• Added: 12th of January 2008
• Area: Reading
• Category: Bars and Pubs

Reading RG1 4DG
0118 957 4615

BJ_Beer said
Good beer and food
Ten minutes walk from the town centre this is a pleasnat place for a pint and a bite. The menu is a bit up market from your basic pub grub, but not a far up market cost an arm and a leg.

The beer range varies and the quality is usually good - though don't be afraid to complaint if you find yours is too near the end of the barrel or has sat in the pipes for too long and lost the will to live.

Several televisions look down on you and once or twice the volume has been intrusive. So if it's a key football match and you hate football - come back another day.

• Added: 12th of January 2008
• Area: Reading
• Category: Bars and Pubs

Reading RG6 5HZ

BJ_Beer said
Not much competition
The Earley Retreat is a large open-plan pub convenient for shoppers at the ASDA shooping centre. I've only been in a few times, and never at the weekend, but it strikes me as pub that provides a place to eat and drink rather than a place with character.

Lower Earley has very few pubs. The Toby Carvery is not far away and is a litle more interesting inside. You'll need a car journey to get to other local pubs such as The Seven Red Roses and the Maiden Over. Both are probably worth the effort.

But if you're on foot - well, there's not mich competition.

• Added: 29th of October 2007
• Area: Reading
• Category: Bars and Pubs

Reading RG1 3EA

BJ_Beer said
Jolly good beer
The river Kennet joins the Thames just east of the centre of Reading. As you walk (or cycle) west along the towpath the first pub you come to is the Jolly Anglers. It's a small community pub with two bars and a small seating area out front facing the gas works. Forget the gas holder, watch the swams glide along the Kennet.

But the main reason to go there is for the beer. This is one of only two places around Reading where you can find Harvey's Sussex Best Bitter. Of course, you can try one of the two other beers - a changing selection from breweries in the area. Whichever you try you'll usually be delighted with it.

The landlord max is proud of his 2008 Good Beer Guide sticker. Entry in the guide doesn't come easy, but his refit in 2006 and dedication to serving his beers at their best paid off. Parking nearby isn't easy, but trust me, it's worth a visit.