The Catherine Wheel

Had a spare day; so took the train over to Newbury to investigate this pub, which had just been named West Berkshire Cider Pub of the Year. It was a Monday afternoon, and the pub, a traditional one in the town square with several indoor rooms and an outdoor yard, was extremely quiet. So I felt self-conscious as I settled down to try the many ciders listed on a blackboard; but, of course, that wore off the more I drank. In the end I'd drunk halves of all the ciders from the left-hand side of the board and two from the right, the ones on the right all being from Lilley's. I had a chat with the owner, a quiet, unassuming man who must be very talented to select and keep perfectly so many ciders (along with an interesting row of ales). Very few pubs even approach the Catherine Wheel's level of quality and variety. But they are modest about it. Also chatted to the barman who clocked on later, himself enthusiastic and well informed about the drinks. By this time, I felt comfortable and was really enjoying myself. This unplanned outing had clearly been worthwhile. Remarkably, there was no dud among the many ciders I drank. They included Tutts Clump, a lovely, still, golden cider made at Bradfield; Tutts Clump Reading Gold, hazier, less sweet, more apply, with almost a leafy dankness; Green Shed Just Dry, made round the corner in Newbury, with almost a Kingston Black taste to its appleness, dry without assaulting your tongue; 7 Trees Orchard Press, tacky on the tongue (in a good way), with a lemony top note; and Pulp Applecraft, the gentlest, sweetest, subtlest cider of the day. Plus a fair few others, but my note taking deteriorated after that and seems to have fizzled out. Also had my tea in the pub, a lush steak-and-ale pie made by Pieminister, plus an immense portion of chunky chips. Much love to the Catherine Wheel.

• Útil
• Inútil
• Responder

What used to be a rough and ready town pub has been transformed over the last few years into a really excellent pub with pub-grub. If you are looking for a gastro-pub then look elsewhere. But this place has become very successful and rightfully so. They keep a large selection of ales and the list of bottled beers is huge as is the gin selection in the gin-bar in the court yard. It’s great that real traditional pubs, such as this one, continue to thrive against this trend for gastro-pubs pretending to be fine dining restaurants.

• Útil
• Inútil
• Responder

Stumbled across the Catherine Wheel whilst trying to find a dog friendly outside place for lunch. Spotted the beer garden and went in. Menu looked good, ordered a cheese and coleslaw baked potato and a ploughman’s, had a zero alcohol IPA and a soft drink. Food was quick, huge portions and really really good. Staff friendly, attentive and helpful. Definitely would recommend.

• Útil
• Inútil
• Responder

Just ordered via Deliveroo and omg best pies we have ever tasted! The food arrived piping hot, packaged well and portions were very generous. If you’re looking for home cook food this is the place to go.

• Útil
• Inútil
• Responder

Great value pie n chips or mash with lots of gravy, great selection of beers ,lagers and ciders too.

• Útil
• Inútil
• Responder