Pub in Kate Middleton's home village boasting mammoth bone

A Berkshire pub in Kate Middleton’s home village has made it through to the finals of a prestigious award. The Bladebone Inn in Bucklebury is a finalist in the ‘Gastro Pub of the Year 2022” category at the Food Awards England.

Traditional yet quirky, this 17th-century country pub and garden, with its ‘imaginative British menu’ has once again wowed judges from the prestigious National Food Awards. Serving local fish and game, award winning Chef Richie Sanderson ensures customers have plenty of reason to return to the West Berkshire pub.

Although the stylish Chapel Row gastropub – sitting in the hometown of Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge – has been named ‘finalist’, the much loved local hasn’t bagged the winning title just yet. With competition from across the country wait until the awards ceremony in June will be a tense one.

A Food Awards spokesperson said: “The finalists were voted for by the public, and recognise pubs who provide authentic recipes, unique dishes and memorable experiences for both residents and visitors.’

The pub is no stranger to awards, having achieved multiple titles over the years. Head Chef Richie Sanderson, who took charge in 2016, said his wish was always to ‘restore The Bladebone back to its rightful position within the stunning village with royal connections’.

Steeped in history, the pubs name dates back to 1666, when the bladebone of a mammoth was sealed within copper and hung above the door where it remains today. According to its website, the stylish finalist aims to offer customers ‘Exquisite cuisine, stunning wines, local ales and a fully stocked bar’.

The country pub décor is described as beautiful, quirky and oversized’, and is regularly remarked upon by customer’s on google as having a: ‘cosy interior, strong country theme and a great atmosphere’. It features a range of quirky dining areas, with a traditional pub dining room, and a light drenched conservatory which leads out to their extensive garden and a trendy outside courtyard space.

The popular pub has the capacity for around 70 diners and alongside their award winning fixed menu, they serve seasonal specials every week. For those wanting to see what all the fuss is about, their ‘massively popular’ three courses for £20 menu, which changes every fortnight, is a popular option.

Though the pub does get busy, the helpful staff say they ‘will always try to accommodate you’ even if that means sending you to their sister pub, The Bull inn at Standford Dingley, which is just five minutes away.

Address: The Bladebone Inn, Chapel Row, Bucklebury, Reading RG7 6PD (01189 714000)