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="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/09/hinds-head-aldermaston-tsp220224_hindshead-525-1920x1280-1920w-copy.jpg" alt="the hinds head in aldermaston" class="wp-image-81920" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/09/hinds-head-aldermaston-tsp220224_hindshead-525-1920x1280-1920w-copy.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/09/hinds-head-aldermaston-tsp220224_hindshead-525-1920x1280-1920w-copy-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/09/hinds-head-aldermaston-tsp220224_hindshead-525-1920x1280-1920w-copy-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/09/hinds-head-aldermaston-tsp220224_hindshead-525-1920x1280-1920w-copy-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/09/hinds-head-aldermaston-tsp220224_hindshead-525-1920x1280-1920w-copy-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>You&#8217;ll find <a href="https://www.hindsheadaldermaston.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Hind&#8217;s Head</a> (not to be confused with Heston&#8217;s Bray boozer of the same name) located in the chocolate box village of Aldermaston, quaintly nestled between Reading and Basingstoke. Safe to say, if these walls could talk, they&#8217;d have a fair few stories to tell. The original coaching inn dates all the way back to the 17th century. In fact, the place still has its original grade-II listed jailhouse that used to house rowdy customers who&#8217;d had a few too many. We&#8217;ve all been there. But this old girl isn&#8217;t stuck in the past.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/09/hinds-head-aldermaston-TSP-170612-366-1920w-copy.jpg" alt="pubs near reading" class="wp-image-81916" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/09/hinds-head-aldermaston-TSP-170612-366-1920w-copy.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/09/hinds-head-aldermaston-TSP-170612-366-1920w-copy-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/09/hinds-head-aldermaston-TSP-170612-366-1920w-copy-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/09/hinds-head-aldermaston-TSP-170612-366-1920w-copy-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/09/hinds-head-aldermaston-TSP-170612-366-1920w-copy-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Nowadays, pull up a chair for a proper pub experience with hearty grub, fabulous cocktails, sunny garden, and a ridiculously comfy bed for when stumbling home becomes too much of an ask. There&#8217;s 15 stylish bedrooms on site and dogs are welcome to join for a sleepover. It&#8217;s also a perfect base for exploring the local area including Highclere Castle, gorgeous country strolls, and you&#8217;re less than an hour&#8217;s drive from the New Forest too.</p>



<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="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/09/hinds-head-aldermaston-TSP220224_HindsHead-513-1920w-copy.jpg" alt="the hinds head in aldermaston" class="wp-image-81918" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/09/hinds-head-aldermaston-TSP220224_HindsHead-513-1920w-copy.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/09/hinds-head-aldermaston-TSP220224_HindsHead-513-1920w-copy-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/09/hinds-head-aldermaston-TSP220224_HindsHead-513-1920w-copy-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/09/hinds-head-aldermaston-TSP220224_HindsHead-513-1920w-copy-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/09/hinds-head-aldermaston-TSP220224_HindsHead-513-1920w-copy-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>An American hunkers down in a British pub type romcom vibes. You can&#8217;t beat a pub that fully leans into being, well, a pub. The cosy factor is dialled to max with roaring fireplaces, sinky sofas, various dining areas, a space for casual bar drinkers, and ultimately, warm hospitality. It&#8217;s exactly what you want from a local inn, being both casual, but with a really nice, ambient atmosphere. I also love the 17th century cellar, now used as a cool private dining room with seating for up to seven people.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/09/hinds-head-aldermaston-TSP-170612-335-1920w.jpg" alt="the hinds head in aldermaston" class="wp-image-81915" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/09/hinds-head-aldermaston-TSP-170612-335-1920w.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/09/hinds-head-aldermaston-TSP-170612-335-1920w-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/09/hinds-head-aldermaston-TSP-170612-335-1920w-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/09/hinds-head-aldermaston-TSP-170612-335-1920w-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/09/hinds-head-aldermaston-TSP-170612-335-1920w-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>A boozy juggernaut in the summer months too, kick back in the Hind&#8217;s Head&#8217;s outdoor terrace with a pint of the cold stuff. Chances are you&#8217;ll be driving (although there is a train station just under 2 miles away), so it&#8217;s always good to know there&#8217;s ample parking outside &#8211; especially if you&#8217;re lugging a suitcase.</p>



<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="1500" height="2000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/09/hinds-head-aldermaston-IMG_0362_VSCO.jpg" alt="pubs in aldermaston" class="wp-image-82318" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/09/hinds-head-aldermaston-IMG_0362_VSCO.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/09/hinds-head-aldermaston-IMG_0362_VSCO-600x800.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/09/hinds-head-aldermaston-IMG_0362_VSCO-750x1000.jpg 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/09/hinds-head-aldermaston-IMG_0362_VSCO-300x400.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/09/hinds-head-aldermaston-IMG_0362_VSCO-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/09/hinds-head-aldermaston-IMG_0362_VSCO-1152x1536.jpg 1152w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Cheers! The cocktail menu was speaking my language &#8211; and quite frankly, I could have happily sipped my way through the list. To start, I tried the very tropical Pineapple Upside Down &#8211; an amalgamation of vanilla vodka,<br>coconut liqueur and amaretto mixed with pineapple juice and a splash of grenadine. Caribbean who? There was also an Aperol cocktail I loved which was sweet and delish. Of course, you&#8217;ll find all your cask ales, world wines, spirits and soft drinks available also.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="2000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/09/hinds-head-aldermaston-IMG_0372_VSCO.jpg" alt="pubs in aldermaston" class="wp-image-82320" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/09/hinds-head-aldermaston-IMG_0372_VSCO.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/09/hinds-head-aldermaston-IMG_0372_VSCO-600x800.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/09/hinds-head-aldermaston-IMG_0372_VSCO-750x1000.jpg 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/09/hinds-head-aldermaston-IMG_0372_VSCO-300x400.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/09/hinds-head-aldermaston-IMG_0372_VSCO-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/09/hinds-head-aldermaston-IMG_0372_VSCO-1152x1536.jpg 1152w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>As for the menu (there&#8217;s also one for kids), it isn&#8217;t all classic pub grub central. For starters, I gave the sticky beef tacos a whirl which were a lovely balance of sweet and spicy. The flavours were amazing. There was also a seasonal specials menu on hand, off which my friend grabbed a decently portioned plate of chicken wings.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/09/hinds-head-aldermaston-IMG_0383_VSCO.jpg" alt="pubs near reading" class="wp-image-82323" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/09/hinds-head-aldermaston-IMG_0383_VSCO.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/09/hinds-head-aldermaston-IMG_0383_VSCO-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/09/hinds-head-aldermaston-IMG_0383_VSCO-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/09/hinds-head-aldermaston-IMG_0383_VSCO-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/09/hinds-head-aldermaston-IMG_0383_VSCO-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>For mains, there was everything from sirloin steak to trout fillet, but it&#8217;s not often you get to order a chicken katsu down your local pub. Naturally, that&#8217;s what I went for. It was actually amazing &#8211; the chicken was super soft, and it came with a lovely thick sauce. I was a bit naughty and ordered some chunky chips on the side for dipping. But hey, has to be done, right?</p>



<p>Meanwhile, my bestie grabbed the giant double cheeseburger accompanied with cheddar, chilli jam, confit garlic mayo, pickles, lettuce, crispy onions, and fries. Again, a very healthy portion. It gave exactly what you&#8217;d want from a pub burger &#8211; juicy flavours that satisfy the craving for something comforting.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1496" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/09/hinds-head-aldermaston-IMG_0387_VSCO.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-82325" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/09/hinds-head-aldermaston-IMG_0387_VSCO.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/09/hinds-head-aldermaston-IMG_0387_VSCO-800x798.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/09/hinds-head-aldermaston-IMG_0387_VSCO-1000x997.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/09/hinds-head-aldermaston-IMG_0387_VSCO-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/09/hinds-head-aldermaston-IMG_0387_VSCO-768x766.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/09/hinds-head-aldermaston-IMG_0387_VSCO-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>I had been eying up the Hind’s Head banana split like a kid in a candy store, but I didn&#8217;t have it in me. Tragic. Instead, we shared the sticky toffee pudding with vanilla ice cream which hit the spot. Overall, it was such a lovely evening, and service was warm, friendly, and efficient. On a night where the heavens were literally open, there was nowhere cosier I&#8217;d want to be.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stay">STAY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/09/hinds-head-aldermaston-IMG_0349_VSCO.jpg" alt="hotels near aldermaston" class="wp-image-82317" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/09/hinds-head-aldermaston-IMG_0349_VSCO.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/09/hinds-head-aldermaston-IMG_0349_VSCO-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/09/hinds-head-aldermaston-IMG_0349_VSCO-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/09/hinds-head-aldermaston-IMG_0349_VSCO-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/09/hinds-head-aldermaston-IMG_0349_VSCO-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Just a short stumble up the stairs and I was home for the night. And what a lovely home it was. I was staying in one of the Junior Suites, which was actually massive, complete with sumptuous king-size bed, very modern en-suite with a walk-in shower, Nespresso coffee machine, and a large TV. With huge windows framing the view up the main village high street, it was giving a country pub like something out of <em>The Holiday</em>. Nope, sadly Jude Law did not make an appearance. Bummer.</p>



<p>The room was stacked with character, and the age of the building was definitely apparent, from the creaky floorboards to the uneven walls. It only served to add to the charm. As an aside, the Junior Suites are able to accommodate extra beds for children up to 16 for £40 per child, per night. After a very restful night, I woke to a lovely continental and cooked breakfast off the menu. What a way to start the day!</p>



<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="1500" height="998" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/03/Well-Read-At-Wasing-Wild-Swim-Lake-2-Photo-Credit-@Wasing1759.jpg" alt="wasing estate" class="wp-image-76819" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/03/Well-Read-At-Wasing-Wild-Swim-Lake-2-Photo-Credit-@Wasing1759.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/03/Well-Read-At-Wasing-Wild-Swim-Lake-2-Photo-Credit-@Wasing1759-800x532.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/03/Well-Read-At-Wasing-Wild-Swim-Lake-2-Photo-Credit-@Wasing1759-1000x665.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/03/Well-Read-At-Wasing-Wild-Swim-Lake-2-Photo-Credit-@Wasing1759-400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/03/Well-Read-At-Wasing-Wild-Swim-Lake-2-Photo-Credit-@Wasing1759-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>If wellness is high on your priority list, you have to visit the gorgeous Wasing Estate, just five minutes down the road. The place is home to musical events, festivals, and an array of wellbeing workshops throughout the year &#8211; often taking place at the wild swimming lake with toasty sauna. Newbury isn&#8217;t far if you fancy a canal-side stroll and mooch in the boutiques. Then of course, there&#8217;s Reading for the bigwig high street shops. For kids, Bucklebury Farm and Wellington Country Park are fab.</p>



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



<p><strong>Good for:</strong> Casual bites and a brilliant countryside base for exploring the local area. This is a lovely, cosy pub that hits all the right notes.</p>



<p><strong>Not for:</strong> Gastropub seekers. This is a more traditional pub affair, so don&#8217;t expect food and décor that pushes the culinary boat out.</p>



<p><strong>The damage:</strong> Pretty decent. Starters are from £8.50, mains range from £13.50 to £35, and a pud could be yours from £2.50. Fancy staying over? Room rates start at £114 per room, per night.</p>



<p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hindsheadaldermaston.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Hind&#8217;s Head</a>, Wasing Lane, Aldermaston, Berkshire, RG7 4LX.</em></strong></p>



<p><em>Words by Ellie Ball</em></p>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-read-more">READ MORE&#8230;</h2>



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Muddy sleeps over at The Hind’s Head in Aldermaston

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