Pack Saddle at Mapledurham, Mapledurham

An independently owned country pub and restaurant on the Mapledurham Estate, the pub has been extensively and smartly refurbished during the 2020 lock down period. The bar has been moved to the lower area to provide a welcoming main bar setting; whereas the upper area is laid out with tables and armchairs for dining in a relaxed lounge-style ambience. The pub still retains an inviting and welcoming environment throughout.

Currently (April 2024) two of the five hand pumps are in continual use, serving Loddon Hoppit and Rebellion IPA as the two regular ales, with a third changing ale, usually a golden ale style beer, served in busier times, such as the summer months. This is also locally sourced. It appears unlikely the pub will return in the immediate future to serving 4 or 5 changing locally brewed beers from the likes of Loddon, Rebellion, West Berkshire, Windsor & Eton and Andwell.

A classic pub fayre menu is currently on offer, with a focus on popular tapas style small plates, as well as main courses, which is proving very popular with customers. Food is served in the upper dining room area as well as in the bar area. The pub is proud of its Community Garden, set up on under-used land in 2018 to involve local people producing the freshest possible salad, fruit and vegetable crops, which has from time to time been used in the pub kitchen. Five colonies of bees also produce honey which can be purchased from the bar.

The Instagram account for this pub is viewable by left clicking on https://www.instagram.com/thepacksaddlemapledurham.