Pub of the Week: The Queen’s Arms, East Garston
This week, we’re back to a classic countryside inn at the Queen’s Arms in East Garston. Right in the Valley of the Racehorse, this pub sits at the heart of an area of outstanding natural beauty. Even though it is but a few a miles from J14 on the M4, you would never guess it! This is also what makes it the perfect stopping point for either lunch or an overnight stay, especially if by chance you are into your horse racing. Outside of the front, are little rustic wooden shelters, complete with traditional wooden barrels, planters, and large fairy lights strung across the ceiling. To the side you can see the accommodation, which is where the racing theme begins. Each guestroom is named after a famous racehorse, including Grand National winners such as Many Clouds, with the winning jockey silks added to the door plaque for that extra touch.
Inside, low atmospheric lighting in the bar area, traditional soft furnishings and open brickwork give that cosy ‘proper pub’ feel, with a large glossed bar to the side complete with classic ales and lager. Whether it’s the comfy and relaxed sofa you choose, high-cushioned bar stools or a table for 4, it’s the ideal place to perch and watch the races. Horseshoes line the walls, as do paintings of the horses themselves. To drink, a pint of Ramsbury Gold is always on offer, as is their own Lambourn Gold, which we also brew as their house beer, both deliciously smooth and easy to quaff whilst keeping your eye on the horses. Our gin and vodka are also behind the bar, as The Queen’s Arms very own house spirit! So if you’re a G&T or a vodka martini kind fan, we’d highly recommend trying their house serves!
Past the bar is a large light and airy restaurant room, which is much more ‘fine dining’, but still with the warm and welcoming atmosphere of the bar area. Fresh flowers are neatly displayed on every table, with windows to the rear garden too. The feel is spacious, and special, the ideal place to book for a special occasion. This room then leads you to the garden room which has a beautifully rustic, calm feel to it. The addition of wood panelling, wicker chairs , hanging ivy and saddles adds real character to the room. Much like the bar area, you can still enjoy watching the races, but without the bustle! Once outside in the garden, the large lawn, plenty of tables and parasols plus an outdoor bar with proper woodfired pizza oven completes the scene. The Queen’s Arms has a space for every need, with quick service, a beautiful setting and excellent décor. Oh and the best drinks of course! For more info please visit: https://queensarmseastgarston.co.uk/
