The best restaurants in Chieveley West Berkshire South East

Navigating the parking zones of Crabtree Valley Mall feels akin to participating in a high-stakes game of bumper cars—minus the thrill and with a higher likelihood of vehicle mishaps. It’s not unusual to witness the unfortunate aftermath of careless hit-and-run incidents, where cars sport new battle scars multiple times a day. Personally, I tend to avoid this shopping hub more often than not, a strategy that has served me well. In my youthful days, however, I was a frequent visitor to the Old Navy nestled within those crowded confines, where I indulged in a delightful shopping spree for an array of promotional t-shirts. Ah, the good old days of fashion enthusiasm! Fast forward to the present, and my interest in sartorial splendor has waned significantly. Now, my wardrobe refresh consists solely of a dozen plain black t-shirts and v-necks every three months—because let’s face it, nothing says “I’ve given up on life” quite like faded fabric from overzealous washing. Oh, and speaking of my escapades at Crabtree Valley Mall, I once made a rather extravagant purchase at the now-defunct Sears there. In an act of chivalry—or perhaps sheer folly—I bought a car battery for my then-girlfriend, who was knee-deep in statistical equations at UNC. The battery was promptly shipped off to Chapel Hill to ensure her ride would continue rolling smoothly. And let’s not forget the $600 splurge on a Sony F717 camera at that same establishment. I might as well have been funding a small country! Recently, while perusing Google Maps for their latest panoramic images, I found myself scratching my head in bemusement. It seems Crabtree Valley Mall prefers to pay someone exorbitantly for lackluster panoramic shots of its facade rather than employ someone like me, an amateur photographer who takes joy in capturing the world through my lens without charging a dime! It’s truly baffling—why pay for what could be done for free by someone with a passion for photography? Many folks believe that when it comes to paid services, quality is inherently superior. However, I firmly assert that my 360° panorama skills eclipse those of any professional panorama photographer in North Carolina by a factor of at least one hundred! Alas, it appears my talents go unnoticed, much like that lone sock that mysteriously disappears in the laundry cycle. Isn’t it just absurd? So here I am, humorously lamenting my position as an underappreciated artist in a world that values expensive over exceptional. If only they knew that sometimes the most delightful treasures are found in the unlikeliest of places—like a humble hobbyist with a knack for capturing the essence of Crabtree Valley Mall’s chaotic charm!

Fourth visit and this one just as fabulous as the first three. Food and staff are amazing. open kitchen serving freshly made dishes. Simply brilliant. Thanks all, be back soon.

A hidden gem. Excellent freshly made panini and reasonably priced with friendly service. Highly recommended. Pleasant woodland surroundings.

Popped in for lunch with a bunch of friends, just before Christmas. Staff were friendly and very helpfull, despite some last minute changes in our group details. Food was cooked to perfection. Great beer on tap too!

Great atmosphere, really good menu and very enjoyable pub food. Very welcoming landlord. I highly recommend this pub for a meal.

Sorry, ordered the simplest of dishes, Chicken Curry, Egg Fried Rice and a Spring Roll. This is has been our takeaway for many years and is usually pretty good. Covid had an impact, the visible through a window takeaway section had to close and now food is cooked by the sister sit down restaurant next door. The Chicken Curry was awful, the sauce was almost cement like, way to much thickener it was the same shape as the plastic container when tipped out. The Spring Roll tasted weird, almost stale like. Unfortunately we won’t be going there again as it’s spoilt what would have been a nice evening, TV, Curry and a bottle of wine.

Super delicious dinner and breakfast buffet, friendly staff, would be happy to return

Vegan steak pastries were bland, overpriced and almost entirely vegetable with two tiny chunks of vegan steak. They had no alternative milks and my coffee cup was dented in a way that meant the lid wouldn't fit without leaking.

Nice service and nice fresh food

I haven’t drunk my coffee as I saw the assistant blown and wipe his nose and then pick up cups and saucers without washing or antibacterial hand gel use. Ugg 🙁

Four of us booked afternoon tea at the Restaurant at Hlliers Hermitage a week before we wanted to attend. On Saturday 1st February 2025 we arrived at the restaurant to book in. Firstly there was problem using the two £40 vouchers we had. When this was finally sorted out we were asked had we booked and we said yes for 3 savoury afternoon teas ad 1 sweet afternoon tea. We were old our tea would be brought to the table. This was done but two of the party wated coffee and they said they would do this. We waited quite a while when eventually a platter arrived for 3 sweet teas and told 1 more was to come. We said we had ordered 3 savoury teas. The guy took the tray away but then brought the afternoon tea for one to the table. I noticed there was no sausage roll on the tea and was told there was none. I asked to see the manager (who was the chef) he came eventually and said there was none. We said where was the 3 savoury teas. This came but was the same plattter which we had been offered first but with some filled lettuce leaves on it. Then another waitress arrived and plonked a plate of chopped up sausage roll and two bowls of crisps on the table. We still had no plates. Then another waitress came with plates and said we had been booked in for the next day, Sunday. I said this was ot so and so looking at the tea which cost £80 whic looked awful I asked for the Manager again and whe he arrived I asked for our money back. The samwhiches were just hard boiled egg on white bread and ham and cheese. They had obviously forgotte out booking and every thing was done in a rush. We were eventually given two credit notes and we got up and left the tea on the table. The staff were not very friendly and huffed and puffed about the situation. Apart from our money back we feel we should have had more compensation. We will not be returning.

On our way to Bournemouth we had a comfort stop at Chieveley services we manage to purchase 2 lovely decaf coffee's at Costa coffee we recieved quick friendly service I enjoy the blend of coffee served collecting the bean's is a good incentive.

Worst latte and chocolate I have ever had in Costa. Latte was watery, not creamy at all. Chocolate was barely different from latte, again watery and acid, even milk was not good. Not sure how they dare to write "Italian" on the tray 🙂