The Volunteer

Went here to meet a friend, its the first time ive been here in a long time. the place has ample parking and a large outdoor area that lends itself really well to a hot day, there isnt a large grass area for kids or dogs but that shouldnt affect the score. The seating outdoors was reasonably well kept and not your standard pub benches, which was a nice change from the standard pub garden. The outside was well kept and not particularly noisy being away from the road so was easy to converse. The interior was tidy, with a reasonably modern decor. The bar service was great, it wasnt particularly busy so and there were a couple bar staff on that were prompt and seemed to be mixing with the regulars.

We held a wake here yesterday and we are so grateful to Tom and his crew for looking after us so well from the minute we first enquired! It was a really nice space and the food was enjoyed by everyone ...especially our vegan! Tom was really accommodating of our every need and nothing was too much trouble. I would highly recommend - thank you again! Terrie x

The Volunteer is a traditional pub in the heart of Theale, Berkshire. It has a warm and inviting atmosphere, with exposed brickwork and a traditional fireplace. The menu features a wide variety of pub classics, as well as some more modern dishes. We started our meal with sticky pigs in blankets. These were perfectly cooked and the sausages were juicy and flavorful. For our main courses, I had the chicken curry and my partner had the steak and ale pie. Both dishes were delicious. The chicken curry was rich and flavorful, and the steak and ale pie was hearty and filling. The service at The Volunteer was excellent. Our server was friendly and attentive, and he made sure that we had everything we needed. We also enjoyed the selection of beers on tap. Overall, we had a great experience at The Volunteer. The food was delicious, the service was excellent, and the atmosphere was warm and inviting. We would definitely recommend this pub to anyone looking for a great meal in Theale. Here are some additional details about the dishes we ordered: * Sticky pigs in blankets: These were made with pork sausages wrapped in bacon and cooked until golden brown. * Chicken curry: This was a rich and flavorful curry made with chicken, onions, peppers, and spices. It was served with rice and naan bread. * Steak and ale pie: This was a hearty and filling pie made with steak, onions, mushrooms, and ale. It was served with fries and peas. Polly our waitress was very friendly and helpful, she is a credit to the pub. Great atmosphere.

One of the best pubs I've been to, excellent food and drinks. Sensible prices. The pub has been taken care of really well. The manager Tom is really friendly. The chef is also friendly and generous and makes the best burgers and pizzas they are to die for. This is the best pub in Berkshire/West Berkshire