BERKSHIRE

The Crown at Bray, Bray

The Crown at Bray Pitstop! Pubs, hotels, and where to eat along the M4 Berkshire

Pubby pitstop incoming! If you’re flooring it along the M4 corridor, don’t forget to refuel. Well, obvs. But we’re talking about the foodie kind. Located in a village awash with Michelin stars, The Crown at Bray more than lives up to the location’s culinary credentials with its humble British pub food in a cosy and laid-back setting. The nosh is brilliant with a reputation that attracts even the most far-reaching destination diners. Don’t leave without trying The Crown Prawn Cocktail and Strawberry Eton Mess. Got your pooch with you? The garden is hugeee and made for letting off steam.

The White Oak, Cookham

Nothing pretentious here, just quality food, a lovely garden and a warm welcome. If you’re heading down the A404 or M4, take a detour to this village pub that recently enjoyed one finger-licking refurb. It’s a perfect family spot, stripped back and with a simple mission: fab food, warm hospitality, and a lip-smacking menu prepared with the very best produce from outstanding local suppliers. We’re still drooling over their Sunday Roast (just read our review). However, their a la carte and set price lunch menu (two courses for £27 or three for £32) is so good, it’s practically criminal.

Monkey Island Estate, Bray

Monkey Island Estate, Bray Pitstop! Pubs, hotels, and where to eat along the M4 Berkshire

Timeless, classy, yet with serious swag, Monkey Island Estate needs no introduction. When you’re in the mood to be marooned on your own island (understandable after hours in a stuffy motor), this historic five star bolthole will do just the trick. Walk in the footsteps of monarchs, aristocrats, artists, writers, and Hollywood A-listers, and rest your weary head on a pillow fit for a King. There’s 41 luxury bedrooms and suites, many with stonking views of the River Thames, plus a cool restaurant perfect for a long lunch, afternoon tea, or intimate dinner that celebrates the best of British cuisine.

Bombay Story Indian Kitchen, Maidenhead & Wokingham

Bombay Story Indian Kitchen, Maidenhead & Wokingham

Unique and chic, Bombay Story is a modern Indian kitchen that’s about as close to the bustling Bombay street food scene as you’re going to get. There’s two locations, Maidenhead and Wokingham – the former (which only opened in April this year) is within easy access of both the A404 and M4 for a swift, pain-free pitstop. We’re big fans. Open all day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, you’ll find tantalising dishes like lamb samosas, malvani crab, and spiced monkfish, plus all your classics like chicken tikka and lamb bhuna. Plant-based eaters are well catered for, and the welcoming, family-feel would be hard pushed not to win you over.

The Royal Oak, Yattendon

Sucker for a slick country pub? You’re going to LOVE The Royal Oak, sitting pretty in chocolate box Yattendon. Despite it’s rural location, it’s just a short drive from the M4 and A34, yet surrounded by quaint cottages, fields, and woodland. Oh, and it gets its fair share of celebs, aristos, and, *coughs, royalty (Kate and William). The menu offers crowd-pleasing elevated pub classics with a gastro twist. There’s an emphasis on seasonality, so menus change fairly often, service is friendly, and if you need somewhere to hunker down, look no further than their 10 beautiful and boutiquey rooms.

Dinton Pastures Country Park, Wokingham

Unleash the beasts! Yep, kids or dogs included. This 400-acre site has something for everyone. There are easy trails that take in the lake, play park, and green spaces – suitable for littlies, pushchairs and wheelchair users. No shortage of coffee here either. There’s not one, but three hand-warming stops. The Coffee House is the biggest with a mouth-watering menu of hot and cold food. For drinks and snacks to go, The Coffee Pod is located next to the kids play area, and The Coffee Deck is in the top floor of the Activity Centre.

The Boxford, Newbury

The Boxford, Newbury Pitstop! Pubs, hotels, and where to eat along the M4 Berkshire

For family dining, The Boxford is a great option for all. It’s a super chill all-day dining type situation with cooked breakfasts, fresh pastries, blended smoothies, and coffee in the morning, or sourdough pizza served bubbling from their modern pizza oven, and a whole host of other tantalising Italian dishes for the rest of the day. Yum. Plenty of options for mini diners and casual drinkers too. Open seven days a week.

Cobbs Farm Shop, Hungerford & Englefield

Cobbs Farm Shop, Hungerford & Englefield

Both on the M4 stretch, these farmy pitstops are a one-stop shop for all your road trip needs. Sling back in their stylish café/restaurant for countryside views and great food with a strong farm to fork ethos. There’s breakfast, lunch, or Sunday roasts, and their kids menu will please even the pickiest of eaters. Afterwards, go wild in the aisles. Stock up on car snacks that will ensure happy sailing all the way to the beach. We love the freshly baked goods, and all their café food is also available to takeaway too. For Englefield, it’s just five minutes from J12 of the M4. For Hungerford, take J14.

WILTSHIRE

The Wellesley Arms, Chippenham

The Wellesley Arms, Chippenham Pitstop! Pubs, hotels, and where to eat along the M4 Wiltshire

A hedonistic dream boat! Swerve off junction 17 of the M4 and discover cosy village vibes, a contemporary approach to hospitality, and great grub within minutes. Slap-bang in the middle of Sutton Benger’s High Street, this magnificent old coaching inn is bold, fun, and country cool. And you’ll even brush shoulders with Queen Vic. Quality ingredients from local suppliers are at the heart of the proceedings here. Brixham harbour fish, chargrilled tuna steak, or homemade pastry pie of the day should keep you going. There’s also fresh stone baked pizzas on Fridays, ample choice for little diners, and a stonking Sunday roast.

Bowood House & Gardens, Calne

One of Muddy’s fave days out in Wilts, when you’re sick of hearing them say, “Are we there yet?”, pack ’em off here. Stunning parkland, 100 acres of gorgeousness to let off some steam, and an adrenaline-fuelled Adventure Playground featuring a lifesize pirate ship, plus a soft play for younger ones awaits. Need somewhere to get some ZZZs? There’s a luxury boutique hotel with 43 bedrooms and a great restaurant too. Pssst, if it’s desperate times, desperate measures, there’s also a brilliant spa. Holiday mode: activated.

The Old Bell Hotel, Malmesbury

The Old Bell Hotel, Malmesbury Pitstop! Pubs, hotels, and where to eat along the M4 Wiltshire

Design mavens, you’ve arrived at your destination early. Rumoured to be the oldest hotel in England, The Old Bell Hotel is an elegantly eccentric hotel at the heart of ancient, peaceful Malmesbury. It may be ancient, but its recent revamp certainly isn’t. Expect bonkers knick-knacks (a giant giraffe in the corridor), period details, and eclectic wallpapers. There’s three stylish lounges to kick back in, and the Abbey Row restaurant is incredible. The 34 individually decorated bedrooms are made for dreamy night sleeps before hitting the road again in the AM.

The Langley Tap, Chippenham

Pitstop! A traditional village gastropub in a relaxed and welcoming setting. Come on in. Sister to The Wellesley Arms, this is a real locals local where you’ll find dogs lounging by the wood-burner, real ale, and pub classics littering the menu. It’s seasonally changing, and whether you’re looking for a proper feast, a light bite, or a roast, you’ll be well serviced here. Wood-fired stone pizzas every Friday too!

Talos Art Gallery, Calne

Fresh air and an arty party! Take a break from the road and go sculpture spotting. Tucked away in the sprawling countryside just outside Calne, this farm is home to Talos, a gallery, sculpture garden and exhibition space. Since its restoration by sculptor Richard Atkinson-Willes and his partner Sara, the venue’s summer exhibitions have drawn world-class talent, alongside a seriously art-loving crowd. Take it from me, it’s well-worth the mooch. Talos’ Summer Exhibition runs until 21 July.

The Dumb Post, Bremhill

The Dumb Post, Bremhill Pitstop! Pubs, hotels, and where to eat along the M4 Wiltshire

An unpretentious country pub in Wiltshire, with fabulous food, the friendliest of vibes and an idyllic view. Weave your way along the quiet lanes from Calne, and you’ll find this honey-hued haunt, teetering high above Wiltshire’s rolling fields. With its sprawling, sun-drenched terrace, wide-ranging menu and cosy interior, The Dumb Post Inn is a superb pub in the prettiest of positions. The food here is far more than pub grub (it’s got the AA culinary rosette to prove it). From pan fried lamb loin to their legendary homemade burger, it’s the perfect pitstop if you ask us.

Pitstop! Where to grab a bite or some winks en route to the coast

You may also like