With the decline of pubs well-documented, it is heartening to see an old coaching inn that has been serving up good to weary travellers for more than 250 years thriving in 2024.

The Hare and Hounds in Newbury, based on the old A4 which runs through Reading from London to Bath, has been in operation since the 17th Century. 

The old coaching inn has changed hands a few times in the last decade but underwent its most impressive renovation yet in 2022 - and has now established itself as a boutique hotel and gastropub. 

On October 17, the venue played host to a gin-tasting session with Lord Carnarvon of Highclere Castle and the founder of Highclere Gin. The castle is just over eight miles away in Hampshire and is a popular spot for visiting tourists to stay when they are in the area. 

Attendees on the night enjoyed a live cocktail-making show and got to sample a variety of elegant drinks featuring the award-winning gin brand, including an adorably-presented Lavender Lady, which was a gorgeous purple colour and came with a sprig of heather, and a classic G&T.

Around 40 people packed into the barn to listen as Lord Carnarvon shared insights into how he created the gin, made from botanicals sourced right at Highclere Castle. The event attracted a mixture of couples, friends and tourists, who were interested in hearing from the real-life 'Lord of Downton Abbey'.

As well as sampling a number of drinks, attendees were treated to canapes, olives and freshly-made bread. All of this for £15 felt very reasonable, especially in the current climate where a cocktail alone can set you back £15. 

After the event finished, the Chronicle was invited to sample the restaurant's autumn menu which features a number of pub classics with a modern twist. I opted for the scotch egg t start, a rich Clarence Court egg yolk served with ‘nduja ketchup, and pesto. It was packed with flavour and was a generous size.

For my main, I couldn't resist the Buttermilk Norfolk chicken burger which arrived topped with smoky Applewood cheese and confit onion. The chips, fried in beef dripping, were crunchy and delicious. 

My dining partner started with the seared scallops paired with pumpkin and a unique miso and dashi cream, followed by a pork and ‘nduja ragu. They complimented the tenderness of the pork and the rich flavourful sauce. 

Neither of us had room for dessert - which was a shame as the options all looked incredibly tempting!

If you're looking for a warm welcome from a cosy pub this autumn, the Hare and Hounds is well worth a visit.