Pub of the Week: The Dundas Arms, Kintbury
We’ve been totally charmed by this riverside pub, and once you visit, you’ll know exactly what we mean. The Dundas Arms is an 18th century inn , tucked by the canal. It’s full of charm, with all of the character of a proper quintessential English pub. You can sit to the front of the pub, under the new marquee and covered outdoor dining area, which features an array of plants, faux fur cushions and a light and spacious feel, looking out over the canal. There is something of a feeling of being on holiday here, the kind of atmosphere and easiness that wouldn’t feel out of place when vacationing by the coast. There is a cocktail of the week menu which features prominently and indeed, it is certainly somewhere a cocktail should be tried!
Though the marquee is a wonderful addition to The Dundas Arms, the real steal of this pub is the rear garden. It is a wonderfully large space filled with blossoming flowers, old twisting trees and has a gorgeous English country garden look to it. The canal surrounds it, winding round the space which means you can sit yourself in any part of the garden and still feel the charm of the canal, with fairy lights lining each side. There is a large covered area, a ‘comfort’ station with plenty of soft blankets, hand sanitiser and even sun-cream for when the weather warms, available for all to use. Around the corner is their newly built outdoor bar, with a small selection of beers on tap, for ease.
Whilst visiting to write this Pub of the Week, a pair of ducks came and perched themselves beside me, taking in the sun and having a quick rest from paddling (I’d assume!). Everything about this pub is so calm and friendly. It lends itself to a family lunch with the children, evening cocktails for those long overdue date nights or a quick pint as a pitstop from your weekend amble. And at the Dundas, they like to keep it local. Which is why you’ll find a selection of local beers and lagers -our Ramsbury Gold and Red Ram included!- on the exquisite bar (the countertop of which is made from pennies which can be dated back to Valentine’s Day 1971). The same goes for spirits, so if you’re a Ramsbury gin and vodka fan, you’ll not be disappointed. When dining, you’ll find a well-thought out, seasonal menu that makes the most of the produce available from the surrounding area. Not only does this give guests a taste of the wonderful flavours of the Berkshire countryside, but it also supports local producers too, something which the Dundas pride themselves on.
They are dog friendly, in every respect, so when they open up their rooms once more you can also bring your four legged friends to stay. It’s simply perfect for a weekend getaway, where you’ll experience a true country pub providing the finer things in life, in one of the most picturesque places in the Berkshire countryside. For more details on how to book a table visit: https://www.dundasarms.co.uk/
