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The Green Man Pub, Hurst
By Sally Bryant12/12/2008
A crackling fire is the most wonderful sight at this time of year and it’s roaring up the chimney at The Green Man.
The Hurst pub is also serving a mince pie, coffee and a warmed glass of Cockburn’s for a mere £3.50 to warm the cockles in a festive way.
When the weather is at its worst outside, this traditional pub is a polished, cosy haven. Having been an alehouse since 1602, the building’s old beams have just about settled into the role comfortably.
But there are no cobwebby corners here – despite the economic climate of doom and gloom, the place has just had a £15,000 makeover.
Father-and-son team Gordon and Simon Guile are the landlords of The Green Man (a Brakspear tenancy) and Simon explains: “Our dining room now sports a smart oak floor and new, more comfortable tables and high-backed chairs.
"The ladies’ toilets have a swanky, modern feel to them, coupled with a new colour scheme subtly blending in with the building’s natural charm.”
But smart chairs and loos are not enough to keep customers loyal and, as this pub is full every weekend, obviously it has other attractions as well.
Where pub food is concerned, some of the finest is found under The Green Man’s roof – and so much more besides.
The menu boasts Moroccan Lamb Tagine alongside all-time favourite Steak and Ale Pie, and there is one ‘specials’ board at lunchtimes and two in the evenings.
Many of the ingredients are organic and local, with excess fruit and veg from local gardeners welcomed in the summer.
The menu changes four times a year and Gordon and Simon have a wealth of experience to draw on when they decide what to offer from the season’s best.
Gordon has been in catering since he was 16, has chef’s qualifications and experience as a business development manager for pub chains.
Simon, a former Maiden Erlegh pupil, has a degree in catering management and an abundance of passion about what they are doing.
He says: “Everyone is a food expert, we all eat and drink every day and everyone knows what is good.
“People come back here for simple, home-cooked food.
"People are taking less and less time preparing their food in the evenings – we take the stress out for them.
"We often do lambs’ liver and bacon casserole, but it takes hours. We serve slow-cooked pork belly, which is fabulous, but that takes hours and hours.
"It’s good Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsay are showing people how to cook and appreciate proper fresh produce again.”
The Green Man can seat 80 diners and you will be able to enjoy your food, whether it’s a salad or a full-blown feast, in peace – Simon says there is no jukebox because they want to keep the traditional ambiance of a pub, where conversation flourishes.
Although it certainly isn’t in demand at the moment, there is also a pretty garden backing on to fields, with a low-level play area for children.
Simon says it is one thing to set up a business, but consistency in keeping up standards is quite another. As he and Gordon have been behind the pumps for more than 10 years, they must have got the knack!
And if you need any more encouragement to head for Hinton Road, the landlords are keeping an eye on your pocket for you.
Simon says: “We are acutely aware eating out is an expense which in these times of economic strain can easily be sacrificed.
That’s why from Monday to Thursday you will be able to find a good selection of dishes at £6.95 on our specials boards.
Two main courses at £6.95, a glass of wine each, and you’ve still got change from £20!”
- Read this week's Wokingham Times for exclusive recipe from chef Gordon Guile.
Contact Details
- Telephone: (0118) 934 2599
- Address:
Hinton Road
RG10 0DP
Hurst
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