Highwayman, Checkendon

The original building, on the old main road from Reading to Oxford, dates from 1625 but now has a smart yet traditional feel. On entering, the room to the left is laid out with tables for dining and to the right is a separate bar and drinking area, both with flagstone floors, low ceilings, beams, exposed brickwork and wood-burning stoves. To the rear are two newer dining rooms, the largest of which, the Turpin Room, can be hired as a separate private dining area holding up to 50 guests. Despite the dining areas, it still feels like a pub, with the bar area in the original building in particular having numerous small settles and exuding a cosy and warm ambience.

The changing beer may also be from Loddon or Rebellion, but may also be from another local brewery. The pub has a good reputation for its excellent home-cooked and reasonably-priced food menu. Takeaway food is available - order by telephone. The pub also boasts a large enclosed garden, with a children's play-area, which is very popular with families.

The Monday evening food is from a local pop-up street food vendor.

Open Bank Holidays 12noon-6pm with Food times 12noon-3pm, but check for Christmas & New Year times on their website.

The Instagram account for this pub is viewable by left clicking on https://www.instagram.com/thehighwayman_inn.

The Historic England website entry for this pub is viewable by left clicking on https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1368975.