The Highwayman

A traditional whitewashed country inn not far north of Reading, The Highwayman is first and foremost a cheerily hospitable local with fine ales (and some pretty good wines too). When it comes to eating, there are various good-value options, such as two-course specials, as well as a roll call of pub classics that won't frighten away the unadventurous. The principal menu, though, tries out some successful dishes that draw influence from further afield. Start with guinea fowl and foie gras terrine with puréed shallots, as an appetite-whetter for herb-crusted hake with braised peas and herb cream, or rump of lamb with purple sprouting broccoli and crushed potatoes. Favourite puddings abound, making choice a toughie: will it be bread-and-butter, sticky toffee, apple crumble, lemon meringue...?>