The Pheasant, Lambourn

The pub has been a landmark in the “valley of the racehorse” for many years and a hub of the racing community, regularly frequented by trainers and jockeys. Highclere has built up a strong partnership with owner Jack Greenhall who bought the pub in 2016 and sympathetically restored this popular hostelry. It has retained its cosy, pub feel, but has style and comfort in spades.

The bedrooms are very comfortable and we are able to offer Highclere owners a very special rate for their stay. The food is also excellent with a varied but not overly complex menu and a carefully chosen wine list to match. As a racing enthusiast there is something rather special about enjoying the buzzy atmosphere at this excellent pub and spotting some of the great names in the game!

Alex asked Jack a few 'socially distanced' question about his background and how he came to run The Pheasant:

Question: You come from a famous brewing family. Was it always your intention to work in the pub trade?
Jack: My interest in the pub trade began after a particularly steady summer working in the filing room of a large London law firm having just done my GCSEs. It occurred to me that the best way to avoid a repeat of this was to show an interest in the family business. I’ve never looked back!

Question: Was the Pheasant your first venture and what was it that attracted you to that particular site?
Jack: After leaving Edinburgh University I joined Upham Pubs where I learnt more about the trade from experienced operator Chris Phillips. I jumped at the chance of taking on The Pheasant, my first solo venture, due to its brilliant location surrounded by stunning countryside, great attractions such as Newbury racecourse, and a fantastic local crowd that I had suspected might be fond of great food and a tipple or two!

Question: What is different about the Pheasant to other pubs?
Jack: The bull ring game in the bar is certainly a point of difference and can provide a great deal of entertainment (and a few empty wallets) after lunch!

Question: What would you say about the food you aspire to serve at the Pheasant?
Jack: Andy Watts, our Head Chef, works hard to ensure that all the food we offer at The Pheasant is local, seasonal, well priced, and of course delicious! Our fish, which is delivered daily from Loue in Cornwall, is the only produce not sourced from within a 15-mile radius of the pub. We also have daily changing specials, but we’ve learnt from experience that it’s a bold move to take certain firm favourites such as the chateaubriand or Tarte Tatin off the menu!

Question: And the wine?
Jack: We meticulously source all our wines from a range of suppliers such as Berry Brothers & Rudd and Bibendum but we do also by some of our finer wines, such as the Leoville Barton 2003, in auctions. We are very proud to offer a list of over 200 wines with more than 50 on the list by the glass. We are also beginning to work closely with exciting English growers such as the brilliant Flint Wines based in Norfolk!

Question: Are there any new developments at the moment?
Jack: Covid-19 has clearly presented the hospitality industry with some very serious challenges. From our experience space and ventilation is key so we have used the most recent lockdown to significantly extend our restaurant and also build three brand new hotel rooms which we can’t wait to show you in May. The extended restaurant can also be booked for private events and comes with TVs and the racing channels.

Question: You seem to attract a regular racing crowd with many of the Lambourn trainers often to be seen.
Jack: The racing crowd have been hugely supportive since my first day at the pub back in 2016 and many have become great friends over the years. I’m particularly grateful for their ongoing kindness and generosity during these recent months. Every time we re-open our doors they’re back as if we’ve never been gone which we love and find incredibly re-assuring!

Question: Any final words for our owners?
Jack: It’s a huge privilege to be the Pheasant’s current “caretaker” and we hope to be here for years to come welcoming both locals and those from further afield to our inn!

If we can help with a reservation please don’t hesitate to get in touch with either myself or one of the team as we will be happy to help.