Harden's survey result
Summary
“Consistently good in everything it does” – this restored seventeenth-century farm and former pub in West Berkshire is nowadays one of the most commented-on restaurants in our annual diners’ survey (there’s also a cookery school) and it’s cited by fans for its “London quality levels outside London” (the deep-pocketed owner is top catering CEO, Alastair Storey). Despite the departure of founding chef John Campbell in 2020, new executive chef Peter Eaton (who has also been on the team since it opened) has maintained level ratings for cuisine that’s “classy without being OTT”. The stylish and airy space (with a distinctive, ribbed-wood roof) opens onto a large terrace that enjoys sweeping views over the local countryside.
Summary
“Set in rural Berkshire with stunning views”, John Campbell’s accoladed venue “sounds like it should be a pub, but is in reality a skilled and soignée restaurant”: “thoughtfully designed”, with an “airy”, “modern” interior that “opens onto a large terrace”. “The cooking is very good” from an “interesting and changing menu” of “original yet reassuring dishes”, “beautifully presented, and skilfully and charmingly served”. Top Tip – “good for a sophisticated supper before the theatre at the nearby Watermill”.
Summary
“Set in rural Berkshire with stunning views”, John Campbell’s accoladed venue “sounds like it should be a pub, but is in reality a skilled and soignée restaurant”: “thoughtfully designed”, with an “airy”, “modern” interior that “opens onto a large terrace”. “The cooking is very good” from an “interesting and changing menu” of “original yet reassuring dishes”, “beautifully presented, and skilfully and charmingly served”. Top Tip – “good for a sophisticated supper before the theatre at the nearby Watermill”.
Summary
John Campbell’s “open and airy” modernised ex-pub not far from Newbury “has great interior design”, sits in a “delightful countryside location” and is establishing itself as a major destination, especially considering that “it’s in the middle of nowhere”. It offers “an excellent all-round experience” with “clever, but not too clever food that’s skilfully cooked and good value”; “outstanding cocktails (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic)”; and “superb wine” (with “unusual options from countries such as Turkey”).
For 31 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at The Woodspeen?
Restaurant details
The Woodspeen Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Great and interesting menu - excellent food."
"A lovely lunch at The Woodspeen Delicious food, attentive service and good ambiance. The Menu du Jour also very reasonable for the quality of the food (£35) for 3 courses."
"The food is always appealing and tasty. A confident chef producing delicious food. The service is always attentive and interested in you. Splendid."
"Another excellent lunch, unusual but successful flavour combinations, fresh seasonal produce"
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Always | £26.00 | £30.00 |  |
|
|
Traditional European menu
| Main | Veggies | Pudding |
|---|---|---|
| £29.00 | £19.00 | £10.00 |
| Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £19.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £4.00 |
| Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Service | 10.00% |
Lambourn Rd, Newbury, RG20 8BN
Opening hours
| Monday | 12 pm‑2:45 pm, 6 pm‑9:45 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑2:45 pm, 6 pm‑9:45 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑2:45 pm, 6 pm‑9:45 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑2:45 pm, 6 pm‑9:45 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑2:45 pm, 6 pm‑9:45 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑2:45 pm, 6 pm‑9:45 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑4:15pm |
Best British, Modern restaurants nearby
British, Modern restaurant in Stockcross
British, Modern restaurant in Newbury
British, Modern restaurant in Baughurst
Best similarly priced restaurants nearby
British, Modern restaurant in Reading
British, Modern restaurant in Henley-on-Thames
British, Modern restaurant in Binfield Heath
