pub for years always found it to be lovely and friendly, until recently there is a manager there named kylie was is miserable unfriendly and rude . I will not be going back again until she has left...

Beautiful setting by a river/canal with local walks/lawned garden. Immediately greeted by a smile! How nice. Both had prawn and salmon salad and shoulder of lamb that just fell away on the fork and melted in the mouth. Beautifully presented and even though the pub...

Fabulous Sunday lunch. Went for the roast and had a splendid 3 course lunch with the service excellent. We went for 1400 to miss the main busy period but was still very busy which is fab to see , so definitely book ahead.

A great dog friendly pub. Lots of places to sit, outside by the canal, on the heated patio or inside the inviting pub. Lovely food, friendly staff and a great variety of ever changing beer at this freehouse. Overall a great experience.

Sunday lunch with my disabled elderly mum, on arrival was immediately offered a table that was more accessible without asking. Food was lovely with generous portions and our charming waitress Alice was superb at dealing with an unusual allergy. I had total confidence I was...

Really lovely pub, beautiful spot with an amazing outside area, I ordered the curry, the flavours were out of this world. I would recommend.

A warm and friendly welcome with a reserved table for two and a puppy. The servers were really helpful. An excellent menu and wide spectrum of drinks. We really enjoyed our evening here, the food was served promptly and we could relax with our puppy...

Great Pub, visited with some mates, excellent location with a huge outdoor seating area if the weathers nice. Good food, good beer. Manager Owen was very friendly and accommodating. Top Bloke. Top Pub

Great setting alongside the River Kennet with plenty of outdoor seating this is a hidden gem. The staff are professional and friendly. The food is excellent and the beer is from local breweries which gives plenty of variety and choice when new guest ales are...

Female bar manager was unnecessarily aggressive and rude, so my friend and I walked out and won't be rushing back! Went to a pub in nearby Aldermaston, where the staff were a lot more accommodating and polite. Another customer was outside clearly complaining about something...

The staff were very accommodating with my SEN children. Gary the manager was Absolutely brilliant with my children playing with them and making them laugh. Lucy saw to all our needs and the service was faultless. The food was perfect and the chocolate donuts were...

Lovely location next to river. We had booked a table to allow us to eat inside with our two dogs. Took ages to find someone to advise us which table had been reserved for us. Menus were badly printed on paper with half of the...

We have been regulars at the Rowbarge ever since it was taken over by your company and Steve was the manager We will not be returning after our last experience. We had to change our choices and waited 90 minutes to be served.The sausages were...

Arrived and opted to sit outside and acknowledged how busy it was so expected to wait a while for food. There was only 1 vegetarian main on the menu and I sort of expected that and can libe with it. I went inside to get...

My friends and I dropped in for drinks following a lovely walk in the surrounding countryside. We sat on the picnic seats in the sunshine and bought our first drinks from the inside bar and all was well. We went on to have a second...

Lovely setting. Limited choice of food on a Sunday at 5.15. Sat outside. My wife ordered a starter only, which arrived about 20 minutes later. We had been advised that the food would probably arrive at different times as they were prepared in different parts...

Booked a table,arrived was told no food was being served outside ( no reason given) 22 degrees outside but hey ho, well eat inside tonight! Ordered, feed and watered by a very hood waitress, ordered a cheese board for pudding. We then asked waitress if...

Booked an Evening Table for a celebration dinner, Arrived on time sat inside ... cool inside which was good given it was a hot day outside .. Given a reduced menue, reportedly because the kitchen staff were catering from an outside kitchen ... Basic Burgers...

Lovely location with a beautiful garden - plenty of tables outside. Completely disorganised staff - we arrived at 11:40 to join a long queue for drinks with only one person behind the bar to serve the drinks. Confusion reigned as people were arriving for the...

I can not believe the reviews are so positive for this place! After being given the menu and choosing we were told one of our choices was not available, second choice not available- we were then told that 3 choices were not available! Finally chose...

We had a meal here on a Sunday, to celebrate a special milestone birthday as a large family. We had booked a table inside, but my family wanted to sit outside. The garden was beautiful and well presented, with lots of flowers everywhere. The chairs...

Fantastic meal as always at the Rowbarge. Was a special meal as it was our first with our new baby and our parents. Made to feel so welcome by Gary and the team and the new outside area looks amazing. Love the Rowbarge, best pub...

Fantastic evening celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary. Thanks to Lauren who did an amazing job of looking after us all especially with our drinks order :)

The Rowbarge was ok, but it was just...ok. I might pop on there if I was passing but not somewhere I would plan to go if it was out my way. The food was average but very overpriced for what it was. It's not a...

We had a lovely evening at the Rowbarge this week. The terrace is nicely set out and we enjoyed a meal of burgers and drinks. Very tasty, service was good and quick and a nice atmosphere.

This pub is in a beautiful setting and plenty of space outside. We visited on a Sunday evening. Service was ok although 5 meals came out ages before the 6th. Food was very disappointing. Many items not available including most of the roast choices. Food...

Went on a Thursday night. We had booked our favourite table, but when we arrived someone else had taken it! The pub was busy and so the alternative table offered was next to a very noisy group which rather spoilt the evening. Squid was good...

After visiting the nearby lakes I saw the garden absolutely rammed with people and suggested to the family to go for a meal based on an expensive menu. We were not disappointed the menu was top class with very good service and a wonderful atmosphere...

I have been to this pub/restaurant many times, so it was the obvious choice to meet up with friends for a Sunday lunch. Unfortunately, I was very disappointed. Firstly we were told that there was no beef for the roast dinner. And once we had...

Lovely setting and great choice of beer. Staff very friendly and attentive BUT food portions were small, especially the Eton mess desert which we ordered with two spoons to share. Probably two small mouthfuuls each for £8. A wind up!!!! Went home and bought a...

We had high expectations for our meal having looked at the menu beforehand and were visiting for my husbands birthday but we were unfortunately disappointed with the mediocre food. Parking is good and the setting is beautiful. The presentation of the food is better than...

A very busy day outside and food orders were taking two hours, however it was calm and quiet inside with good service and no long wait time. Starters of mushrooms and prawn cocktail… good portions and tasty. Mains of fish cake and pie both really...

Loved this place, big portions of very tasty food. Everything was cooked really well and speedy service despite how busy it was. Would definitely come back!

We are 5 friends who had walked along the canal and wanted lunch. My friend is gluten intolerant so was very pleased to see a wide choice of dishes were GF. Couldnt fault our waitress Alice.. attentive and great service (she even broke down our...

Have been before many times. Its a great location and gets very busy when it's sunny. Went for a family meal this time and whilst the staff were friendly the service was slow and despite this we were continually being told we had to finish...

We went as 3 couples. Service was good and food tasted good. We found the menu rather limited with only stodgy food. Starters we good choice though with lots of smaller dishes and liked the smaller deserts

We we served by James he was very accommodating and was very helpful and also knowledgeable of the pub he also didn’t stop moving he was always doing something very impressed

The food was lovely and the service was fast and friendly, especially the server Lindy (sorry if the spelling is wrong) she was a star! I had some nocarella olives, the steak sandwich and an eton mess for dessert and it was all made perfectly!...

Why don’t the management of this lovely pub understand that eventually the awful customer service will eventually hit their bottom line. Since Brexit the staff have changed from more Eastern European nature to British and along with that a further decline in customer service. Such...

We visited for Sunday lunch on Mothers Day, the service was very lapse we had to ask where our drinks had got to, to be told they were lost at the bar and no really apology. The food was disappointing very small portions for the...

We've been to the Rowbarge so many times and had nothing but great things to say. We ebeb go out of our way to visit. This time was so dissapointing as the food arrived with real poor quality and a very small portion. I sent...

My first visit to the Rowbarge for several years and I wasn't disappointed! The eight of us all ordered something different and each of us really enjoyed our lunch. The service from Euan was outstanding! He remembered exactly who had ordered which dishes and drinks...

The mushroom Starter = was cold. The Main fish (cod) chips + mushy peas = Very poor (close to sending it back) Dry, 80% batter, hard over cooked chips. Sweet Sticky toffee pud = very dry, cold, Melted ice cream - the best part was...

Pleasant, helpful and efficient staff. Good food, nicely presented. Food arrived promptly after ordering. Attractive pub inside and out.

Worst sunday roast i think I've ever had. Terrible service, terrible food. 2 roast beefs pretty much untouched, shoulder of lamb was inedible, the burger was ok. Didn't even ask if the food was ok when they collected 3 very full plates. Went home hungry..Thats the last time i go there. Very disappointed.

First time here in decades and really lovely visit. Great roast, amazing chocolate waffle desert and really friendly staff. Location on canal makes it easy for a post lunch stroll. Will visit again.

We turned up at lunchtime and without a booking and the last with the brown hair said they were full and had no tables. People then arrived after us and sat at tables and ordered food. Man with glasses behind the bar said oh well when questioned that there were seats. Both were very rude and acted like they didn’t want any more customers - won’t be returning

Very disappointed have been coming here for years and today not happy asked for a latte come late and Luke warm and had it changed ok but Prawns were chewy but sort of ok and crispy squid could hardly get fork into it without it flying off the plate. Very upset.

A nice family dinner following a day at Newbury races. We went here for dinner and we’re not disappointed by the food. All the starters and deserts were amazing. The reason not 5 is because the burgers were not amazing, and the service wasn’t the quickest (but it’s a busy time of year) all in all would recommend if you’re here, defo try the parsnip soup and the fish and chips!