EVEN before I had set foot in The Fox and Hounds, I had heard nothing but good things.

Awards galore and a tremendous community vibe to match; it was impossible to see how I was not going to leave feeling underwhelmed. 

During my conversation with general manager, Jayne Tilsley, it was clear that she and her team loved coming to work so much that it did not feel remotely like work.

Young people could not wait to come back to work after going to university and customers had made it their regular spot as part of their weekly, or even daily, routine.

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Being a 'dog-friendly' pub is about so much more than just letting them through the doors. Jayne and her dedicated team adore them and their infectious enthusiasm for pups rubs off on everyone who visits.

I had some reservations about the food, but let me tell you; the term 'pub-grub' does not do this place justice. Although the calibre of food is along the lines you would expect, the execution was spot on. Staff are also very knowledgable about the menu and keen to establish a warm and friendly approach.

As an Italian food fanatic, I was keen to try the spinach and ricotta cannelloni. Any excuse to pretend I am back in Rome again. It was creamy, indulgent and - although I was not sent back to Italy - it was a happy reminder of my trip.

Most menus are rigid and the customer can sometimes feel uneasy asking for flexibility when it comes to ordering. Imagine my delight when I was told I could have my choice of a dozen different ice cream and sorbet flavours with my brownie. Did someone say salted caramel?

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As well as being named as the most dog-friendly pub in the country by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, The Fox and Hounds also lays claim to a number of Reading Retail Awards.

Jayne said: "I think dogs make such a difference and we are very unique. We have a big following on social media because of it and our Easter competition has reached more than 7,500 people.

"The thing I am most proud of is my team. Without them behind me, we would not have such a nice working environment. The place is regularly packed and sometimes you have to book two weeks in advance.

"I do think people would be sad if we were not here anymore, because we are very much a community-driven pub and it is important to do things for other people."

To continue her efforts to help others, Jayne will be donating all of her birthday cards and presents to help the ARK Project to tackle homelessness.

Being a quality community pub is clearly about much more than serving good food with a smile. It has to be part of your DNA.

To book a table at The Fox and Hounds, call 0118 930 2295 or visit foxandhoundstheale.co.uk