Newbury restaurants recognised in UK's top 100 lists

Restaurants and pubs in West Berkshire have been named as some of the country’s finest in national lists.

Both The Woodspeen and The Vineyard made the Squaremeal UK Top 100 list – an annul list celebrating independent restaurants outside London.

Using thousands of reader votes and expert critics, restaurant guide Squaremeal, seeks to reflect the country’s varied dining scene while taking affordability into account.

The Vineyard at Stockross bagged second place on the list with its dishes described as "beautifully executed".

Squaremeal’s description said: “This luxury five-star hotel is also home to an elegant restaurant that boasts one of the most extensive wine lists in the country.

“Seasonal dishes are beautifully executed by Executive Chef Tom Scade.”

The Vineyard director of marketing and sales Sarah Prankerd said: "After the devastation that covid caused, we are very proud to be recognised as one of the top restaurants in the country.

"Being awarded a place in the Square Meal Top 100 Restaurant List It is a great achievement for executive chef Tom Scade and his brigade, who work tirelessly to ensure that guests have the ultimate dining experience."

She added: "Tom has also been working behind the scenes to create a brand new five course tasting menu that showcases the very best of the season’s ingredients, with a dash of inspiration from our winery in California.

"Paired with wines, naturally, there is also a vegan option too."

The Woodspeen was also in the top half of named restaurants coming in at number 37.

The restaurant guide said: “Championing unfussy food, The Woodspeen’s immaculate handling of homegrown ingredients has earned it a Michelin star.

“When enjoyed with a glass of something from the swish wine list, in the design-led dining room, the whole experience feels pretty special.”

The Woodspeen, on Lambourn Road, is a 19th century farmhouse with one Michelin star, owned by Westbury Street Holdings Restaurants.

Managing director at WSH Restaurants Alex Fasoli said: “I am incredibly proud of the team at The Woodspeen; their culinary, dedication and attention to details is relentless.

“Last year we had an incredibly successful year creating many guests' memories and delivering great hospitality.

“Thank you to all our guests for the lovely support.”

Another Newbury eatery was acknowledged in a national list with The Newbury named as one of the best gastropubs in the country.

The pub, on Bartholomew Street, was recognised in the Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs Awards, at 91 in a longer list of mentions.

The website said: “In the heart of Newbury, the pub that bears the Berkshire town’s name is hiding a secret from the shoppers who pass its door.

“Climb the stairs and you’ll find a spacious decked roof terrace, a pleasant extension to this modern pub that was taken over in 2022 by James Allen, who runs the Fox Inn in the nearby village of Hermitage.

“Executive chef Cleston Dsouza heads the team in the kitchen, serving up stylish pub classics, steaks and fish dishes.”