RESTAURANTS

Restaurants  – Brasserie

471  LSQ2 
0118  987  3702
220 South Oak Way, Lime Square, Green Park, Reading
reading@lsq2.co.uk   
http://www.lsq2.co.uk
This award-winning, Michelin-recommended brasserie is easily accessible from the whole Reading area, they are off the A33 behind the Madejski Stadium, adjacent to the wind turbine. Plenty of parking by this ultra-modern, glass-fronted bar and brasserie in its waterfront setting on Green Park. Now in its fifth year, LSQ2 is well worth seeking out for uncomplicated but exceptional food based on the freshest, finest-quality produce, sourced locally if possible, coupled with an informal and relaxed service. Visit the website to see a map and menu. Wheelchair access and WC.

472  London Street Brasserie
0118  950  5036
Riverside Oracle, 2–4 London Street, Reading
http://www.londonstbrasserie.co.uk
This chic contemporary brasserie with its riverside setting is a favourite down-town venue with the publishers and friends. The two-course lunch is just £13.50 and is available 12–7pm. Open until 11pm Mon–Sat and until 10.30 on Sun. Mentioned in the foodie guides, this is a 70 seater with 20 outside on the terrace. Wheelchair access (small step) and WC.

Restaurants – Chinese

473  Kei’s 
0118  926  3133
Maiden Place, Kilnsea Drive, Lower Earley
email-info@keis.co.uk 
http://www.keis.co.uk
A visit here after Christmas confirmed our thoughts that this is simply one of the best Chinese restaurants in the Thames Valley. It’s a very smart place to eat and a good reason to seek out Lower Earley. The staff are delightful, most attentive and very child-friendly. There is a very varied menu with a couple of ace hors d’oeuvres. Easy parking around the back, it’s open seven days a week and is one of the best places around to hold a family get-together.

Restaurants – Dining Pubs

474  Buratta's at the Royal Oak 
0118 934  5190
Ruscombe Lane, Twyford
http://www.burattas.co.uk
Excellent food from their à la carte, bar snacks and Sunday menus, a fine selection of wines and real ales including Brakspear’s Bitter and Fuller’s London Pride with an occasional guest beer. Beautifully decorated restaurant and bar areas plus a conservatory, antiques and collectables shop and a large garden with ducks and chickens. Available for parties, meetings and wedding receptions. Everyone is welcome, whether for a meal or simply a drink. Wheelchair access and WC. Booking is advisable, especially at weekends. The website has lots of info including today’s menus.

475  The Green Man
0118  934  2599
Hinton Road, Hurst
http://www.thegreenman.uk.com
This is a reliably good, bustling and friendly country pub that serves traditional English and Mediterranean dishes at reasonable prices with fresh fish featuring on the interesting specials boards. With a sheltered, heated terrace, large garden looking out to open fields and cosy winter fires, The Green Man has all-year round appeal. Wheelchair access and WC. Booking advised.

476  Green Willows (at the Shoulder of Mutton)
0118  947  3908
Playhatch, near Sonning
http://www.greenwillows.co.uk 
http://www.redtractor.org.uk
Visited by the publishers in December, this well-established pub was the national runner-up in the Red Tractor Best British Pub Award 2008 (visit the Red Tractor website). Proprietor and head chef Alan Oxlade has cooked on the BBC and together with Wendy, his wife, they are the perfect hosts at this popular venue. The menu changes with the seasons and features mouth-watering, home-cooked food. Wine kicks off at £13.50 and there’s Greene King for those who prefer the hops. The conservatory holds up to 30 for seated party bookings. The Sunday carvery is hugely popular and booking a table any day is certainly advised. Closed Sun evening.
One to try is the newly revamped Walters Arms at Sindlesham, A meal in February confirmed superb feedback (0118 977 4903, http://www.thewalterarms.com).

Restaurants – Indian

477  Miah’s Garden of Gulab
0118  966  7979
130–134 Wokingham Road, Reading
Miah’s Spencers Wood 0118  988  8394
Tankerton House, Basingstoke Road, Spencers Wood
Miah’s of Pangbourne 0118  984  3731
26 Reading, Road, Pangbourne
http://www.miahs.co.uk
Miah’s is way ahead of most Indian restaurants locally. Both Wokingham Road and Pangbourne restaurants have benefited from a recent make-over. All three restaurants represent exceptional value for the area and you can choose between the traditional menu and a wonderful contemporary menu where the kitchen displays real innovation. One of the highest rated Indian restaurants in the south east of England. Wheelchair access and disabled WCs.

Restaurants – Italian / Sardinian

478  Ruchetta at Peppard
01491  628343
Peppard Common, Henley on Thames
http://www.ruchetta-in-peppard.co.uk  
http://www.ruchetta.com
There’s life in the old dog yet – this was The Dog at Peppard, now transformed into a superb Italian, not just an upmarket venue like its Wokingham twin (now featured in the Good Food Guide 2009) but also a great place to take the family with its pizzeria/trattoria leaning (as in Pisa). So whether you fancy a plate of pasta or boneless French rabbit wrapped in Parma ham, braised Umbrian lentils and sage at just £14.95, this place is an absolute must, with a great list of Italian wines to suit every budget. The publishers have eaten here and will definitely go again soon. If you live east of Reading, the Wokingham venue has to be a must-try for 2009. Easy parking nearby the Rose Street location (near Waitrose) – 0118  978  8025.
Also try the very welcoming Sardinian: Pepe Sale, 3 Queens Walk, Reading and opposite the Hexagon; it’s been a long-time favourite with the publishers. 0118 959 7700 and http://www.pepesale.co.uk.

Restaurants – Spanish & Tapas

479  La Bodega 
01491  578611
38 Hart Street, Henley 
http://www.labodega-tapas.co.uk
Now something of a Henley institution thanks to boss man Juan, the bearded one, and his international team. Air-conditioned and with over 100 covers, this place has a real buzz about it and copes wonderfully well whether it’s just the two of you or a party celebrating a birthday. Imaginative tapas menu (superb portions) and Spanish wines to match, all at sensible prices. A very good reason to visit Henley.