We're delighted to share that there will be a fantastic selection of town centre venues to visit as we emerge from lockdown
As step 2 of lockdown easing commences, non-essential retailers, hair and beauty salons, and gyms are preparing to re-open. Additionally, more than 20 town centre hospitality venues are waiting to welcome you through the beer garden gates and take your order – it is outdoor table service only, after all.
Table bookings at many venues are flying out the window as residents rush to secure the best sunspots at the best eatery destinations across town. All venues have worked tirelessly to ensure measures are in place to keep you safe, working in partnership with Newbury BID and West Berkshire Council’s Public Protection Partnership to understand and apply the latest COVID-secure guidelines.
You can expect to see many of the same safety measures in place as before the third lockdown. Face masks will continue to be mandatory in shops and other indoor venues, the rule of 6 (or two households) will be in play outdoors, and use of the NHS Test & Trace app will be required in relevant venues. Social distancing requirements will also remain in place and venues will have limited capacity, so queuing may be required.
Below we have compiled a list of all the hospitality venues, from the best local pubs and restaurants, to the hidden gem cafés and outdoor coffee shops, that are opening from 12th April and beyond to support you on your mission to ‘Re-Visit Newbury’.
Table of Contents
PUBS & RESTAURANTS
The Cross Key’s pub and restaurant is one of the newest venues to join Newbury’s growing list of independent hospitality venues.
Its ‘Dia de los Meurtos’ inspired decor sets it apart from other venues in the area with its dark and industrial interior, rigged with quirky ornaments and skull candy motifs.
When we managed to sneak in a quick visit in between lockdowns, we were blown away with not only the interior but the variety of tasty street-style food on offer. With dirty dogs, pizzas, heavy-loaded burgers and topped fries, alongside an ample selection of beers, this is THE perfect spot to go with the guys after work. Further more, its tapas-style sides, smaller dishes, and selection of cocktails and spirits are sure to make this the best next stop for a quirky evening out with the girls.
Open from 17th May
Monday – Thursday : 17:00- 22:00
Friday – Sunday: 12:00– 22:00
It is with great pleasure that we can share with you the latest opening from one of Newbury’s family-favourite restaurants, as Lusso Pizza also becomes Lusso Pasta.
Lusso’s equally carb-fuelled counterpart, Lusso Pasta, has been a long time coming. With their authentic Italian roots, it was only a matter of time before we were sat twisting pesto-drenched spaghetti round our forks in Weaver’s Walk. Yes, that’s right, although the restaurants are two separate venues with two very separate kitchens (you mustn’t mistake your tomato pizza base for Bolognese, after all!), they’re positioned just across one another in the quaint little destination in Newbury’s Weaver’s Walk.
There is something for everyone at Newbury’s newest pasta venue. With seven classic recipes all featuring homemade sauces to choose from, pick your preferred pasta (one of three), or follow their easy to read guidelines for a true Italiano recommendation.
If you’re feeling really indulgent, add any of their additional toppings to really create a pasta dish fit for an Italian king (or queen!). We’ll see you there…
Open from 17th May
Monday – Sunday: 12:00– 22:00
One of Newbury’s most loved bars is re-opening the garden gates for the big day of 12th April. The team are ready and waiting to welcome 95 of you into their beer garden oasis. The music’s on stand-by, the seasonal produce is ordered, and the chefs are sharpening their knives… That’s right, all your pub favourites are back and prepared fresh on site to be plated up hot at the picnic table.
Call your girlfriends, WhatsApp the guys, or send a letter by pigeon (or dolphin?) to the mother-in-law, and get your group of six together to secure your table at the party!
Open from 12th April
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 15:00– 23:00
Saturday: 12:00 – 00:00
Sunday: 12:00 – 18:00
From 5th May:
Saturday: 12:00 – 00:00
Sunday: 12:00 – 18:00
If you’re anything like us, then you’ll know to appreciate a good pub when you find one. Independently run and owned, The Newbury, is exactly that.
This family favourite along Newbury’s Bartholomew Street is frequently featured within Michelin Good Food Guides, and Pete and his team have earned numerous awards as a result. The Newbury prides itself on its unique take on hearty British food, as well as it’s expansive wine selection and locally brewed cask ales and gins (the latter- 137 Gin- created by the very owner himself!).
This is a world-class establishment that Newbury is very lucky to have and so personally, we think you’d be a bit silly not to get your table booked as fast as you possibly can!
P.S. Pub owner, Pete, has also done his bit to go above and beyond in the community throughout the pandemic, by providing handmade hand sanitiser free to local businesses. If that’s not a reason to give back and show your support, then we don’t know what is!
Open from 20th May
Monday: 10:00 – 23:00 Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 10:00- 24:00 Friday: 10:00 – 01:00
Saturday: 10:00 – 02:00
Sunday: 10:00 – 22:30
Experience the unique taste of Japan for yourself right here in Newbury, in the heart of the Market Place.
Sushi Maki has something for everyone, even those who are total chop stick novices or sushi-beginners. If so, Sushi Maki’s ‘New to Sushi’ platter is for you, or try their chicken lunchbox featuring rice, curry and gyoza dumplings. Alternatively, you can’t go wrong with one of their vegetarian boxes either, starring crunchy, bubbly tempura veg, Philadelphia cheese ‘sushi’ roll and those little green Edamame beans. What’s more, Sushi Maki has mastered their cocktail game, garnishing every colour-popping drink with beautiful edible flowers, spices or fruit.
With gorgeous outdoor seating available of comfy rattan chairs, Sushi Maki is undoubtedly the best spot to visit for your next Instagram post. So, get the gang together and book now!
Open from 12th April
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday*: 12:00- 15:00 and 17:00 – 21:00
Thursday and Saturday: 17:00– 21:00
*Lunchtime not available on Sunday 2nd May 2021.
Comfy seating, mood lighting and top notch food and drink- that’s what The Smokehouse at Chequers Hotel is all about.
Contrary to the name, The Smokehouse has way more on offer than its ‘Grill and Smokers’ menu, which features everything to satisfy even the most hardcore of carnivores. The Smokehouse also boasts long list of gastro-style food from pub classics to buttermilk chicken waffles (erm, yum!).
So if you’re feeling hungry and crave some smoky (or not!) goodness in modern surroundings, then The Smokehouse might just do the trick.
Open from 17th May
Monday – Sunday: 07:00- 23:00
Experience nationally-acclaimed Pieminister pies right here in Newbury at The Catherine Wheel.
Pieminister pies have been crowned gold medallists in multiple awards in the pie-field, including best gluten-free and the free-from catagory. The Catherine Wheel is one of few select establishments in the UK offering the complete Pieminister range, meaning there is no excuse not to take advantage of this right here on your doorstep!
If you’re not a pie kinda’ guy (personally, we don’t know how not, especially with so many vegan-friendly, meat free and gluten free options available! But, we’re not judging here…) then The Catherine Wheel still has multiple scrummy options available for you to enjoy in their cosy venue.
In the heart of the Market Square, you can tuck into non-pie favourites brought back by popular demand, such as ‘Wheel Chilli Chicken’, cooked in Green Shed’s super yummy cider, and ‘The Catherine Sausage Wheel’, homemade locally using Tutt’s Clump cider. Need we say more?
Open from 17th May
After closing for over seven-months, we are delighted to welcome back The Lion pub in Newbury. And in the meantime, we hope you worked up an appetite for Mexican burritos, fajitas and quesadillas. We certainly have!
Let’s face it, nachos at home are just never the same. You’ve got to prepare the avocado, dice the onions and deseed the chillis… and that’s just the guacamole! Then there’s the salsa, the cheese grating and so on! We just want to sit back with a huge portion and enjoy. So, rest assured, you can finally fulfil your Mexican craving without picking up the chopping board, right here at The Lion.
Furthermore, with a wide range of pale ales, IPA’s and lagers, you’re spoiled for choice of mouth-coolers to choose from, just in case you can’t handle the spice- you’re out of practice, after all!
Open from 17th May
Thursday: 14:00 – 23:00
Friday: 14:00 – 24:00
Is there anything that quite speaks British summertime more than a £3 pint from ‘Spoons?
The Hatchet Inn is home to one of the best outdoor drinking areas that we ever come across at a Wetherspoons. Offering al fresco dining in Newbury’s very own Market Place, as well as in their own beer garden, order a minty fresh mojito to sip on while you enjoy being uniting with loved ones. Alternatively, order your favourite basket of loaded dirty fries and knock back a tequila. I know which we’ll be doing…
Open from 12th April
Friday – Saturday: 09:00 – 23:00
With shows and performances unable to resume just yet, this is your opportunity to make your own comedy with your specially selected six!
Be the stars of the show in the heart of the Market Place; catch up on the shows you have missed, make plans for future performances and munch on some delicious snacks- we’re thinking olives and antipasti with a large glass of Sauvignon… How very Mediterranean!
With only six tables available seating up to 24 people, be sure to book to secure your spot at the café bar of the Grade II listed, 160-year old venue.
Open from 14th April
Wednesday: 10:00 – 16:00
Thursday: 10:00 – 18:30
Friday and Saturday: 10:00 – 21:30
We are SO excited about the re-opening of this much-loved street food restaurant.
The Spare Wheel’s outdoor beer garden provides seating for up to 44 people, meaning just shy of 50 of us can sit back and load up a dirty dawg while working our way through their extensive list of original craft beers.
While they mightn’t be re-opening on the big day, they will certainly be bringing the ‘wheel deal’ to you by the middle of the week. Opening on Wednesday 14th April, you will have from 12pm – 10pm to kick back and enjoy the food- glorious food- that is perhaps slightly naughtier (but all the yummier), than your everyday WFH lunch.
Open from 14th April
Monday, Wednesday and Thursday: 12:00 – 23:00
Tuesday: CLOSED
Friday and Saturday: 12:00 – 24:00
Sunday: 12:00 – 20:30
As part of the new Government guidelines, there’s no need to order a meal while you enjoy outdoor drinks in the sun, meaning you can knock back as many as you desire! (We feel for the partners waiting for you back at home…)
If food and drink is what you fancy, why not go bottomless with brunch? If there’s any acceptable time to do so, it’s now. We’ve all waited so long, after all!
Newbury’s Slug and Lettuce is yet another venue nestled in the Market Place. The establishment can host 62 guests in their outdoor seating area and customers are advised to download the Slug and Lettuce app to make ordering as efficient as possible upon your visit.
Open from 12th April
Monday – Sunday: 12:00—23:00
A get-together with the girls, or ‘down the pub with the lads’, the Elephant is the place to go if you want to try a range of beers from around the world, or for trying one of their self-proclaimed ‘boutique spirits’.
What’s more, The Elephant has announced an all-new spring menu in time for their official re-opening date of 28th April. So, if a crafted drink poured straight from the tap served with seasonal spring produce is what you seek, be sure to reserve your table to avoid disappointment.
Open from 28th April
Monday – Sunday: 11:30 – 21:00
The Elephant will be serving their full menu with their 2 for 1 pizza offer running Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00
Offering live sports on the big screen, a cheerful atmosphere and well-priced pints, this traditional local pub is back!
Sharpen up on your darts skills over a well-earned catch up with colleagues after work, get boozy with friends while the latest match blares on the HD TVs, chalk up your pool cue before giving it another go- it’s been so long, after all!
Or, simply sit back and get comfy in that same old spot you’ve missed, pint in hand.
Open from 17th May
Monday – Thursday: 12:00 – 23:00
Friday – Saturday: 12:00 – 24:00
Pizza Express is a no-brainer when a proper pizza is in order. Their range of vegan toppings, under 600 calorie ‘leggera’ pizzas and sizeable children’s menu make Pizza Express an easy choice sure to keep everyone happy. With quality cocktails and spritzers to sip on while you wait for your dough to heat in the wood-fired oven, we’re drooling just thinking about it!
Their outdoor seating capacity is limited to only 14 seats, so be sure to book-in your table quickly to secure a spot from the 12th April.
Open from 12th April
Seating 24 in its outdoor seating area, Cow & Cask will be opening their doors on Monday 12th April as a one-off, before resuming to original hours of Tuesday – Friday, 17:00 – 22:00 and Saturday 12:00- 21:00. Browse a large selection of brown and fruity ale, golden pale ale, and traditional Green Shed cider made right here in Newbury.
Open all day on 12th April and then from 13th April onwards:
Described as ‘modern comfort along the River Kennet’, the beer garden is open for business from 14th April. If you and your pals aren’t lucky enough to secure a spot at this glorious destination (tables are booking up fast!), try your chances at getting a spot on the roof terrace. This is reserved for drinks only and will run on a first-come, first-served basis.
Food will be served downstairs, meaning you can feast on their melt-in-your-mouth chips and stacked burgers once again! So, with ice cold cider on tap and a varied selection of beers, gins and other spirits to choose from, what will your first tipple be?
Open from 14th April
Sunday: 11:30 – 22:00
A dog-friendly pub with a live fire, The Nag’s Head also boasts the option to watch live horse racing or sports both indoors or outside.
This local pub in Newbury has a cosy little outdoor seating area tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the nearby streets. There is a pool situated to the rear of the building, where there is no guarantee you won’t be pulled into a conversation about the latest banter or town centre gossip!
The top choice for casual drinks, sport, and pints whatever the weather, get your group over to The Nag’s Head today!
Open from 12th April
Monday – Friday: 16:00 – 18:00
Saturday- Sunday: 12:00 – 18:00
Here, you are spoiled for choice for where to take a seat to sit back in the sunshine. The newer decked area at the front of the pub has almost doubled the available outdoor seating space in recent years and is described as somewhat of a suntrap! So, pack your sun cream, sunnies and sanitiser (though plenty is available on site), and enjoy a glass of something special under the sun.
Open from 12th April
Saturday & Sunday: 12:00- 23:00
If you like being away from the hustle and bustle of the high street shops as they emerge from lockdown, this is the place for you. Weavers Walk gives that same feeling as being in a little plaza somewhere abroad. Surrounded by floral hanging baskets and shadowed away from the breeze, in our opinion this is one of Newbury’s main highlights!
Re-opening from 12th April, Lusso can currently seat 28 people but this is soon to increase as they’ve recently snapped up additional outdoor space. With more tables and chairs on the way, Lusso also recently announced that they will be opening a new restaurant at the venue opposite their current premises. Watch this space for ‘Lusso Pasta’ in the summer!
Open from 12th April
Friday – Saturday: 16:00 – 22:00
The outdoor seating area at the Bacon Arms provides ample seating for you and your five friends and has a lively, friendly atmosphere that we have missed oh-so much throughout lockdown.
Be sure to book in advance to secure your seat at the table!
Open from 12th April
Positioned in the idyllic location of Inches Yard, Mio Fiore provides a spacious outdoor seating area for up to 40 guests. Sit back with a crunchy-leafed ‘insalata’ and a large glass of vino with the girls, get stuck into a meaty lasagne with a carafe of red (or a bottle, should you wish) with the father-in-law, and round it off with a homemade pannacotta- one of Mio Fiore’s most favoured desserts.
Mio Fiore has had such a following throughout lockdown that they’ve even launched their own range of pasta sauces for you to enjoy at home! If that’s not a reason to go check them out, we don’t know what is.
Open from 12th April
Having a huge clear out of their existing beer garden along the canal, Old Waggon & Horses has done the same for their drinks selection, too. Staff are ready to introduce new varieties of spirits and wines, as well as adding to their already popular range of gins.
A friendly pub that’s big on local, catch the sun while slurping up a beer and chatting with friends along the canal. They will be opening on 12th April and can’t wait to welcome back some familiar (and new!) faces.
Open from 12th April
Is it too warm for pie and mash? We think not. Feast your eyes upon pub classic meals and drinks at a great price. Natter with your friends over the times you have missed and make plans for your next pub visit while taking in the spring sun and trying that new cider you’ve had your eye on. Bliss!
Open from 12th April
12th April: 12:00 – 21:00
Thursday – Sunday: 12:00 – 21:00
Open 3rd May Bank Holiday
Kitchen open 12:00 – 15:00 and 18:00 – 20:00
CAFÉS AND COFFEE SHOPS
This beautiful little coffee shop sits among flowers in a sun-trapped Inches Yard. Offering smoothies, milkshakes, cakes and savoury treats, they’ve recently expanded their range of vegan and vegetarian offerings, too.
We recommend this for any family get-together, as we know gran, mum and son will love the homely feel that The Flower Pot Café provides.
Open from 12th April
This friendly independently-owned café is the perfect place to go for something that bit different, where you can not only catch up, but get creative with your pals, too.
From the 12th April, you no longer need to do your ‘To-Go’ DIY pottery box from home (though we still recommend you do!), as this gorgeous pottery painting café will be opening their outdoor seating area! Choose from animals and letters, or mugs and plates to decorate your own homeware set with friends over a good cup of coffee.
Open from 12th April
Sunday: 10:00 – 16:00
Go for gourmet fillings, share your favourites, have a cold juice, and take in the fresh spring air.
Open from 12th April
Lined with an impressive selection of both independent and national shopping brands within historic, grade listed buildings, take in the fresh air and admire your surroundings as you take a break with colleagues, friends or family. Perfect for a brekkie break (is there anything better than Pret all-butter croissants?), a lunch date or an afternoon catch up- Pret is an ideal choice for socialising right in the heart of the town centre.
Open from 12th April
13th April will mark the first time this glorious French café will be able to operate a service other than takeaway, making the experience all the more special for both staff and customers. Their outdoor seating area currently caters for 24 with seven tables, and is available for walk-ins and bookings.
Open from 13th April
Saturday: 10:00 –18:00
Sunday, 10:00 – 16:00
Coffee#1 makes an ideal breakfast stop with four delicious varieties of porridge, toast and pastry options to get you going for the day ahead. Get the gang together and take a short walk down to Victoria Park to let the calories settle and enjoy the greenery together in the sunshine.
Open from 12th April
Sunday: 09:00 – 16:30
Breakfast is celebrated as a social occasion in many other European countries, such as Spain, where people often take time out of their working day to meet for the first meal of the day. So, call your friends and get to breakfast outdoors at King’s Café!
Open from 12th April
Caffe Nero is the answer. Providing a double shot of espresso in every cup (unless requested otherwise), their traditionally Italiano coffee will perk you up almost as much as seeing your best friends again. While you’re there, a Chocolate Twist won’t go a-miss, either. Warm, doughy, flaky-pastry-ness…Now get to Northbrook Street and head to your local Caffe Nero for a quick pick-me-up. NOW!
Open from 12th April
Sunday: 08:00 – 17:30
The ideal mid-morning break or early afternoon snack, this is the perfect location to take mum for that long overdue catch up, or to graze and giggle with friends.
Plum & Grain is opening the courtyard from 13th April and may be more excited than most as this will be one of the first times they’ve been able to fully operate since opening for business late last year.
Open from 13th April
Open from 12th April
Monday – Sunday: 08:00 – 17:00
Parkway
Monday – Saturday: 09:00 – 16:00
Sunday: 08:00 – 17:00
Open from 15th April
Thursday – Saturday: 08:00 – 17:00
Stay up-to-date with all the latest business re-openings, what’s on and things to do in Newbury via our @VisitNewbury Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages.
Is your business missing from our list?
Please email support@newburybid.com with details of your opening times and we will add you to this page.
