This pub has had a major renovation and I mean MAJOR..now a Heartwood Inn, the effort has been amazing!
Born and bred in Reading I remember this pub from years ago and the transformation is immense.
I decided to treat myself for my birthday as had been meaning to visit here since it opened.
The welcome was OK..(I think was the Manager, wasn’t sure) though it was quiet for a Thursday lunchtime, I did ask why so quiet and he said they had many bookings for the evening.
I looked around and then asked for a table for one and a waiter took me in and I picked my table.
My server Pabi was friendly and I asked if there was a lunch menu but was told no it was the same all day but they did have a Sunday menu so I went for the Signature Apperitif ‘Bloody Mary’ (and why not? not had one for years) I also ordered the Cheese Souffle’ for my starter plus a side of bread with a trio of dips.
While I was waiting I took a few photos and several more people arrived which improved the atmosphere a bit and there was a couple next to me enjoying themselves.
I did wonder if there had been a lunch menu it may have been busier? it is quite a large place with a great big garden which only had a couple in and inside where I was there were now five tables being used (I think) such a shame as they have spent a lot of money to make it look as good as it does.
I took my time to choose my main and my drink arrived.
I haven’t had a Bloody Mary for a long time and it certainly hit the spot, very spicy not too hot.. perfection.
I then decided on the Chalk Stream Trout for my main as recently worked at Goodwood and we had that on the buffet menu and then it was delicious.
My Soufflé arrived and it had a tiny jug of cheese sauce on the side..my waiter advised to make a hole in the middle and then pour in the cheese, I must admit it looked so good I just looked at it for a bit!
I was in food heaven as my Soufflé was as light and fluffy as a cloud looks, which is a skill not many eateries achieve, the lightness of the flavour in the Soufflé went so well with the cheese sauce I poured in the middle.
I tried to take my time eating it but it was the best Souffle’ I had ever tasted!
My side of bread with a trio of dips came with Saffron Mayo/Goats Cheese and lemon/Oil & Balsamic, which were so fresh and tasted homemade I begrudgingly said yes, I’ve finished, as the waiter cleared my plates.
I asked for a little break until my main course and took a few more photos as I enjoyed my Bloody Mary.
In this time I did notice there wasn’t much interaction between the Manager or staff with guests, I sat there and unless I got the attention of my waiter no one had any kind of conversation with me?
It would have neen nice to have been asked if was enjoying my lunch, though yes the waiter did check after each dish, but a bit more would have been nice.
I asked for my main which when arrived looked rather small, it may have been because the plate wasn’t a main plate.
Tucking in I wasn’t dissappointed, the fish was flavoursome and flakey, the Chalk Stream Trout which seems to be popular on menus this year, was cooked just right though the skin could have been a bit crispier, the sauce and potatoes, which were in a circle but had a section missing under the fish, was a perfect combination of piquant and creamy flavours.
I devoured my main course, satisfied but not quite full, looked forward to a dessert.
I asked Pabi for the menu and the Chocolate & Orange Mousse with Chocolate Ice cream and Crumble got my attention and my tastebuds jumping for joy as I love Chocolate and Orange!
I ordered a Latte’ to accompany my much anticipated dessert.
When it arrived with my coffee I immediately scooped the crumble which sat on top of the mousse’ and to my horror nearly lost a tooth!
it was like chewing metal filings.. I called my waiter Pabi and asked him what the crumble was made of as was very very hard and too crunchy and nearly lost a tooth, he said it was coconut and he would mention it to the kitchen.
I carried on eating the dessert and scooped out the crumble as it was impossible to eat but the rest of the dessert and the mousse was so tasty it wasnt going to ruin my experience and I finished it off leaving lots of picked out crumble left on the plate.
No one came to speak to me about the crumble.
I asked for the bill and paid, thanked my waiter and saw the Manager(?) on way out on the phone, I waited a bit to speak but then gave up and took some more pictures before I left.
Verdict.
Venue 5*/5*
Food 4*/5*
Service 4*/5*
I will go back for an evening meal in the future with friends and I would imagine customer feedback will help this amazing new venue achieve a much higher ranking where it matters.
16 Castle St,
Reading RG1 7RD
01183 049 936
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