Set in the village of Speen, just off the M4, close to the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this former coaching inn reopened earlier this year after months of restoration work and now boasts a pub, a beautiful dining room serving delicious seasonal local food, a covered garden terrace and 30 cosy rooms.
The pub is steeped in history and has close links to horse racing, with Newbury racecourse close by. The equine theme is reflected throughout the hotel; I stayed in the “Bridle suite” in the Hunter’s Lodge, and there are also rooms in The Stables and The Paddocks.
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The pub has close links to horse racing, with Newbury racecourse close by
(Image credit: The Hare & Hounds)
Why stay here?
If you’re coming to the racing at Newbury, The Hare & Hounds is the perfect place to stay. Even if you’re not into racing, it would be a great stopover en route to the West Country, the Cotswolds or the Chilterns. You can guarantee a warm welcome, a comfortable bed, great service and a tasty dinner.
All of the ground-floor rooms are dog-friendly and come with a dog bed, bowl and a Bramley dog box, so you needn’t leave your four-legged friend behind. Dogs are welcome in the pub too, which has dog beds at the ready in front of the wood burner and dog treats behind the bar.
The property
The handsome 17th-century Georgian building has been beautifully restored along with the outbuildings set around the courtyard car park behind it. Think Scottish lodge chic, with tartan wallpaper, tweed banquettes with plump cushions and snug log burners.
The Barn dining room is a large, airy space with exposed beams and brickwork, and a flagstone floor. There are clever nods to its former use, with an old stable divider used to section off an area. Outside, the covered garden terrace with festoon lights would be a great place for a drink on a warm evening, and there are patio heaters and sheepskin rugs for if it gets a bit chilly.
Some rooms have roll-top copper bathtubs in the bedroom for an indulgent soak
(Image credit: The Hare & Hounds)
The 30 individually designed rooms are comfortable and cosy with wool headboards and blankets, velvet chairs, fluffy bathrobes and powerful showers. Some rooms have roll-top copper bathtubs in the bedroom for an indulgent soak and luxurious walk-in rainfall showers in the bathroom.
Stylish and chic, the rooms are well kitted out with everything from Nespresso coffee machines to Bodum kettles and some have mini Smeg fridges. There are generous-sized Bramley toiletries and a pillow spray beside the bed to ensure an excellent night’s sleep. All rooms have complimentary wi-fi, Roberts radios and en suite wet rooms.
Eating and drinking
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in the Barn Dining Room seven days a week and the seasonal a la carte menu champions local suppliers and producers.
I started the evening with a rhubarb cocktail in the bar accompanied by some delicious crispy lobster arancini with avocado, lime and basil puree. Dinner in the dining room was equally good; pan-seared scallops melted in the mouth, and the spiced monkfish tail with sweet potato dahl was truly memorable. My dining companion and I couldn’t finish the grass-fed Chateaubriand with chervil hollandaise, but the helpful staff kindly put the leftovers in a doggy-bag for our spaniel.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in the Barn Dining Room
(Image credit: The Hare & Hounds)
The service was impeccable, and with a good balance of quirky dishes and hearty traditional pub classics, like fish and chips burgers and chicken and ham pie, the menu has something for everyone. There is an extensive wine list and oenophiles will enjoy the enomatic wine dispenser which allows you to try different wines by the glass.
There are also two private dining rooms, seating 12, which would be ideal for a special celebration or corporate event.
Things to do
Clearly the racing at Newbury is a big pull, but there are lots of other reasons to explore the area surrounding The Hare & Hounds. Downton fans can visit the real Downton Abbey, Highclere Castle, where the series was filmed, which is just ten minutes away. History buffs may also enjoy the 14th century Donnington Castle, which is closer still.
Highclere Castle, where Downton Abbey was filmed
(Image credit: Isabel Infante/Getty Images)
The historic market town of Hungerford is a short drive away and is full of interesting antique shops as well as The Gallery Hungerford on Bridge Street, which has a great selection of art. The Funghi Club in Hungerford is great for a coffee or light lunch, and the knowledgeable French owner has lots of tempting goodies for sale, including a fantastic selection of porcini mushrooms and French cheese.
And, if you’ve brought your dog with you, there are plenty of good walks nearby including to Combe Gibbet, from where you can see five counties on a clear day.
The Hare & Hounds, Bath Road, Speen, Newbury, Berkshire, RG14 1QY. Double rooms start from £125 per night
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