LRS's Qype profile

With a prime location in the old Hobbs chandlery alongside the River Thames and a good sized terrace right on the river front, La Barca is the perfect place to stop by for coffee, tapas or dinner.
It is one of those restaurants which is truly authentic - the chefs and owner are Spaniards who are keen to share their love of quality Spanish food. The menu is tantalising. The a la carte monkfish, prawn and saffron risotto was tempting but we opted for tapas. We must have tasted nearly every one on the menu! The olives and charcuterie are fabulous.
Whatever you do, save yourself for dessert. All of our desserts were wondeful and were very well presented. The pastry chef must love his job as he seems to take great care with every dish.
This is definitely a venue to return to for coffee or a light lunch - and we'll go back with friends for dinner.
Highly recommended - try it for yourself.

Also not to be forgotten are the lovely chlorine- free, free form swimming pool, fitness centre and relaxing massages. And the fact that nothing seemed too much trouble for any of the staff. The "best ever" gluten free cakes were provided for our daughter and freshly squeezed aloe juice (direct from aloe plants growing in the hotel's kitchen garden) for the cuts on our other daughter's legs. Now that's service. Oh, and the adventurous can book scuba diving directly off the beach at the hotel. A very cool place to stay.

This is a classy establishment, for lunch or cocktails.
Asian food at its best, with a real fusion of tastes. The bento boxes are fantastic value and come with delicious ice-cream and tea, all for £15. Not bad at all. Do take a moment to watch the chefs at work - the skill and patience with which they peel wafer thin vegetables is mesmerising. Only criticism is that service was slow, but then again, the place is great for chilling.

Just had a relaxing lunch at Tootsies in the Oracle in Reading. I could see nothing wrong with it. It was by no means full, but then you wouldn’t expect it to be on a Wednesday at lunchtime. The service was good and our table waiter very friendly and attentive. The choice is good and definitely wider than many other restaurants around. Vegies and the health conscious are well-catered for - for example there is Mediterranean Platter to share and a fabulous Superfoods Salad which you can have as a starter or a main course. Of course there are various fish and meat dishes as well. It’s nice to see decent sized salads as a side order too. Very convenient place for lunch while out shopping or just before you whizz across the bridge to the cinema.

The Ditty (formerly Ducks’ Ditty due to Pangbourne’s association wth Kenneth Graham and Toad of Toad Hall) is a small, friendly bistro-style restaurant offering simple, good food. It’s a great place to take kids at any time of day (there is an all day breakfast), as they’ll find the menu interesting and not too fussy. Pastas, sandwiches, beans on toast, wonderful homemade cakes and your good old Brisith cup of tea. Relatively cheap - and definitely cheerful - this is a good place to eat lunch or supper.

The Royal Oak is an historic building dating back to the mid 17th century and is situated right at the heart of the pretty Berkshire village of Yattendon. It is a welcoming place offering a choice of dining experiences. Relax in the bar with a pint of the excellent local beer and a handmade pie or choose one of the private or open dining rooms, where you can eat from the traditional and comtemporary menu. The game dishes, such as the basil stuffed breast of guinea fowl, are good and the food is always well presented. Prices are reasonable with a two course lunch from £13. The wine list is not extensive but is well-chosen. Located in the country the Royal Oak is used to children and dogs and welcomes both in the bar area. It also offer rooms seven ensuite rooms, should you wish to stay overnight.

Once you’ve had enough of the hustle and bustle of Marrakech, head to the outskirts and the Jardins d’Issil for a little R&R. Set against the backdrop of the majestic Atlas Mountains, this tented riad offers elegant style. Each of the 14 air-conditioned tents (for 2 or 4 people) are adorned with sumptuous silks and have their own private bathroom. They are dotted about the almost desert-like garden, at the centre of which is the most wonderful swimming pool. The food, which can be eaten al fresco or in the dining room is outstanding and the hosts most welcoming. I suggest that you make this your last stop in Marrakech before heading home. This place is so tranquil that you won’t want to face the crowds again - better to head back home whilst you’re still relaxed!

Absolutely one of the best shops for miles around, offering a huge range of local artisan and British regional cheeses, as well as familiar cheeses from the Continent. Family run with additional staff to serve the loyal and ever expanding clientele, this cheese shop is a joy. You could spend hours deciding which cheeses to select and are welcome to taste any before buying. The Stichelton is to die for and the Bishops Spitfire certainly adds a touch of oomph to any cheese board. Grey’s also sells pickles, hams, chorizo, oils and cheese biscuits. What’s more there are a couple of tables where you can sit and enjoy the freshly brewed coffee while determining your choice. Once you’ve visited this shop, you’re certain to return.

Quality, multi award-winning butchers using local produce. Vast range of meats, game, home made pies - try the chicken curry or steak and guinness - and the best sausages for miles around. All the meat is fresh, well presented and delicious. Staff are qualified and head butcher Royston keeps a close eye on service as well as the food itself.

A garden design service for the Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Hampshire areas. Designs are relevant to owners' lifestyle and property and take into account budget and how much you want to maintain the garden. Very good knowledge of planting and a good supplier of a wide range of herbaceous perennials, shrubs and trees from trade nurseries.