The Royal Oak Hotel

Part of a row of 16th-century cottages, deep in shooting country, The Royal Oak wears its history well. This was where Oliver Cromwell and his Roundheads planned their strategy for the second Battle of Newbury in 1664 and their adversary, King Charles I, sought refuge here after the fighting was over. Log fires in the bar, oak beams, quarry-tiled and wood floors in the adjoining lounge and dining rooms, add to the character. Owner Rob McGill offers tip-top real ales from the West Berkshire Brewery in the village, including Mr Chubb's Lunchtime Bitter. From the regularly changing menu, order a sandwich or dive straight into the main menu with rabbit and mustard pie or steamed ham hock and onion pudding. Round off with treacle tart and clotted cream. French windows lead to a walled rear garden with vine-laden trellis, plus a boules piste, making a perfect spot is summer.