PREVIEW OF THE FOUNDRY BELL

Foundry Bell to launch tomorrow, here’s what people can expect

EXCLUSIVE

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today

WOKINGHAM’S newest pub is preparing to open its doors for the first time tomorrow, launching with a Christmas menu.

The Foundry Bell is on the site of the former Loch Fyne, which closed earlier this year, and is returning to its roots nearly 100 years after it opened as The Plough back in 1924.

The London Road pub has undergone a three-month refurbishment, that pays tribute to its heritage while looking forward to the future.

So, alongside original oak beams and herringbone brickwork are cubicles with plug sockets and USB ports to allow people to work from the pub. Two fireplaces have been restored, while curved nooks have been crafted out of wood.

There is a large outdoor area, complete with heaters, to allow people to enjoy some fresh air while sitting on sofas and benches. The pub can also lend blankets for those who want to enjoy a coffee under the stars.

And, tucked away at the back, there is a private dining room for up to 14 people which the pub will allow customers to book for special occasions.

It is a gastropub, offering tapas style sharing plates, called Stix, some small plates, steaks, pizzas and burgers, as well as main courses and sides.

The aim is to showcase the best of seasonal British produce.

Sample mains include Rolled Orchard Farm Pork Belly, served with braised lentils, black cabbage and salsa verde (£17), and Roast Butternut Squash and Barley Risotto, served with almonds, chestnuts, toasted pumpkin seeds and crispy sage (£14).

Pizzas include a Steak, Caramelised Sweet Onion, Blue Cheese and Rocket (£16), or Pulled Duck, Hoi Sin Sauce, Spring Onion and Fresh Rocket (£15).

The pub’s head chef, Christian Fernandez, has fused tradition and innovation to curate a menu which celebrates provenance and showcases the best of British produce.

“We’re all about great social food, from grazing sharing plates and stix, to artisan pizzas, plus a brunch menu worth dedicating a morning to,” he said.

“What’s more is that we’ve been meticulous in sourcing the very best produce across everything from vegetables to meats; our British steaks for example are from specialist heritage breeds, whilst our Sunday Roasts offer organic meat options and vegetables, all cooked fresh on the day.”

The pub has a brand-new curved bar which looks very elegant, and will have beers from Siren Craft Brew on tap,

READY TO

SERVE: The Foundry Bell team have been preparing for the opening Picture: Phil Creighton and it has its own Foundry Bell Pale Ale.

Staff have been trained in cocktail making, while a temperature-controlled wine cellar will include more than 44 different types, from vineyards across the world.

As a result of the changes, including a newly-built glass orangery and the patio area, the pub can now seat up to 250 people at any one time, so there shouldn’t be any problem getting a table.

The pub’s manager is Mason Gray, who said: “After months of renovation, we’ve been waiting patiently to be able to open our doors, and the whole team is hugely excited to finally welcome locals dropping in for a pint by the fireplace, friends getting together or families hosting celebrations in our new pub.

“We’ve considered every detail, from our beautiful new interior and exterior, to our hand-picked local suppliers, everything is in place to make sure we can give guests a memorable experience.”

The Foundry Bell opens on Friday, December 2. After that, it will open daily from 8.30am, with a brunch menu available. n For more details, log on to: thefoundrybell-wokingham.co.uk THE BELLE Canto Trio are set to showcase their talents in a Christmas recital on Saturday, December 10.

The three-part singing group will be bringing a set list aptly entitled It’s Beginning to Look Like Christmas’ to St Mary’s Church, in Church Lane, Shinfield.

Helen Marlow, Heather Sims and Gabriele McKeown will perform festive classics both old and new.

Doors open at 7pm while the concert starts at 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £12 in advance and £15 on the door, and there will be a raffle n For more information or to book tickets, call: 0118 988 2120.

Family nativity

YOUNGSTERS in Shinfield are to put on a family nativity service on Sunday, December 11.

Shinfield Baptist Church’s free community event takes place at Alder Grove School and will recount the Christmas story featuring angels, shepherds, carols and kings celebrating the birth of Jesus.

The service starts at 4pm and is expected to last one hour.

Free tickets are available to reserve online. n For more information, search: Shinfield Baptist Church on www. eventbrite.co.uk

Be who you’ve always been... a star baker

At our Berkshire care homes being a star baker doesn’t stop when you make the journey into care. Our dementia specialists support each resident to live life as independently as possible. Bring your life with you to a place you can call home. Award winning, person centred care for over 40 years. If you’re considering care for yourself or a loved one call 0330 162 7159.