Chieveley is commonly known for its M4 services.
But come off at Junction 13, leave the A34 northbound on to Graces Lane and swing a left.
On the horizon, you will see a sign for Ye Olde Red Lion welcoming you to the tranquil village of Chieveley.
It looks like a mirage, but this one is real.
Upon entering the country pub – which is at least 200 years old – I was greeted by landlords Jo and Dougal Nicholls.
The duo took on running the pub just over two years ago — and recently picked up the award for Best Hospitality Champion at the Newbury Weekly News Best in Business Awards.
So, it’s fair to say they have an idea of what they’re doing. They run the pub with the help of their five children.
The pub has been owned by Arkell’s Brewery in 1992, so it seemed appropriate to start by ordering a pint of Spring Hopper (ABV: 4%), a seasonal ale boasting a tropical, fruity blend with a hoppy punch.
For my starter, I ordered the Soup of the Day, which was potato and leak served with crusty ciabatta bread and butter (£7).
The texture was smooth and creamy and the potatoes fragrant.
Off to a roaring start, I next went with the Pie of the Day, which was steak and ale served with mash potatoes and a selection of crunchy vegetables (£15.50).
The meat was cooked tender and the thin crust was clearly homemade.
I concluded with the Rice Pudding with a little pot of Strawberry Jam (£7.50).
It was deliciously sweet and filling, a highlight being the thin layer of glazed sugar on top.
Lastly, it was time to meet the man behind my dining experience.
Head chef Simon Rudd has worked in the trade locally for 30 years.
He has worked with the Nicholls since the start to turn the pub into a treasured part of the local community – and they don’t plan to stop there.
So, the next time you’re passing by, ditch the services, and experience fine dining in a historic country setting.
