We recently had yet another superb meal at The Thatched Tavern in Ascot (streetview), and as they allow dogs into the bar area I thought you should all know about it.
I have been to ‘The Thatch’ as it is known locally several times – both for lunch and dinner. The 400 year old pub is beautiful: With its low beams and open fire it is exactly the sort of place you want to find when you are looking for a traditional country pub. They have a lovely garden for fine days, but there’s no better place to hunker down in on a really grotty day. It is steeped in history, and is believed to be a local landmark as far back as the 1700’s. Queen Victoria’s right hand man John Brown was reputed to pop in for the odd pint on his way to Windsor Castle.
The pub is located in a little village called Cheapside, which is a stone’s throw from Ascot. (map) It is surrounded by countryside and you can pick up any number of footpaths nearby, the most notable being The Three Castles’ Path. The Three Castles Path provides 60 miles of easy walking through peaceful, historic, and beautiful countryside. It runs from Winchester Great Hall to Windsor Castle, via the ruins of Odiham Castle. Winchester Great Hall is the only surviving part of Winchester Castle. The route is based upon the 13th-century journeys of King John at the time of Magna Carta. If you fancy exploring Windsor Great Park after your lunch then The Three Castle’s Path could be for you.
As an alternative to The Three Castle’s Path, Virginia Water Lake is just a few minutes drive away.
You wont be allowed to take your pooch into the restaurant area, but the staff will serve the restaurant menu to you in the bar area, and as this is where the open fire is this is a win, win for me. I suppose the food would be called modern British: slow roast belly of pork with creamed cabbage & bacon, slow roasted shoulder of lamb, scallops with chorizo and some sort of scrummy dressing (I can’t remember what they called it), pan seared calves liver with bubble & squeak, crispy bacon and a red wine sauce…need I go on? In short the food is delicious…and now, after all this writing about food, I’m feeling rather peckish.
There is parking to the front of the pub, but if this is full the lane is wide enough to parallel park on. You can find out more about The Thatched Tavern at: www.thethatchedtavern.co.uk
