Out & About Autumn 2021

Out&About food and drink

Pop Inn

T in Ball Hill has been owned and run by the Roffe family for nearly 40 years. The management baton has been passed from Nick to his son Jules, who is carrying on the vibe of the traditional country pub. However, it’s a traditional country pub with a difference. During their time there, Nick Roffe extended the pub to include a dining room and there are also nine hotel rooms. “We are seeing a lot of people coming back to stay here post-Covid, especially at the weekends,” says Jules. The regulars are also returning after the hiatus of last year and many with a sigh of relief as they remove their masks. The bar is well stocked with more than 30 gins and whiskys, as well as the usual variety of ales, including a non-alcoholic one, cider, wine and soft drinks. The pub is also child and dog-friendly with a spacious outside seating area at the front as well as further seating at the back, which includes a small play area for children. “We are lucky that we have a he Furze Bush Inn

The Furze Bush Inn is a family-friendly pub in Ball Hill, that has a traditional cosy vibe with extensive facilities

a quiet drink in the bar area. We don’t play music and, although there is a television for those that want to watch sport or whatever, it is in a separate area at the back so it s not intrusive.” t is also possible to hire a snooker table, which is in a private room and because of he large outside space and dining area, The Furze Bush s also able to cater for larger events such as weddings and wakes. As the hospitality industry gets going again after the disruptions caused by Covid, The Furze Bush is well placed to welcome its customers back and is looking forward to busier times ahead. l The Furze Bush Inn, Hatt Common, Ball Hill, Newbury, Berkshire, RG20 0NQ 01635 253228 info@furzebushinn.co.uk http://furzebushinn.co.uk/ BARS OPEN All Day Every Day 12-10.30pm KITCHEN SERVES 12pm - 3pm & 5-8 Mon-Thurs 12pm - 3pm & 5-8.30 Fri 12 - 8.30pm Sat 12 - 8pm Sun i I t i

big garden area. Although it has not been a great summer, people really appreciate the outdoor space.” There is plenty of parking, although you will also see cyclists and hikers calling into The Furze Bush for a well- earned pit-stop. The pub is open all day every day – Monday to Sunday and serves drinks, as well as “proper coffee”, bar food and there is an a la carte menu in the dining room. Chef Mickey started working at the kitchens in The Furze

Bush aged just 15. Nick Roffe explains: “We trained Mickey up as a chef and put him through college, then he went and got some experience elsewhere under Michelin starred chefs, before coming back here about eight years ago.” The loyalty of the staff further underlines the traditional values of The Furze Bush, but it has also tailored its service according to changing tastes and customer demands. “People like to come and have

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O&A AUTUMN 2021