Berkshire

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-lowdown">THE LOWDOWN</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/01/1-2.png" alt="The Greyhound Finchampstead" class="wp-image-40452" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/01/1-2.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/01/1-2-300x200.png 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/01/1-2-720x480.png 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/01/1-2-150x100.png 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/01/1-2-768x511.png 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/01/1-2-788x525.png 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Did someone say Muddy Award winning Best Destination pub? Yes, they did. <a href="https://greyhoundfinchampstead.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Greyhound Finchampstead</a> is in the Brucan Pubs stable – fast gaining a reputation for top notch gastropubs, including the Michelin-rated The Greene Oak in Windsor and the newly taken over The White Oak in Cookham. 



But we would expect nothing less from owner James Lyon Shaw who started his career at The Ivy in London. He was formerly head chef of a number of trendy London restaurants including Bistrotheque and The Well. And to be fair, you can spot some of that Ivy DNA (indulgent fuss-free classics, quality ingredients, and seasonality) in their eateries – and we are here for it.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="918" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/01/Goswell-and-Birds.png" alt="goswell birds berkshire farm shop" class="wp-image-60538" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/01/Goswell-and-Birds.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/01/Goswell-and-Birds-800x734.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/01/Goswell-and-Birds-400x367.png 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/01/Goswell-and-Birds-768x705.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



An added extra with The Greyhound is, attached to the pub, you&#8217;ll find the traditional foodie farm and coffee shop, <a href="https://goswellandbirds.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Goswell &amp; Bird’s</a>, which champions small producers, British produce, and regenerative farming. Find rare breed meats, fresh breads, seasonal fruit and vegetables as well as a daytime café menu for breakfasts and light lunches. Check out their recently launched breaky and lunch baps &#8211; heaven.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="644" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/05/greyhound-15.jpg" alt="Review: The Greyhound, Finchampstead" class="wp-image-65646" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/05/greyhound-15.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/05/greyhound-15-800x515.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/05/greyhound-15-400x258.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/05/greyhound-15-768x495.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



This boutique pub also throws a number of events throughout the year, including regular quizzes and their fabulous <a href="https://greyhoundfinchampstead.co.uk/secret-supper-club.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Secret Supper Club</a>. Each night is a different theme that celebrates the very best of British produce. Get five courses with wine pairings for £75 per person and menus are published online in advance of the day. There&#8217;s two planned for Sept and Oct so be quick.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-vibe">THE VIBE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/01/5.png" alt="The Greyhound Finchampstead" class="wp-image-40456" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/01/5.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/01/5-300x200.png 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/01/5-720x480.png 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/01/5-150x100.png 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/01/5-768x511.png 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/01/5-788x525.png 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Buzzy and laidback. We arrived on a sunny Thursday evening for dinner and were met with an assorted crowd of friends, families, and couples. It&#8217;s a place for everyone. From the moment you drive into the carpark, the red brick Victorian building swathed in colourful hanging basket blooms gives a fabulous first impression. Inside doesn’t disappoint either. There’s a sweeping bar area for drinkers and plenty of well-behaved dogs sleeping at their owners’ feet. The warm lighting and earthy tones make the space feel incredibly welcoming, and the theme travels into the main dining area too.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1498" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/greyhound-pub.jpeg" alt="The Greyhound pub Finchampstead" class="wp-image-67102" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/greyhound-pub.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/greyhound-pub-534x800.jpeg 534w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/greyhound-pub-668x1000.jpeg 668w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/greyhound-pub-267x400.jpeg 267w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/greyhound-pub-768x1150.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Down the small flight of stairs you go to find a stylishly understated space bursting with textures, exposed brick, and panelling. Large sections of wall are clad in wine racks illuminated by LED lights, creating a cool interior feature. You can always judge a place by its bathroom (yep, I&#8217;m one of those), and it definitely lived up. A cool ornamental bowl sink in a vintage wallpaper cladded room made me feel I was dining out somewhere just that little more special.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/greyhound-5.jpg" alt="Review: The Greyhound, Finchampstead" class="wp-image-67000" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/greyhound-5.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/greyhound-5-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/greyhound-5-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/greyhound-5-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Outside is zoned – five heated wagons for year-round outdoor dining, a pretty pergola, and a stylish outdoor lounge. It’s not a massive garden, but if you’ve got kids who can’t sit still, it’s an option. For a warm summer evening it&#8217;s a little haven you&#8217;ll want to retreat for a tipple or two. It basks in the evening sun and honestly, what sings summer more than an Aperol Spritz, a few bar snacks, and a pub garden?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scoff-amp-quaff">SCOFF &amp; QUAFF</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/greyhound-1.jpg" alt="The Greyhound, Finchampstead pub" class="wp-image-66996" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/greyhound-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/greyhound-1-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/greyhound-1-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/greyhound-1-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Expect a menu (including kids and Sunday lunch) packed full of crowd-pleasing dishes that go from average to exceptional by using quality, seasonal ingredients, and a comprehensive knowledge of flavour. *Insert drooling emoji* It&#8217;s worth noting the pub runs a fantastic set lunch deal where you can get two courses for £27 or three for £32. Such a steal it&#8217;s practically criminal if you ask us.



Now, joining me for my review today would be no easy-to-please punter. Nan was in tow, and if the food could pass the nan test, it could do anything. Kicking off the feasting fun, the friendly waitress talked us through the weekly specials before I settled on the steak tartare with seeded crispbread. Meanwhile, nan opted for pea, goat’s cheese, and quail egg tart. I really enjoyed the runny egg on top of the tartare and the flavour was a zingy, citrusy, and peppery pow wow. It went really well with the crisps too.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/greyhound-2.jpg" alt="Review: The Greyhound, Finchampstead" class="wp-image-66997" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/greyhound-2.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/greyhound-2-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/greyhound-2-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/greyhound-2-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



With bated breath, nan took her first bite. Time seemed to stand still, until all of a sudden, she smiled. She LOVED it. She enjoyed the creamy filling of the tart, telling me the pastry was buttery with a nice crumble. She liked that the goats cheese had a nice flavour without overpowering the dish. So yeah, that&#8217;s a success if I ever saw one. Not a crumb was left. 



Accompanying her food, nan enjoyed a lovely rosé blush, meanwhile I went for a local Stanlake Park red (when in Berkshire, am I right?) It was delicious and a little tooooo easy to drink. The wine offering here is particularly good. There&#8217;s an entire page load dedicated to the English sort alone which I really liked, plus the Rest of the World section is extensive. There&#8217;s draught beers, ciders, bottles, and a good range of soft drinks too. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/greyhound-3.jpg" alt="The Greyhound, Finchampstead pub" class="wp-image-66998" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/greyhound-3.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/greyhound-3-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/greyhound-3-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/greyhound-3-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



For main, I decided to go rogue, ordering something I would never ordinarily order when eating out &#8211; chicken. The dish was roast Suffolk chicken, crispy potato, grilled gem, peas and bacon, and dripping hollandaise. I was genuinely surprised by just how much I enjoyed it. The flavours were lovely and paired beautifully together. The chicken itself was incredibly soft and juicy, and a particular highlight was the crispy potato. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/greyhound-4.jpg" alt="The Greyhound, Finchampstead pub" class="wp-image-66999" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/greyhound-4.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/greyhound-4-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/greyhound-4-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/greyhound-4-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



For nan, it was the slow cooked lamb shoulder, sweetbreads, rigatoni, broad beans and mint. Now this was the winner winner. The lamb was so tender it just fell apart and she even went as far to say it melted in her mouth. Her only comment would be she wished it came with more of a potato accompaniment like dauphinoise potato, however, she did have a side order of chips which went down a treat. All the food came out piping hot and fresh too which only earned it even more gold stars.



The shtick here is that everything is prepared from scratch and the passion for food is evident, from the taste and presentation, to the staff who enthusiastically talk about the dishes. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/greyhound-6.jpg" alt="Review: The Greyhound, Finchampstead" class="wp-image-67001" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/greyhound-6.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/greyhound-6-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/greyhound-6-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/greyhound-6-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Enter an eyes even bigger than my belly moment (although after the last two courses the belly could have definitely given them a run for their money). The pudding was HUGE. Both of us went for the chocolate bread and butter pudding with vanilla ice cream which was the dessert on the weekly specials board. I thought me and nan were about to have a bust up when we were told there was only one left. But thankfully, a second was found, and peace resumed. 



It was so delicious and a true comfort pud. I only wish I was a little less full to enjoy every morsel. If your trousers are on the tight side but you&#8217;ve still got a sweet tooth in need of satisfying, the puds are great for sharing.



Throughout the night, the staff were great. Easy-going and efficient without being overbearing which is the sweet spot. A boy on the table next to us was celebrating his birthday and they went out of their way to do a lovely, special pudding plate for him which is always a nice touch.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-out-amp-about">OUT &amp; ABOUT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/09/SimonsWoodHeathRunnymede.jpg" alt="Simons Wood Finchampstead Berkshire" class="wp-image-37910" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/09/SimonsWoodHeathRunnymede.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/09/SimonsWoodHeathRunnymede-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/09/SimonsWoodHeathRunnymede-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/09/SimonsWoodHeathRunnymede-150x100.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/09/SimonsWoodHeathRunnymede-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/09/SimonsWoodHeathRunnymede-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<a href="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live/best-places-to-live-finchampstead/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Finchampstead</a> is on the outskirts of Wokingham and Crowthorne. If you’re in the area, work up an appetite with a stroll around Finchampstead Ridges. It’s been in the National Trust family for over 100 years. Head to Simon’s Wood and walk the avenue of redwood Sequoia trees (also known as Wellingtonia trees), planted in 1863. See if you can spot the second century Roman Road, nicknamed the Devil’s Highway, and Heat’s Pond is a pretty spot at this time of the year.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



Good for: Anyone who loves good food or has taste buds. Whether you’re enjoying a breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner, you cannot go wrong here. The food is delicious.



Not for: Fine dining connoisseurs. If you’re a dedicated follower of foodie fashion then you’re not going to find frills, foams or deconstructed dishes to challenge you. 



The damage: Very good for food of this quality. It’s on a par with the county’s gastropub greats. Starters from £9, mains from £16.50, and puds £9.50.



<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://greyhoundfinchampstead.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Greyhound</a>,&nbsp;Longwater Rd, Finchampstead, Wokingham RG40 3TS. Tel 0118 216 1334

Review: The Greyhound, Finchampstead

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