On Saturday 25th November 2023, several members set out in bright if chilly sunshine to explore some Englefield Green pubs. We started at the Bailiwick tucked away at the end of Wick Road adjacent to Cheeseman’s Gate of Windsor Great Park. Very much fits the gastro pub name tag, but busy with both local dog walkers and cyclists, as well people enjoying lunch in the dining room. Ales were Windsor & Eton Guardsman and Bond Brews Bailiwick Great Park Ale.

We then walked via Englefield Green Cemetery with it’s numerous squirrels to the Holly Tree. Unfortunately despite the presence of a hand pump, no real ale was available, so we didn’t hang about, despite the presence of an inviting open fire.

En route we were entranced by the window of Ruby Wines, next door to the Holly Tree. They had an extensive selection of continental bottled beers, especially Belgian, and may well get another visit to purchase some.

Next stop was the Barley Mow overlooking the Green itself. Formerly a White’s Brasserie gastro pub, this is now rebranded a Heartwood Inn. Whilst emphasis still on fine dining, they have retained a comfy bar area, with community events such as a quiz night. Ales on offer were Windsor & Eton Father Thames Christmas (seasonal ho ho) and Guardsman, as well as St.Austell’s Tribute and Tim Taylors Landlord. Ubiquitous Sharps Doom Bar also sometimes available… Pub was again busy with a good vibe which was good to see.

Next stop was the Armstrong Gun, very much a community pub, with several locals sat at the bar. Pub is split into smaller areas, with a pool table at rear, and rugby on the nearby telly, a plus point for your correspondent, until he realised the final whistle was about to blow. Ale on offer was Windsor & Eton (their salesman’s doing well around here) Knight of the Garter, in great condition.

Our penultimate stop was the GBG listed (and previous Branch Pub of the Year) the Happy Man. Again very much a locals pub, both permanent residents and students from nearby Royal Holloway University of London. This should have been the high point of the tour, as usually four ever varying ales available, but unusually on our arrival on this Saturday evening there were two, Southwark Mayflower and Purity Ubu. The good news is that we were joined by Ian Johnson from Surrey Hants Borders CAMRA and his better half, and as you can see above, enjoyed our beer.

Final stop on our way down the hill was the cosy GBG listed Beehive. Whilst food also important here as in most pubs, there is a smart bar area with bar stools. This is a Fullers pub, and ales on offer were London Pride and Dark Star Hophead in great condition.

All in all a great afternoon out, in fine weather with good beer and great company. We also took the opportunity to do some Beer Scoring, take photos, complete pub surveys, in order to update CAMRA WhatPub, and identify potential GBG pubs for next year.

The only question is, where shall we go next? Any ideas or requests, please Contact Branch.

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