Berkshire

Consistently delicious and the service is bang on every time &#8211; certainly worth a visit

Best gastropub around for miles. Great friendly and caring service. Excellent variety of food on the regular menus and frequent specials. Highly recommended

<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="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/greene-oak-14.jpg" alt="Brunch at The Greene Oak pub in Windsor" class="wp-image-68003" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/greene-oak-14.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/greene-oak-14-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/greene-oak-14-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/greene-oak-14-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



We&#8217;re spoilt for choice in Berkshire when it comes to fantastic pubs and restaurants. And <a aria-label="The Greene Oak in Windsor (opens in a new tab)" href="https://thegreeneoak.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Greene Oak</a> in Windsor is certainly one of them. Owned by James Lyon Shaw, who previously worked in the kitchen at London&#8217;s celeb haunt The Ivy, traded in London&#8217;s concrete jungle for Windsor&#8217;s gilded countryside. London&#8217;s loss is Berkshire&#8217;s gastronomic gain.



Under the banner of boutique pub group Brucan, you can find their sister pubs <a href="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/pubs-inns/review-brunch-the-greyhound-finchampstead-berkshire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Greyhound</a> in Finchampstead and <a href="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/pubs-inns/review-the-white-oak-cookham/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The White Oak</a> in Cookham. Each location follows a near exact menu and foodie ethos so expect an à la carte offering, brilliant Sunday roast, Saturday brunch menu, fuss-free childrens options, and one stonking set menu lunch deal (two courses for £27 or three for £32). The grub at The Greene Oak has been met with much acclaim, celebrated for its use of the best of the British larder, and its appealing mix of dishes. Subsequently, it&#8217;s proudly featured in the prestigious Michelin guide.



<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/5/2021/05/The-Greene-Oak-garden.jpg" alt="Brunch at The Greene Oak pub in Windsor" class="wp-image-35286" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/05/The-Greene-Oak-garden.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/05/The-Greene-Oak-garden-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/05/The-Greene-Oak-garden-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/05/The-Greene-Oak-garden-150x100.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/05/The-Greene-Oak-garden-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/05/The-Greene-Oak-garden-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Buzzy and pleasingly zen – we arrived on a sunny Saturday lunchtime for brunch and the downpours stopped long enough for us to pretend it was summer. The pretty garden was packed. Every table (each covered by a large parasol) was nearly taken and the two horse box tables were full too. Inside, was bustling, and people just kept coming. Word on the street says this is often the case. So basically, if you want to eat here, book ahead.



<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/5/2024/07/greene-oak-.jpg" alt="Brunch at The Greene Oak pub in Windsor" class="wp-image-67989" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/greene-oak-.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/greene-oak--800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/greene-oak--400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/greene-oak--768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



The vibe is relaxed, welcoming, and ticks the boxes when it comes to cool country pub décor. It&#8217;s a dedicated follower of the Farrow &amp; Ball paint chart, and I love the exposed beams and tactile wood furniture. But there are quirky touches too. Think antler heads on the wall, statement artwork, and taxidermy game birds.



The sink in the loos was an old Singer sewing machine table (machine still on top) and the converted horse box tables in the garden are just gold dust. Gallop for one to nab the best seats in the house. It&#8217;s a perfect spot to people watch and listen to the live music (lovely acoustic guitar player booked for the Saturday brunch service). If you&#8217;ve got kids who can&#8217;t sit still, it also means you&#8217;re not disturbing any of the diners. Heaven. For special occasions, there’s a private dining space inside that isn&#8217;t entirely cut off from the rest of the pub, so you can still feel the buzz and bustle. 



<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/5/2024/07/greene-oak-2.jpg" alt="Brunch at The Greene Oak pub in Windsor" class="wp-image-67991" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/greene-oak-2.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/greene-oak-2-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/greene-oak-2-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/greene-oak-2-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



All hail the crowd-pleasing menu that uses quality, seasonal ingredients, and a comprehensive knowledge of flavour. Eggs are from Stoke Farm (just down the road), and a nose to tail policy is in place. Full carcasses are delivered to the kitchen, where the meat is butchered, prepared, and aged on site. They cure their own ham, and fish is freshly caught from Brixham. Lovely jubbly.



Scanning through the The Greene Oak&#8217;s menu, it was clear the indecisive would be simply mind-blown. There&#8217;s loooads to choose from &#8211; starters, snacks, eggs, burgers, classic mains, and a smattering of sides to wash it down nicely. The breakfast section is enough to leave anyone sunny side up. Best described as classic brunch dishes with a ravishing twist &#8211; this alone would have punters queuing out the door.



<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/5/2024/07/greene-oak-4.jpg" alt="Brunch at The Greene Oak pub in Windsor" class="wp-image-67993" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/greene-oak-4.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/greene-oak-4-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/greene-oak-4-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/greene-oak-4-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



So tuck in your napkin, we&#8217;re going in. Starters: for me the light and bright Hampshire asparagus served hot with a crispy hens egg and truffled lardo had my name smothered all over it. The crunchiness of the veg cut through the deep fried egg gloriously. Of course, it was gooey and cooked to perfection. But I&#8217;d expect nothing less from these gourmet gurus.



Meanwhile, my partner in foodie crime opted for pea, goat’s cheese, and quail egg tart which I hear was excellent. A perfect starter size and the flavours married together beautifully.



<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/5/2024/07/greene-oak-10.jpg" alt="Brunch at The Greene Oak pub in Windsor" class="wp-image-67999" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/greene-oak-10.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/greene-oak-10-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/greene-oak-10-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/greene-oak-10-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Mains were next. On the other side of the table, it could only be the 300g sirloin steak, brown butter fried eggs, hash brown, and a big ole dollop of béarnaise sauce. A side order of watercress, chicory and rocket salad with crisp shallots was also ordered to accompany. Served beautifully pink, the meat was tender and packed with flavour. I nabbed a bit of the hash brown and it was truly heavenly. The holy grail of brunch dishes if you ask me.



<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/5/2024/07/greene-oak-7.jpg" alt="Brunch at The Greene Oak pub in Windsor" class="wp-image-67996" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/greene-oak-7.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/greene-oak-7-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/greene-oak-7-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/greene-oak-7-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Personally, I couldn&#8217;t resist the lure of the king scallop, maple bacon and fried egg muffin. It didn&#8217;t disappoint. The size of the scallops lived up to their name. King! They were chunky and the sweet flavour of the maple was delicate and pure indulgence. Again, the egg was like a cascading waterfall of yolky splendour. Really loved this dish and would snap it up again in a heartbeat.



<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/5/2024/07/greene-oak-11.jpg" alt="Brunch at The Greene Oak pub in Windsor" class="wp-image-68000" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/greene-oak-11.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/greene-oak-11-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/greene-oak-11-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/greene-oak-11-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



As for drinks, there were plenty of options including a carefully curated wine list (28 by the glass, including a selection of fine wines, and there are more options by the bottle) plus selection of classic cocktails. Well, it certainly wouldn&#8217;t be brunch without a cheeky concoction. The pornstar martini was a big hit, meanwhile I opted for a small glass of the Argentinian Malbec (designated driver and all that). It was smooth, full bodied, and the perfect brunch pairing.



<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/5/2024/07/greene-oak-12.jpg" alt="Brunch at The Greene Oak pub in Windsor" class="wp-image-68001" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/greene-oak-12.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/greene-oak-12-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/greene-oak-12-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/greene-oak-12-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



After a short intermission, I was revved up for my pudding. My friend tapped out at this point (owwff with his head if you ask me). But being the trooper I am, a dark chocolate mousse with salted caramel made its way to our table. Plus, to my disgust, two spoons! I did let him have a bite &#8211; which somehow turned into four? But I can&#8217;t blame him keeping dipping in though &#8211; it was just heavenly. I wanted to order a second, but no dear reader, I bravely held out.



<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="1500" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/windsor-free-image-1.jpg" alt="Windsor berkshire" class="wp-image-67214" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/windsor-free-image-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/windsor-free-image-1-533x800.jpg 533w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/windsor-free-image-1-667x1000.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/windsor-free-image-1-267x400.jpg 267w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/windsor-free-image-1-768x1152.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



You&#8217;re on the outskirts of Windsor, who can resist the urge to walk into the footsteps of kings, queens and Elton John? Nose around <a href="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/travel/uk/travel-guides/muddy-guide-to-windsor/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor</a>, wander the Long Walk, or hobble over the historic cobbles and drink in the history. There&#8217;s loads to see: the famous wonky house, the castle&#8217;s blue post box, England&#8217;s shortest street and, if timed just right, the Changing of the Guard. The Royal Arcade is great for shopping – think Whistles, Mango, Zara, and Mint Velvet. Plus, you&#8217;re a short walk from the river and Eton College. History nerds and royalists will die and go to heaven. The rest of you will be here for the food. No judgement.



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



Good for: Foodies, date nights, or a special meal out with friends. The food is seriously good. Seasonal dishes made using quality ingredients and portions are generous. 



Not for: The Greene Oak is a wholly unpretentious fare. If you like your nights out with deconstructed dishes, frills and foam, you won&#8217;t find it here.



The damage:&nbsp;Not too shabby for the quality. Starters from £8, mains from £12, sides are £4.50, and you can grab a pud for £9.50.



<a aria-label="The Greene Oak (opens in a new tab)" href="https://thegreeneoak.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Greene Oak</a>, Oakley Green, Windsor SL4 5UW. Tel 01753 864294

Review: Brunch at The Greene Oak, Windsor

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