Reading (England) drink · Drink in Reading (England)
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Drink in Reading (England)
Drink in Reading (England)
Like most English towns and cities of this size, Reading has many pubs and bars, for a complete guide see Reading Pubs In the downtown area, there is a large concentration of formulaic wine bars and cafe bars around the east end of Friar Street and Station Road. Whilst reasonably civilised at lunch times, this area becomes a magnet for the youth of the region in the evening (esp F-Sa) who get tanked up before hitting the club scene. If that is your bag, grab it, otherwise steer clear.
Over the last decade Reading has become increasingly popular with young and affluent urbanites, many of whom have moved to Reading from London due to the cheaper house prices and excellent rail links between Reading central station and London - Paddington.
The huge influx of young people has meant that many pubs, bars and clubs have appeared to cater for the needs of Readings young cosmopolitan and up for it crowd. The University itself is home to some 17,000 students. The student population patronises a good selection of the town centres pubs and bars, while the young pros keep the best wine and cocktail bars alive, a useful and detailed guide is drinksinreading which lists many of Readings 200 + pubs and bars.
Reading has a relaxed atmosphere and a unique and vibrant night-life. Discerning drinkers and bar-owners alike have given rise to Readings new found reputation for being a lively and sophisticated place for a night out.Due to the compact size and nature of Reading it’s very easy to get around, most of the pubs, bars and clubs are in close proximity to each other, which has meant that like, many other UK’s towns and cities there is a circuit of pubs, bars and young persons venues all battling it out with one another, and vying for your business. Drinks promotions, happy hours and b.o.g.o.f (buy one get one free) are now common place 7 nights a week.
The town's grown up between two waterways: the Thames riverside to the north, and Kennet canal side to the south. The Thames riverside's next to the posh suburb of Caversham where you'll find a handful of well-established pubs and bars overlooking the water. The Kennet runs underneath the town centre, alongside the Oracle mall; chain and independent bars jostle for the best view on its banks.
To the east and west are another two distinct areas. East Reading used to be big with with Quaker movement, so it was dry until the students moved in. A couple of pubs have cropped up since, not to mention the students' union. West Reading is a bit grimy, we'll admit, but it's definitely one to watch. It's very cosmopolitan – there's a Jamaican restaurant, Asian supermarket, and Polish pub! Traditional British drinkers will like it here too: just off Oxford Road is Reading's best pub for real ale.
It's hard to ignore Reading's appeal when you start to explore. There's plenty to do between drinks, too. There's the Oracle mall, home to a big House of Fraser store as well as countless other smaller shops. There's also boat-trips along the river and great live music to be enjoyed.
The Butler. For a central pub that still retains the flavour of an old-fashioned English pub, try The Butler, Chatham Street (just west of downtown). Here you will find bare wooden floors and decent beer and a mixed (age/race/sex) but reasonably adult crowd of regulars.
The Corn Store. If you are after a quiet and comfortable bar, with good, friendly service and away from the crowds, try The Corn Store, Vastern Road (opposite the large pink office block just east of Reading station). The bar is at ground level, with El Gusto Italian restaurant upstairs. The bar staff are unusually friendly and helpful, and free food often appears.
The Hobgoblin at the east end of Broad Street. This favorite among locals serves a huge and often changing (4000 to date) selection of real ales and ciders, many local. Try to get there very early if you'd like to take up one of the rooms around the back. Otherwise you'll be standing in front. Also do please shut off your cellphone before entering: if it rings in the Hobgoblin you may well find yourself tossed on the street.
The Nags Head on Russell Street, just off the town-end of Oxford Road. A new rival to the Hobgoblin as Reading's premier real-ale pub with 12 ales on tap, limited but excellent food (including pies from Sweeney Todd) and a convivial atmosphere.
l'ortolan, Church Lane (Just off Junction 11, M4), ☎ 0118 988 8500. Reading's only Michelin starred restarant is in the suburb of Shinfield. Chef patron Alan Murchison is passionate about his cooking, and the sommelier is skilled with his selections of wine to compliment the dishes. �
In addition, the Murco garage (which is conveniently located opposite to the Royal Berkshire Hospital and also on my way back from the Purple Turtle�:) serves up a variety of reasonably priced ales and over strength lager to Reading's ever increasing crowd of degenerates 24 hours a day.
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Reading (England) Travel Guide from Wikitravel. Many thanks to all Wikitravel contributors. Text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0, images are available under various licenses, see each image for details.