August 2025 by John De Jongh
Nice friendly local pub.
June 2025 by Tania Marie
On a long drive day (Kilkenny to Kent), we almost went to the motorway services for dinner, and to wait for the M25 traffic to calm down before we continued. Decided to look for a pub dinner instead, and choose The Volunteer hoping we?d find a relaxed, local place. We got that right! The parking was easy, we walked in just a couple of minutes before food service started at 6:00. There was plenty of comfortable seating inside, but we were able to sit outside where we could keep an eye on our car. (The area looked safe enough, but we?re on tour and can?t risk the instruments.)
The staff were friendly, the service was quick enough, and the food was excellent. So was the cider!
We were surrounded by trees full of songbirds, amused by the rooftop antics of gulls and crows, and even had a couple of kites hunting nearby.
The only disappointment was that the smokers were using the back patio, right in front of the no smoking signs, rather than take a few more steps to the actual smoking area on the lawn. But we got lucky - no one came out to smoke before we finished our dinner.
We got the scampi and chips, which came with garden peas and tartar sauce and was plenty of food for two of us to share for a light meal, so even with our drinks, it was very affordable. All that and nice, clean bathrooms, too. This was exactly the break we needed before getting back on the road to brave the M25!
May 2025 by Darren Lye
I drink down the Volley every week however haven?t eaten there for sometime. Tonight thought we?d have a meal as well as a few beers as celebrating birthday and I had the lasagna which was fantastic, wife had fish and chips which looked good and was a generous portion. Will be eating there again soon.
March 2025 by Daz Hogarth
Great pub, excellent beer, delicious food (big portions), good prices too.
It's 5 stars from me.
February 2025 by sam walton
Extremely welcoming, great range of food and drink.
February 2025 by Chris Tidbury (The Mighty Tids)
I have been to the Volunteer from time to time over the yeas and I can say that over the past few years it has delivered a consistent high standard. The food is always excellent, great portion sizes and at a surprisingly reasonable price for today's economy. I have never had a bad meal and have never left hungry. They have a varied selection of drinks and friendly service. There isn't much parking, but it is a short walk from Theale station. Saying that many live in walking distance and there has always been a space to park when I have been there. Failing that there is parking available nearby.
It can get loud at times especially if they have live music, but that is usually later in the evening so you can still have a conversation over dinner / lunch etc.
Highly recommend.
February 2025 by Mark Foster
A tad noisy at lunch time, but it was busy.
January 2025 by Vincent Higgins
Very nice old style pub very friendly staff and made to feel very welcome, the landlord let me park in the carpark overnight and a big thanks to him. Vincent from Ireland ???
January 2025 by david archer
Best ploughmans lunch ever!!
January 2025 by Peter Smith
On the night we visited only a reduced menu of sandwiches available but always good well looked after ale, beer or any other drink
December 2024 by Phil Wheeler
An excellent place which serves very good tasty pub food. It's hot, not warm which is always good. Fish and chips and homemade beef chilli were our choices and we were not disappointed. Able to book a table without any issues online. The staff were very welcoming. Well worth a visit. Would return.
December 2024 by Evelyn Stacey
It was really good
Home cooked meals ,fair prices ,pleasant staff, very well frequented.
Will definitely return
October 2024 by tony wheatley
Stepping into The Volunteer in Theale is like finding an oasis of camaraderie and charm. With each pint poured, the frothy brew promises a taste of local tradition, perfectly chilled and brimming with flavor. The atmosphere buzzes with friendly banter, a testament to the pub's warm and welcoming spirit. It's a place where every visit feels like a celebration, and every pint raises the bar for excellence. Truly, The Volunteer stands out as a five-star experience for any ale enthusiast.
October 2024 by Pauline Barlow
Fantastic
September 2024 by Mitchell Hawkins
Good people
