Story

The Stables is a bar & restaurant located in a 17th century converted Stable Barn. Historians have struggled to provide an exact age of the property but it is widely believed to be one of the oldest commercial buildings to be operating in the area & is a unique venue that fully captures the essence of English hospitality. It has a long and varied history, full of tragedies and triumphs, which has kept it at the forefront of the local community’s minds.

Residing on the Matthew’s Green Farm Estate (now part of Cantley House Hotel) - The Stables played a pivotal role on a working farm for at least 400 years; stabling many working horses as well as other livestock and at one time operating as a slaughterhouse.  

The estate was brought by the Nicholson Family in the 1800’s, a hugely wealthy dynasty from the Northumberland area, with ties to everyone from the pioneers of the Industrial Revolution to the nobility.

After building several of the biggest properties in Wokingham (including Cantley House in 1880) the bloodline was devastated by the tragic deaths of four heirs in the First World War.

However, from the depths of that despair, a new patriarch arrived. The Marquess of Ormonde, a celebrated war hero and distant relation took over the property.  Under his ownership the family once again implemented themselves at the top of society , he was elected high steward of Wokingham and his daughter the Lady Jane was an infamous figure, held in awe by many throughout the country and continent.

After his death the estate once again found itself falling on hard times. Due to lack of funds, the property had years of neglect and became a sorry state - until..

In 1983 a new idea was hit upon.  Why not open the estate up to the public and showcase what this special property really had to offer? Given a new lease of life with the opening of Cantley House Hotel , The Stables has taken many guises over the years including a nightclub & fine dining restaurant. Benefiting from a refurb & re-launch in 2020 The Stables has been taken right back to its roots with many original features being restored. Now operating as a popular neighbourhood gastro pub The Stables serves simple, modern British cuisine cooked to perfection. Also with the outdoor courtyard which includes a Summer Kitchen with a pizza oven, live music, bbq area, and space for drinks stations, the restaurant has gone from strength to strength.

With the goal of doing service to its long history, The Stables aims to become the number-one establishment in the area for taste, service, and experience.