Elephant Hotel

Church Road (Pangbourne) RG8 7AR

The Elephant at Pangbourne has 2 dining areas. 'BaBar' has a bistro feel, serving excellent local produce in a simple and classic manner. The well-conditioned ales come from local breweries. The restaurant offers an elegant alternative. Choose from dining al fresco in the enclosed garden whilst you mull over the winners and losers of your croquet match or get dressed up and sip a 'Singapore sling' in the intimate cocktail lounge. Fine dining is at the heart of the Elephant experience.

The team of talented chefs, headed by Neil Dowson (formerly of the Savoy and the Vineyard at Stockcross) offers simple and beautifully cooked British and local food at a reasonable price. They would like to be known for that alone. Fresh and seasonal British ingredients are sourced from local suppliers, all of whom are located within 50 miles of the hotel. Using local suppliers is at the heart of the hotel's ethos. Neil combines all ingredients to create an original and sumptuous menu, with dishes to suit every palate.

The wine list had a well-balanced global selection and offers a distinguished list of sherries, ports, brandies, malt whiskies and eaux de vie, along with more classic aperitifs and other digestifs.

Pets can only be accommodated in Classic or Superior Double rooms. Please note that an extra charge of GBP 20 per night applies. Guests travelling with children must book a Superior room to ensure there is enough space for an extra bed or cot.

If you can drag yourself away from boozy croquet games, a long lunch in the dining room or a local ale in BaBar, then the surrounding area has plenty to offer. Pangbourne itself rests on the banks of the River Thames, and Pangbourne Meadow offers a great walk next to the river with stunning views of the wooded Chiltern Hills, great for a picnic (the hotel can organise it for you).

If you are in need of some serious retail therapy, Reading is only 4 miles from the hotel, and with the train station within easy walking distance there is no need to worry about city centre driving. The Thames Valley is awash with places to see and things to do, and London is only 40 minutes by train.

Rooms feature beautiful handcrafted Indian furniture, rich oriental rugs and delicate fabrics. All rooms are individual in style but identical in attention to detail. Each and every one has all the mod-cons you have come to expect: Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV with over 50 channels, a DVD player with a selection of movies available, as well as speciality tea and coffee, bespoke soaps and bubble bath.

By Car
Put the postcode, RG8 7AR, into your satellite navigation and follow the instructions.

- Exit the M4 at junction 12 and at the roundabout take the exit signposted Theale and Pangbourne.
- Go straight over the next roundabout, and at the next roundabout take the third exit signposted Pangbourne.
- Continue down this road for about 4 miles until you reach Pangbourne.
- At the roundabout, the hotel is situated directly on your left.