British

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  Bladebone Inn

  Chapel Row, Bucklebury Reading RG7 6PD
  
  Tel 0845 202 1727
  Web www.thebladebone.net
  
  Tues-Sat noon-3pm, 6pm-9.30pm; Sun noon-3pm

  

  Jean Claude Rawady has been the chef/proprietor at the Bladebone for two and a half years. Originally from Lebanon, and seeing that there are very few Lebanese restaurants around, Jean Claude decided to provide the residents of Berkshire with some authentic food.

  He offers a fantastic mezze which consists of a huge number of dishes to be eaten at a relaxed pace. If this is your choice then 24 hours notice needs to be given as it is made up of so many exotic ingredients (£24.95 per person, minimum 2 people).

  Jean Claude was keen to ensure that there is an alternative menu consisting of more familiar dishes. My guest and I chose from this menu and were very impressed. The food is of a high standard and, whenever possible, local produce is used to create this seasonally changing menu. I began with Mediterraneanstyle steamed mussels (£4.95), which were fresh, plump and full of interesting flavours. My guest went for pan-fried crispy goat's cheese (£4.65) - delicious and beautifully presented.

  Smoked haddock and spring onion fishcake with noodles and a tangy chilli sauce (£9.95) provided a flavour-packed main course. My guest plumped for rib-eye steak (£13.95) with perfect fries and a delicate dressed salad.

  We finished with Lebanese coffee and sticky baklava, which we enjoyed immensely.

  The Bladebone has managed to remain a village pub on one hand, and yet become a restaurant on the other - modern yet intimate with a huge log fire and lots of interesting artefacts - I recommend you go out of your way to try this place.

  Special events such as live music and karaoke provide alternative fun nights out.

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