A polished country gastropub delivering consistently appealing food, strong service and family-friendly Sunday dining, though portions and pricing draw occasional criticism.
The Extraordinary Hare delivers solid food quality anchored by praised roasts and refined pub dishes, paired with notably attentive service that diners consistently highlight. A cozy country setting with garden seating adds genuine appeal, though occasional inconsistencies in portions and preparation prevent a stronger showing.
The Extraordinary Hare is a polished country pub where the strongest first impression is warmth: cozy interiors, pretty rural surroundings and staff who are repeatedly described as attentive, friendly and efficient. One large family lunch was remembered and delivered without mistakes, while garden and terrace seating add a welcome alfresco option. It can be quiet on some evenings, but that is more a mood variation than a defining flaw. The cooking sits in the refined-modern British gastropub lane: recognizable roasts, burgers, fish and grills are joined by scallops, venison tartare, curried cauliflower and miso butterscotch. Reviews most often celebrate roast beef, lamb, scallops, breakfasts and desserts. Prices are not bargain-pub territory, but the menu and feedback suggest a justifiable premium for presentation and service; choose roasts or burgers if you want the safest value, as smaller plated portions are a recurring minority complaint. Families are particularly well served. Reviews praise a full children's menu, a smaller roast, staff who are comfortable with children and successful meals for groups including babies. The current menu also offers familiar choices such as burgers, battered fish, pie, chicken goujons, fish and chips, ice cream and brownie, plus a vegan burger, so picky eaters have realistic options even though the main menu is more ambitious than a basic pub menu.
Area vibe: Quiet, rural, village-and-country-park setting known for rolling countryside and historic villages.
Safety: Very safe, low crime, well-lit in villages but limited late-night activity and sparse foot traffic after dark.
What's nearby: Near West Hendred village green, A338/Reading Road access, close to Wantage and Didcot and countryside walking routes.
The menu’s standout route runs from scallops and Hampshire lamb to desserts such as Sticky Toffee Pudding, but the best-value choices are more familiar.
Expect polished country-pub dining and generally prompt service, but budget carefully because portions, service-charge clarity, and premium supplements can affect the final value.
It combines cozy country-pub warmth with attractive outdoor space and attentive service, though the evening atmosphere is not always consistent.