The Pheasant
355 Reading Road,
Winnersh RG41 5LR
0118 978 4529
Recently refurbished and under new management, The Pheasant Inn is a bar, restaurant and hotel all in one.
It reopened its kitchens in November, just in time for the festive season.
Its menu is East meets West fusion cuisine with a selection of perfectly paired wine, craft beers, cocktails and a very large gin selection.
No wonder, as the venue’s manager, Neil Mottishead, has a wealth of experience within the wine industry – he knows how to pair the correct drink to your meal.
The Pheasant uses fresh, seasonal ingredients where possible, and the menu when we visited included some festive treats. These will no longer be available – well, until later in the year.
For starters, my son and I opted for Santa’s Nachos (£6), a tantalising combination of seasoned tortilla chips baked with turkey, cheddar cheese, peppers, onion, jalapenos, served with fresh salsa and guacamole.
Delicious, it made such a difference with the salsa and guacamole. This was the first time we have ever had turkey on nachos we were pleasantly surprised.
My husband and daughter shared the Meze Plate (£6.50). This comprised chargrilled artichoke hearts, sun-kissed cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers, pickled cucumber, harissa houmous and toasted pitta bread.
The portion was plentiful and featured a fresh combination of flavours with an Eastern twist.
Other starter options included Avocado and Tomato Crostini (£6.50), Festive Chicken Wings (£6) marinated with a cranberry orange glaze and a blue cheese dip, and Festive Cauli Wings (£6), which are battered cauliflower florets coated in a flavour-packed ginger and orange glaze and served with ranch sauce for dipping.
For the main course, my son – who has a teenage appetite – decided the only option was to go all-out and try the Pheasant’s Big Boy Burger (£14). It’s a bit of a beast: two burgers slathered in a special sauce, topped with crispy bacon, cheese, onion rings, lettuce, pickles, tomatoes, and jalapeños.
“Wow,” was his reaction when he saw it.
This was a humongous treat, devoured promptly, and juicy, succulent and flavoursome.
My daughter also chose from the burger menu, but opted for its vegan alternative, The Phez Vurger (£14). This also has two burgers, but these are plant-based. It is topped with vegan cheese, onion rings, lettuce, pickles, tomatoes, and fried jalapeños. She enjoyed it very much.
All burgers are served with a choice of skin-on fries, loaded fries (for an extra £1.50) or sweet potato fries.
My husband opted for the Chipotle Ribs (£13.50). These are marinated pork ribs in a chipotle sauce, served with loaded fries and paprika seasoned corn on the cob. The meat fell off the bone, and was tender, juicy and tasty.
I chose a light, but very tasty Chicken Tikka Salad (£10.50). This featured Tikka spiced chicken served on a bed of cucumber, tomatoes, lettuce, lemon juice, black pepper, red chilli powder, extra virgin olive oil. It was fresh and delicious.
There is also a menu for children, including hot dogs, burgers and fish n chips. This, coupled with The Phesant’s large garden, makes for a perfect choice for a family meal.
The Reading Road-based pub, which has plenty of parking, also offers a breakfast menu, served from 7am to 10.30am. Fans of Full Englishes will not be disappointed, and there are also pancakes and pastries to choose.
And, if that’s not all, it also has an afternoon tea, featuring cakes baked daily by the chef.
This month, it will be taking part in Veganuary, with 50% off all plant-based food across the month.
There are lots of reasons to visit and try The Pheasant, it’s great to see a local business thrive and we can’t wait to go back again.
CLAIRE WORSFOLD
