Farmers' markets

November 2008

WOKINGHAM WINE FESTIVAL
Two days of sampling a selection of wines brought together by the Association of Small Direct Wine Merchants at Wokingham town hall. Runs of Saturday and Sunday, December 6/7.
For more info visit: www.wokinghamwinefestival.co.uk

October 2008

DUKES HEAD RE-OPENED
The Dukes Head pub re-opened on Wednesday, October 29, after being closed for nearly two weeks. By all accounts the Brakspear pub has had a refurbishment and now has new landlords in place.

DUKES HEAD CLOSED?
The Dukes Head pub appears to have closed down. There was a sign in the window saying it wouldn't be open until after 5pm, but there has been no activity in there at any time for some days now.

September 2008

ZIZZI OPENING DATE
We were beginning to think Zizzis had been crunched due to the time it has taken for its new branch in Broad Street to open. But this is not the case and the confirmed opening date is Monday, October 6. We're looking forward to hearing your comments about the latest Italian offering in Wokingham.

NAME CHANGE FOR SQUARE BAR
The Square Bar in Wokingham town centre is looking to change its name back to The Roebuck. The name was changed about seven years ago but now the owners want to return the venue to the more traditional pub that it once was.
(related links: Square Bar)

FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVAL
Despite torrential rain, the food and drink festival was bigger and better than last year. This event has real potential to keep on growing, but quality control of the stalls is essential.
While there was some good produce on offer, a few tat stalls had been allowed to display at the festival.

August 2008

WOKINGHAM FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVAL
Three days of eating and drinking are planned for the Wokingham food and drink festival, running on September 5, 6, 7. The festival is being held at Elms Field, just behind Prezzo, and should be worth a visit, with demonstrations and food from around the country - and world.

June 2008

LOCH FYNE OPENS IN LONDON ROAD
Seafood restaurant Loch Fyne has opened in the former Plough pub in London Road. Read review

PAD THAI OPENS ABOVE RED LION
A new Thai restaurant as opened above the Red Lion pub in Market Place. Read review
(related links: Pad Thai + Red Lion)

'SCORES ON THE DOORS' RATINGS
The average Wokingham restaurant/pub seems to score pretty badly in Wokingham Borough Council's new 'Scores on the Doors' ratings. The council has rated every venue from zero to five stars for food hygiene and management and there are some pretty suprising results.Most places in the town have achieved only two stars, apart from the Lay By Café, which has got a maximum five.
Click here for the full results.

ZIZZIS TO OPEN AT FLOWER CORNER?
There have been rumours flying around about the restaurant moving into the Flower Corner in Broad Street.
It now seems that the most likely contender is a branch of Zizzis - an Italian pizza and pasta chain.

NEW THAI AT RED LION - OPENING DATE
The new Thai restaurant above the Red Lion in Market Square, Wokingham, is due to open on June 27.
(related links: Red Lion)

OMNIA AT THE HILTON
The Hilton St Anne's Manor has relaunched its restaurant Omnia. Apparently the cuisine is modern British.
(related links: Hilton St Anne's Manor)

LOCH FYNE DATE AND RUMOURS
Apparently, the new Loch Fyne at The Plough could be opening as soon as early July now.
Plus, there's a rumour circulating that The Crispin in nearby Winkfield could also be converted into a one of the seafood chain's venues.
(related links: The Plough + Loch Fyne, Reading)

May 2008

NEW THAI AT RED LION
A new Thai restauarant is to open above the Red Lion in
Market Place, Wokingham.
Pad Thai, one of a two-venue chain, is due to open sometime this month, although a firm date has not yet been set.
(related links: Red Lion)

LOCH FYNE REPLACES THE PLOUGH
Contractors are hard at work converting the former Plough pub in London Road into a branch of Loch Fyne.
The seafood restaurant chain has built up a loyal following in recent years and branches have been sprining up across the south east. A June opening is anticipated, but not confirmed.
(related links: The Plough + Loch Fyne, Reading)

April 2008

NEW RESTAURANT AT FLOWER CORNER?
Plans are afoot to transform The Flower Corner, in Broad Street, into a restaurant, although planning permission has
not yet been secured.
Rumours suggest an Italian chain is eyeing up the venue, but this is not confirmed.