Quick info
About Heron on the Ford
Heron on the Ford is a pub in Reading, on Landsend Ln beside a ford. Chefs own and run it, and the kitchen works from an extensive menu that runs from nibbles to main dishes, with Brakspear ale on the bar. The building is large, with several different areas and a spacious dining area. A kids' playground sits on site for families, and a live band performs at the pub. Private functions and large party bookings are hosted here, which gives groups a place to gather.
Good to know
“Family and dog friendly pub. Owned and run by chefs. Fresh food, specials and Brakspear ale. Love the Heron team x”
- AccessibilityWheelchair: entrance, parking lot, restroom
Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention extensive food menu, large car park, location near the ford and kids playground.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention extensive food menu, large car park, location near the ford and kids playground.
Customer Review Summary
Reviewers most often single out the friendly, attentive staff, with several describing a server who stayed busy on a hot, crowded Father's Day without hovering. The food comes close behind, called delicious and varied, from nibbles at a private function to a large menu, and one party of ten liked the portions despite excess dressing on the Caesar salad. The live band and the spacious dining area with different areas also earn mentions, along with a large car park, though one notes it sits almost at the ford. A few say prices run a bit above average for the quality. The lower-scoring review describes no one showing them to a table, a smell of sewage near the drain outside, rusty screws sticking out of the playground climbing frame, and a bill that charged for a medium wine instead of the small ordered. Another diner's son received a pink burger, which was swapped for a full new dish with chips, and a problem dessert was taken off the bill.
Customer Review Summary
Reviewers most often single out the friendly, attentive staff, with several describing a server who stayed busy on a hot, crowded Father's Day without hovering. The food comes close behind, called delicious and varied, from nibbles at a private function to a large menu, and one party of ten liked the portions despite excess dressing on the Caesar salad. The live band and the spacious dining area with different areas also earn mentions, along with a large car park, though one notes it sits almost at the ford. A few say prices run a bit above average for the quality. The lower-scoring review describes no one showing them to a table, a smell of sewage near the drain outside, rusty screws sticking out of the playground climbing frame, and a bill that charged for a medium wine instead of the small ordered. Another diner's son received a pink burger, which was swapped for a full new dish with chips, and a problem dessert was taken off the bill.
Featured reviews
- Google user
“I attended a private function here, the staff were great, very friendly and helpful. The selection of food from nibbles to main dishes was incredible and prepared with care. The pub is large with a variety of different areas. There is a large car park but you have to go almost to the ford to reach it. Overall a wonderful experience, highly recommended.”
- Google user
“Had a fantastic meal for a party of 10. Food was fantastic (only slight mention would be the excess dressing on the Caesar salad) but portions were perfect, choice aplenty and otherwise executed wonderfully! What made this establishment stand out though was the service we receive from Steve!! Attentive, funny, charming, helpful and genuine too - a true credit to the Heron. Highly recommended and if you can, ask for Steve!!”
- Google user
“Extensive menu. Spacious dining area. Great service. Prices a bit above average but good quality food. Car park has some shaded spots!”
- Google user
“Staff weren’t particularly attentive and we were not shown to table when we came in. The atmosphere inside was nice but there was a distinct smell of sewage from the drain or septic tank outside. The kids playground needs a refurb, there are rusty screws sticking out of the climbing frame - tetanus waiting to happen, and the play bark is more dust than bark. The location near the ford is nice. The food was pretty good and arrived promptly, although slightly overpriced for the quality. We were overcharged on our bill (ordered a small wine - charged for a medium). Overall I’m not sure we will be returning. Plenty of parking though!”
- Google user
“We went to the Heron for the first time on father's day. We have lived nearby for yeasr and didn't even know it was there. It is a lovely location, the food was delicious and the staff were fantastic. I'm sorry I don't recall our main waitresses name but she was fantastic! It was a busy and HOT day and she was non stop. She ensured we had everything we needed and always had a smile on her face. We will definitely go back”
Amenities
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
Show more amenities
- Accessibility· 2
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Location
Bars near Heron on the Ford
- The Walter Arms4.28113.4 miWheelchair accessible
barn birthday parties, unlimited steak night, crispy onion rings
- The Bull Barkham4.35594.9 mi
thai food, ginger chicken, prawn pad thai
- The Little Angel4.41,0784.9 miReservationsWheelchair accessibleOutdoor seating
sunday carvery, tuesday steak night, sticky toffee pudding
| Place | Rating | Distance | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heron on the FordWheelchair accessible | 4.51,071 | — | extensive food menu, large car park, location near the ford |
| The Walter ArmsWheelchair accessible | 4.2811 | 3.4 mi | barn birthday parties, unlimited steak night, crispy onion rings |
| The Bull Barkham | 4.3559 | 4.9 mi | thai food, ginger chicken, prawn pad thai |
| The Little AngelReservations · Wheelchair accessible · Outdoor seating | 4.41,078 | 4.9 mi | sunday carvery, tuesday steak night, sticky toffee pudding |
The 3 nearest bars by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.
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