Discover The Chequers: A Historic Eversley Cross Pub

Steeped in centuries of character, The Chequers stands as a proud landmark in the heart of Eversley Cross. With roots reaching back to the 15th century, the timber-framed walls have witnessed the ebb and flow of village life for over 600 years.

Originally a coaching inn along the historic Three Castles Path—the ancient route connecting Winchester, Odiham, and Windsor Castles. The Chequers has long offered rest and refreshment to travelers, including royalty. It’s said that King John passed nearby in 1215 on his way to Runnymede to seal the Magna Carta.
In the 1930s, The Chequers pub even caught the eye of Hollywood, serving as a filming location for a Ginger Rogers movie. But it’s the everyday stories that are shared over pints and pies that truly define their legacy.

Across the road lies Eversley Cricket Club, home to England’s oldest cricket ground, and a reminder that tradition runs deep in these parts. Victorian census records show The Chequers as a bustling hub even in 1881, when innkeeper Henry Eyles and his family welcomed guests with warmth and hearty fare.
Today, The Chequers honours that legacy with locally sourced food, hand-pulled ales, and a spirit of hospitality that’s never gone out of style. Whether you’re here for a quiet pint, a Sunday roast or a fireside chat, The Chequers is where the countryside comes to life.

Outdoor Space
The Chequers has a large covered outdoor space with plenty of tables. If you are nice and comfortable, you don’t even have to go inside to the bar, as their app allows you to order from your table.

Events
There is plenty going on at The Chequers. From Mon – Wed you can enjoy their gastropub classics and Wed – Fri is Sausage o’clock, where they serve Jimmy Butler’s finest sausages. They also hold a monthly quiz on the last Thursday of every month.

Upcoming events include Fur & Feathers week between 13-18 Oct and hosting a Christmas Rock Choir on 22 Nov. Click here to find all their upcoming events.

There is also the Peach Club, their loyalty program to say Thank You. Every time you spend, you can earn Peach Pounds across the over 20 pubs of The Peach Pubs Company.

Food at The Chequers

The menu is a celebration of British pub classics, elevated with seasonal ingredients and thoughtful presentation. On my visit, I started with a dish off the specials board. Chorizo Scotch Egg, mustard mayo and rocket – moist meat surrounded a softly boiled egg that was full of flavour. While my wife Inke had an Isle of Wight Tomato and Mozzarella Salad, made up from pickled melon, fennel and a cucumber salsa. A lovely fresh and light way to start a meal.

For the main I opted for Jimmy Butler’s Rolled Pork Belly — a generous plate featuring beautifully tender meat, a more than generous portion of buttery mash and petit pois a la Francize, peas braised with little gem lettuce, silky smooth gravy – oh and the crackling was perfect. Inke chose a favorite of hers, duck. This was a BBQ Merrifield Duck Leg served with miso cabbage, sweet potato and ginger jus.

For pudding, I couldn’t resist sticky toffee pudding with toffee sauce and vanilla ice cream. Inke chose a lighter pudding, a beautiful Lemon & Mascarpone Cheesecake with Elderflower Strawberries.

I was impressed that The Chequers boasts a well-curated selection of ales, wines, and an extensive gin and cocktail menu. There was a great selection of their “Zero Heroes”, a substantial choice of alcohol free beers, cocktails and soft drinks.

Final Thoughts

The Chequers isn’t just a pub, it’s a destination. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or just craving a proper roast, this Eversley Cross gem delivers. It’s the kind of place that reminds you why British pub culture is worth preserving: hearty food, good company, and a setting that feels like home.

The Chequers, Reading Road, Eversley Cross, RG27 0NS. Tel: 01184 027065

I dined as a guest of The Chequers, but all content is my own.