The Boar's Head

Ardington and its twin community, Lockinge, lie within the estate laid out in the 19th century by Lord Wantage, who would no doubt be delighted that it remains very much as he left it. The half-timbered Boar's Head has been serving the local community for over 150 years, today as pub, first-class restaurant and provider of three attractive en suite guest rooms, converted from the original barns and outbuildings. Its scrubbed pine tables, candles, fresh flowers and blazing log fires create just the atmosphere that so many pubgoers love. Local breweries, including Best Mates (in Ardington itself), Butts and West Berkshire, are given a good share of the bar action. Everything, from bread to ice cream, and from pasta to pastries, is made on the premises. In the two-AA Rosette restaurant, the regularly changing menu is well known for its fish specialities, featuring whatever is sent up daily from Cornish ports. A typical meal might begin with scallop tempura with chilli jam or artichoke velouté; to be followed by roast Newlyn cod with red wine vinaigrette and wild garlic; roast squab pigeon with black pudding and port wine sauce; or roast rack of spring lamb with herb crust and garlic confit. Finish with a praline soufflé and iced nougat, or toffee banana croustade with vanilla ice cream. A seven-course tasting menu is available. Ardington is surrounded by footpaths and cycle routes winding through nearby villages and running up to the ancient Ridgeway. Golfers will find several excellent courses nearby, while fly-fishers can obtain a day-pass for the area's well-stocked trout lakes.