THE BLADEBONE
Chapel Row, Reading, Berkshire, RG7 6PD
T: 01189 714000
E: hello@thebladebone.com
W: www.thebladebone.com
OPENING TIMES
Mon – Sat: 12:00 – 23:30
Sun: 12:00 – 22:30
FOOD SERVICE TIMES
Mon: Closed
Tue – Sat: 12:00 – 14:30, 17:30 – 21:30
Sun: 12:00 – 18:00
THE BULL INN
Stanford Dingley, Reading, Berks, RG7 6LS
T: 0118 974 4582
E: hello@thebullinnpub.com
W: www.thebullinnpub.com
OPENING TIMES
Mon - Sat: 12 noon - late
Sun: 12 noon - late
THE BLADEBONE
Legend has it that, in 1666, the bladebone of a mammoth was sealed in copper and hung above the door of the local public house in Chapel Row. The creature had been terrorising the good folk of Newbury and Thatcham for many years, before an army of men finally caught and killed it. The pub has retained the name, The Bladebone, ever since.
A mere 350 years later and the ferocious beast’s bone still sits above the door, along with the name of the new patron, award-winning chef Richie Sanderson. Richie and his wife Charlotte completely renovated the derelict building in 2016, bringing it back to its former glory days at the heart of the community.
Nestled in the Berkshire countryside it offers a beautiful, quirky place to enjoy a drink and some exquisite food. Since Richie and Charlotte restored The Bladebone to its rightful place in the culinary history books it has picked up a host of awards, including: Good Pub Guide publication 2020; Culinary Excellence in Fine Gastropub Cuisine 2019 (Lux Life magazine); Best Dining Pub 2019 (Lux Life magazine); Regional and National winners of England’s Gastro Pub of the Year 2017; Best Destination Pub 2017; Food Awards England; West Berkshire Business Awards Entrepreneur of the Year 2016
THE BULL INN
Fully refurbished and re-opened in September 2018, The Bull Inn is now also run by Richie, Charlotte and their award-winning team.
Entering through the front door you'll come face to face with the original Bull Inn sign, that has been lovingly restored. Turn left and you will find yourself in The Tap Room, where drinks, snacks and nibbles are served as an accompaniment to the local ales, ice cold lagers, crisp and full-bodied wines and enticing spirits.
Turn right at the door and you will enter the cosy lounge area, beautifully decorated with the new owner's signature quirky, rustic charm. Through the lounge is the dining area, which looks out over the paddock and garden - with its resident 'Bull'.
Don't forget to try your hand at the bull ring game in the bar. To see how it's done watch the video below.
STAY THE NIGHT
The Bull Inn also offers five, spacious en-suite rooms, all fully refurbished in late 2018.
All rooms have views over the stunning gardens and comfort is guaranteed in the new super king sized double divan beds, with luxury mattresses. The rooms, which are all named after breeds of cow, can be made into ‘twin rooms’ if necessary and have lockable internal doors, to cater for families.
Each rooms enjoys all the mod cons, including 40” flat scree Smart TVs, multi-control ceiling fans, free WIFI, ensuite power electric showers, tea and coffee making facilities, hair dryers, iron and ironing board and toiletries. A gun cabinet is also provided (£5 per night, with keys available from reception) for anyone making the most of country pursuits while they enjoy their stay. Breakfast can also be booked on arrival and enjoyed in the pub.
The Bull Inn can also host your tee-pee wedding reception in its beautiful, one third of an acre paddock. There are just seven dates available in 2019. Contact the pub for more details.
The package includes three giant hat tee-pees, with flooring, lighting, furnishings and safety equipment. And with a chef at the helm of this venture, you can be assured that all the food and drink you need will be provided to make your big day, just perfect. You can also enjoy exclusive use of the five en-suite bedrooms for the entire weekend of your wedding.
And it is not just weddings that The Bull Inn is able to cater for. Speak to them about hosting your event; whether it’s a small family birthday meal, a Christening party or birthday get-together, The Bull Inn can cater for any event in its private function room.
Richie Sanderson
Richie was introduced to the culinary world while on work experience at school. He enjoyed the experience so much that he carried on working, part-time, at the catering company afterwards.
After leaving school - and Thatcham, where he had grown up - he honed his skills working in country hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants in London. He returned to the area to join the Crab at Chieveley, before he began running an outside catering company in Oxfordshire.
In 2011 Richie and Charlotte set up RS Catering Events, which is run from a purpose-built kitchen in Thatcham. Just five years later they decided to add The Bladebone to their portfolio. In 2018, their enthusiasm and energy was turned on The Bull Inn, which now forms part of the family's business venture.
Richie lives in Newbury with his wife and two children.