If you're looking for a Sunday roast with a difference, we've certainly found it. Fare is an incredibly unique eatery just over the Surrey border, and can be reached by car in just 15 minutes.
Located within Wokingham Town Hall in a gorgeous market town, the quirky restaurant not only features two converted former prison cells complete with iron doors and locks, but also magical fairy-lit domes for alfresco dining. Having opened this summer in June, customers are now flocking to the extraordinary restaurant headed up by chef Josh Wilde to indulge in his hearty Sunday roasts.
Highly talented, chef Wilde previously worked at Tom Kerridge’s world famous Michelin Star gastropubs The Hand and Flowers and The Coach. He also did stints at L’Ortolan in Reading and Raymond Blanc’s Le Manoir Aux Quat’ Saisons.
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At the end of the week, diners can tuck into the likes of rolled and glazed belly of pork with apple sauce and shoulder croquette, Parma ham wrapped chicken and slow cooked rump of beef with shin croquette and horseradish cream, all served with the classic decadent British trimmings.
Expect a huge Yorkshire pudding, ultra crispy and fluffy roast potatoes, perfectly seasoned seasonal vegetables and a jug of rich, silky smooth gravy to wash it down with. Embracing the Berkshire countryside location, Chef Wilde's ingredients are predominantly sourced locally and from small, artisan suppliers.
The puddings are just as indulgent as the mains, and currently includes an apple and tonka bean slice with caramel sauce, caramelised white chocolate mousse with blackberries and fennel seed ice cream, steamed orange pudding with both marmalade custard and vanilla ice cream, and amaretto baba which comes with spiced pear and vanilla cream.
Many of the dishes off the menu posses a distinctive, smoky character that comes from being finished over the glowing hot coals of the robata grill; the backbone of the restaurant’s exciting fire-led experience. Beautifully presented with attention paid to every detail, customers can expect high quality cooking but without the Michelin-starred price tag.
Nestled away at the back of the eatery are the two former prison cells offering private dining. The cells, each seat up to six people, and date back to the 1890s when the building used to house Wokingham Constabulary. The metal-barred cell doors are still intact and open into anything but sparse prison surrounds. Instead, they feel extra special and secret with warm and cosy plush interiors.
Overlooking the buzzing Market Place, Fare oozes stylish yet relaxed Parisian café vibes and is both perfect for family dining and romantic date nights. As well as being open every week for excellent traditional roasts, the restaurant serves lunch and dinner, plus breakfast at weekends. There is also a children's menu with high chairs available too for the youngest of guests.
Sunday roasts and mains:
- Rolled and glazed belly of pork, apple sauce and shoulder croquette - £24.50
- Parma ham wrapped chicken, crispy shoulder and tomato chutney - £25.50
- Slow cooked rump of beef, shin croquette and horseradish cream - £28.50
- Roasted brassicas, hazelnut and parsley dressing - £18
- Butternut squash gnocchi, sage, pumpkin seeds and parmesan - £19.50
- Baked Brixham hake, caramelised cauliflower, raisin and almond dressing - £26.50
How to book a table at Fare in Wokingham
- Address: Town Hall, Market Place, Wokingham RG40 1AS.
- Parking: Pay and display car park less than five minutes walk away.
- Telephone: Book by calling 0118 227 7070 or visit fareeatery.co.uk.
- Breakfast serving hours: Saturday and Sunday 9am to 11.45am.
- Lunch and dinner serving hours: Wednesday to Friday 12pm-2.30pm and 5pm-8.45pm, Saturday 12.15pm-8.45pm and Sunday 12.15pm-3.45pm.
- Children: Allowed.
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