Latest reviews from Reading

“A large industrial unit, not far from Reading Station (if you know where you're going), with limited opening hours, and an extensive beer menu. We spent a very pleasant Friday afternoon sitting outside in the sunshine last week, starting with the tasting flight and then trying a few of the other beers. Very friendly table service with knowledgeable and helpful staff.“

berkshirejohn 38 days ago

“Visited May 2012.“

fonefan 78 days ago

“Final pub on my Reading crawl of 30th June 2023. Formerly the Hobgoblin. A lot of wood panelling inside, with walls and ceilings bedecked in clip badges. Behind main drinking area is a corridor with a number of intimate compartments seating 2 to 4. A range of cask ales is supplemented by a selection of Belgian bottles. Seemingly unchanged since I last visited in 1989 or 90, except that it is no longer a Hobgoblin pub despite being the brewery’s first outlet. The commercial reasons for this change were explained by the ultra friendly manager who found plenty of time for a chat on the bar. Great folk music playlist. An enjoyable end to an impromptu city crawl. Allow yourself twenty minutes to the station platform and you’ll not miss your train.“

ladnewton 91 days ago

“Award winning backstreet ale emporium. Paid maiden visit on 30th June 2023 after the Allied. Spacious open plan pub with bar to the rear and dartboard to the right as you enter. Very friendly vibe, as run by enthusiasts. This hostelry boasts no fewer than twelve casks, 14 kegs, 5 lagers and as many as fifteen real ciders. Very keen pricing with at least one ale less than £4 a pint, and indeed a 10% TIPA for a very competitive £6.60. Locals will chat to you if you’re by yourself. This gem is well deserving of its awards, and well worth the effort of finding. A must!“

ladnewton 91 days ago

“This welcoming two-roomed pub was first on my list for a Reading crawl on 30th June 2023. Friendly staff and punters in the public bar during my visit at around 7.30pm. Up to 10 cask ales available on tap, from which I enjoyed two superb Loddon offerings, Hullabaloo and Citra Quad. It was only on my way out to my next pub that I got to see their cosy intimate saloon bar, missed only because staff were entering through a tight doorway. A spacious, partly covered garden. No food except packet snacks and confectionery, but the pub’s website invites BYOF. Visitors to the Allied should note it is card only. Well worth a visit.“

ladnewton 91 days ago

“The brewery occupies two huge adjacent warehouse units with two taprooms, the Haunt and Neon. The busier of the two was Neon on the day of my first visit which was was packed with people playing board games. They have 20 taps over both taprooms and a 50+ bottle / can selection. Super friendly service. Plenty of parking opportunities close by. One of the best brewery taprooms I’ve been to. No food on the day I was there but it was ok to bring your own or order in. Dog friendly.“

jmgreenuk 119 days ago

“Hot news, there is now a tasting room, bar above the bottle and cheese shop. It's a tad cold and clinical but some great beer selections, mostly south and south western breweries plus an import. Certainly enough seating now. Well worth visiting and a short distance from the station.“

imdownthepub 254 days ago

“Spent more time than planned because of train cancellations; as station pubs go, it was fairly decent.“

IPARater72 308 days ago

“Visited Maj 2008.“

fonefan 329 days ago

“Visited Maj 2012.“

fonefan 329 days ago

“Have visited this pub several times - always a pleasure to visit..“

fonefan 352 days ago

“Visited in May 2022. Rather spacious pub with a beer garden. Lare range of both cask and keg beers, lots of local breweries.“

omhper 452 days ago

“Lovely boozer on Reading's main drag with lots of characters, both amongst the staff and the crowd. Interesting rotating cask selection“

omhper 452 days ago

“Visited with Mark May 2022. Eventually tracked it down - it's an industrial unit hidden in a maze of Victorian terraces! It's spacious both inside and out, with plenty of seating scattered about rather haphazardly. The bar is on the right hand side as you go in - although that's fairly irrelevant as it's irritatingly table service only (either through an app, or by directly ordering from the efficient and friendly servers). You can get a sampler tray of a set five Phantom brews for £7.50 which is a bit of a bargain if like me you've not tried their beers previously (the five beers included do change each week and are always a variety of styles). Alternatively you can buy from the 15-odd taps (split between their own brews and guests) by the third or larger portions. There's also an interesting and aspirationally-priced can and bottle selection. Everything available is kept up-to-date on their website. Only about a half of the tables were filled on our Saturday afternoon visit; I don't know if the FA Cup final was drawing people away, but it seemed to lack atmosphere as a result (not that a spartan industrial warehouse unit is the most atmospheric place in the first place). Overall it was ok and I would go back occasionally (primarily for the taster tray).“

wheresthepath 454 days ago

“Hmmm. A bit of a treck but closer to the town centre than Double-barrelled, who I will compare them to. When this lot first opened I saw some local accused them of ripping off DB's tap set up and can see why. Both are large industrial units - here the bar is in a little room which has added to the side of the warehouse with a load of seating both in and outside of it. DB's bar area is slightly smarter. The Haunt seems like an after thought. A load of Phantom's beers on including what I guess is a cheaper set flight. Forget what it's called but since taking on the neighbouring unit they have a separate bar in the there. It's accessed via The Haunt and I don't it's always open. This has a large screen, sofas and the difference being it then has guest beers on. Even though I prefer DB - and not all the Phantom beers particularly impressed - it's certainly a decent set up. And was pretty popular. A good amount of people sat outside and then some people inside when with all the outside tables being used up.“

BeardedAvenger 496 days ago

“First visit to this new location (well, first visit to Reading since my sole visit to the old location in 2019). To an extent it feels hidden - I don't think I'd ever been down smelly ally before - but when you arrive it has attractive old school tiling. Considered drinking in but had already been warned that there was lack of space (and I think there was one small table for two). The deli counter is on the right and you head to the back of the shop where a good array of beers are on shelves and in fridges. Arrange by regions - from locals, to the US and Scandinavia. They seem to particularly like Belgian beer. Didn't want to carry too much so only bought a little but managed a new Hants ticks and Finland. Any a decent bottle shop/deli and worth visiting.“

BeardedAvenger 496 days ago

“Visited several times, most recently in December 2021. It's an independent pizza place with craft beer. The pizzas are enormous; you seriously won't want to order a whole one unless you're sharing with a group. Fortunately you can order by the slice - I reckon 1 slice for lunch, 2 for dinner and 3 if you're starving - yes, they really are that big (although I'd say the emphasis is on quantity rather than quality)! If ordering by the slice you can choose different toppings on each slice. On the beer side, the tap options are rather pedestrian, being standard brews from the likes of Beavertown, Brixton and Lagunitas. The fridge has a better selection, with 20-30 different brews including (on my visit) a large range from Ascot and Siren. Service is variable, prices are about par for the area. Overall it's certainly not up with the premier beer destinations in Reading, but it's a good option if you need some carbs mid-pub crawl.“

wheresthepath 544 days ago

“A better than average selection of Polish beers.“

berkshirejohn 583 days ago

“Taproom with a smart industrial unit a few minutes walk from the station. Plenty of seating inside. There was a food pop-up outside. Perhaps 15 to 18 beers on tap available last Friday night. Mostly Phantom's own with a few guests. Third pours available. Friendly service.“

Cheeseboard 601 days ago

“Corner pub close to the railway station. A super uninspiring range of cask on offer the other day and the one I did choose was borderline vinegar. I'll not be rushing back“

Cheeseboard 602 days ago

“A large place, brewery and taproom, located in an industrial estate not more than 10-15 minutes walk from the train station in Reading. Eight of their own beers available on tap at our stay. Beer flight and growler fill options. Benches and long tables spread over the place. Friendly service and a good vibe on a Friday eve. (Visited with Finn 19.11.2021).“

Rune 640 days ago

“Large industrial taproom. Ab.10 of their own beers + a few guestbeers. Keg only.“

Finn 681 days ago

“Visited a couple of times.“

fonefan 698 days ago

“Visited in August 2021. I liked the old Grumpy Goat, but I found it too cramped. If there were any more than two people in the beer section it got a bit uncomfortable. This version of TGG is more spacious, and even has room at the front to have a beer. The selection is great as usual, some top stuff from the UK and lots of interesting beers from abroad (US, Europe). Picked up a few new region ticks, which was a plus. The staff are taking the COVID req seriously too (masks and hand sanitiser), which was reassuring.“

YantarCoast 780 days ago

“Visited December 2020 on my first visit to my worktown of Reading since I had to start working from home in March. I was quite astonished to find that the wonderful Grumpy Goat had moved and popped into the new one to investigate. It's a larger premises than the old one (which is not difficult!), and is long and narrow, which did make it feel a little darker and less friendly than the old one (although thankfully less cramped!). The (excellent) cheese counter is at the front, whilst the great beer range (and the cider and gin) is at the back. On my visit the stock range was similar to the old shop (ie 200 or so beers, including most local brewers plus interesting craft beers from all over), but they are going to expand the range even further now that they've got more space. Beers are arranged by style for UK beers, and by country for overseas beers. The service is still as friendly, knowledgeable and helpful as ever (they really know their beers and cheeses!). They also have a loyalty card scheme, and maintain a beer and cider stock list on (yuk!) Untappd. In short it's well worth going out of your way to visit this brilliant little shop, and being able to visit here will be a big bonus when I'm finally allowed to get back to working in the office. Thankfully after the move, it still remains one of my favourite beer shops.“

wheresthepath 828 days ago

“Review during Lockdown release phase 1, outdoor drinking only. There are a variety of tables, benches set up in the parking, delivery area at the front, some with gazebo's some without. The gazebo's tended to be the most dangerous part when gusts of wind blew them across hte seating area. It's basic drinking here, however an outdoor food stall was being set up for later. Service is prompt and friendly. Well worth a look if you are in the area at the right times.“

imdownthepub 875 days ago

“Visit a few times.“

fonefan 886 days ago

“Thank you wheresthepath for putting me on to this and you have nailed the description. It is a largish supermarket with the drinks section to the right. The beers are now mostly held behind the tills and you have to get one of the girls to show you the beers, luckily they are quite patient. There are a few interesting beers to go at, all Polish on my visit, which was okay with me as I'm trying to get Poland up to 100 rates. Worth popping in.“

imdownthepub 1079 days ago

“At the unfashionable end of Reading town centre lies this larger-than-average Polish shop, which I believe is part of a small chain. As with all Polish shops I've visited in the UK, there's interesting food to try, the deli counter looks and smells tempting, and the staff are always friendly. The beer selection (near the tills) is a little larger than most Polish shops (40-50 different brews), and includes some craft styles from Amber along with a notably high number of radlers. Overall, not a bad place; I'd go there again.“

wheresthepath 1405 days ago

“This is a traditional boozer in the centre of Reading by the makeshift market stalls. Chatty and friendly inside, warm and cozy on a cold winters afternoon. By all accounts there are more beers available at the weekend but there were 5 cask beers on during our visit. Loddon is an ever present then topped up from the Ei guest beer list, so nothing too ground breaking. The kegs are all macro brews. Not a beer destination pub but fits in on the way from The Alehouse to The Castle Tap.“

imdownthepub 1417 days ago

“Nice location on the Kennet Side, close to the Kennet and Avon Canal. Not more than 20 minutes walk from the central, pedestrian area, of Reading. Gives, indeed, a cottage-like impression with a medium-sized L-shape bar room in wooden interiors. Four cask ales and craft beers on keg and bottles. We had well kept ales from XT, Siren and Arbor. Tasty fish n' chips. Friendly service. British indie rock in the back, from Liam Gallagher among others. (Visited with Finn 24.10.2019).“

Rune 1418 days ago

“Medium-sized, modern BrewDog bar located downtown, about ten minutes walk from the railway station. They had 18 beers on tap from the ongoing Collabfest 2019, all of them available in thirds. Friendly, helpful, and informative service. British and American indie rock in the back. (Visited with Finn 20.10.2019).“

Rune 1425 days ago

“A cozy, medium-sized pub with a retro touch. The five cask ales are supported by craft beers on kegs, and a quite large bottle selection. Friendly and informative service. Live piano music, short-lived, followed by ska music in the back. Relaxing atmosphere. (Visited with Finn 20.10.2019).“

Rune 1426 days ago

“Packed with people watching Manchester United vs Liverpool on TV. We were lucky to find a table and two chairs and joined in singing both You'll never walk alone and the supporter tune for Ole Gunnars Team. Really good vibe in a pub that is located in a residential area just outside the central part of town. A proper freehouse with 12 cask ales, and just as many craft ales on the taps. Pulled pork for food. Friendly service. Excellent traditional British pub! (Visited with Finn 20.10.2019).“

Rune 1426 days ago

“The street corner pub can be seen right ahead from the exit of the train station. A freehouse with a bar serving two sections of the pub. Eight rotating cask ales, and quite a few craft beers on the taps. All the cask ales were new when we came back a few days later. Decorated with lots of pump clips. Traditional classic blues and soul music in the back. Relaxing Sunday feel. Polite service. (Visited with Finn 20.10.2019).“

Rune 1426 days ago

“A very pleasant revisited after many years. Not much has changed since I first visited the pub in March 2005, the pub was then called the Hobgoblin (my 2005-rating in BITE). Still the same dark wooden layout with the main barroom at the entrance leading up to a narrow corridor with a few cozy snugs. Decorated all over with pump clips. Well kept, rotating cask ales served from ten hand-pumps. Located straight down from the train station in the beginning (or end) of the pedestrian area in reading. Polite service. (Visited with Finn 20.10.2019).“

Rune 1426 days ago

“About five minutes walk from the train station. A central located standard spoons with ten cask ales, four of them from the ongoing autumn festival (last day at our visit). Unusual friendly and informative service. Decent traditional breakfast. Quite busy early on a Sunday before noon. (Visited with Finn 20.10.2019).About“

Rune 1426 days ago

“My longer review just disappeared on me so here's aabbreviated version. Based in a pretty large industrial unit the place appeared dead other than a couple of smokers sat in the benches outside. However when I opened the front door there was then a roar of chatter and this was about 6:30 on a Thursday evening. The place was packed for the Halloween event. 20-30 tables and benches (I was told that there were more than normal). A large bar with 13 taps and some large glass fronted fridges. For this event there was an extra keg machine set up on a table and a stall from the Grumpy Goat selling cheese boards. The staff were friendly but busy. My main concern was where to go with my drinks but I spotted one table with only a couple at it so sat there. A short while later a guy came and sat opposite where I was and speaking to him it turned out he was a regular. So ended up staying about 2 hours chatting to him, his girlfriend and another couple who ended up on the table. The owners came by thanking people they knew for coming. It just had a really warm positive atmosphere, possible helped by the candlelight. Really good array of beers from the brewery itself and the likes of Unity, Elusive, Glasshouse, Pohjala and Lervig. A similar array of breweries in the fridges. A great place. I've not been to that many one of the most impressive I've been to, even if it was a special event.“

BeardedAvenger 1429 days ago

“Inviting canal-side pub with outdoor seating and an ok beer range.“

Finn 1438 days ago

“Typical Brewdog.“

Finn 1442 days ago

“Small inviting local pub. Limited selection.“

Finn 1442 days ago

“TOP PUB. Phenomalal selection. One of my top pubs i England. Rapid change of well treated casks. A beer festival on it´s own.“

Finn 1442 days ago

“Semi modern corner pub conveniant for the stadion. Good selection. Both cask & keg.“

Finn 1442 days ago

“Lovely old-time pub. TV in the front room. More quiet options further in.“

Finn 1442 days ago

“Large typical ´spoons-“

Finn 1442 days ago

“Visited with Dad for the Friday session in August 2019. The place is easy to find and parking no issue in an industrial estate on the Reading outskirts. The place is huge inside, and it’s the working brewery. There are a good amount of chairs and tables, and when we were there even at 5pm it was well occupied. The bar is big, with 12 taps, many of their own brews, but also some guest beers, the measures are chalked up in half or two thirds, but they also serve thirds, which we went for. The beers are all solid and a wide variety of styles when we were there. To the right of the bar, there is a large fridge with guest beers in cans and bottles, well chosen, organised and priced. Worth a visit for sure.“

CraftBeerNick 1513 days ago

“Part of a small chain; I've also been to the one in Marlow. The Reading one is housed in a former bank, which makes it rather more gloomy than the Marlow one. Like the Marlow one, the service and food are pretty average; it's one of those chains trying to do the informal gastropub thing, and like all such chains not quite getting it right. The food "twist" in this one is a hint of the eastern Med, and it's a little overpriced for what you get. The beer choice, however, is significantly better than you usually expect from a chain like this. Although there is only one house ale on tap, there is an extensive "Ale Inventory" of 50-60 different beers, divided into sections for the different style groups. They range from lagers to wheat beers to lambics, from pale to dark, and from alcohol free to 12% impy stouts. Admittedly they tend to be mass-market versions of each style - you'll not find anything rare or unusual +although there were VB plenty of new rates for me), and admittedly they're rather over-priced. But this range and variation is unusual and welcome in a chain, and the staff are trained to know and recommend beers and food matching too (they even offer a beer masterclass). So... not a beer destination, but certainly somewhere you can take non-beery friends or family for a nice meal in the safe knowledge you'll get a decent choice of beer.“

wheresthepath 1556 days ago

“Very small but good selection of beers.“

BubbleLiquids24 1591 days ago

“If in Reading this is the modern Craft Beer Bar. Good selection of UK beers other than Brewdog. Siren that is not available except the taproom... Typical brewdog environment though.“

Gerbeer 1686 days ago

“I don’t get the high scores. General small pub atmosphere with some varied casks. Still pretty much esoteric old pub offerings. Ok for a Saturday aft with friends an beer is just a side note.“

Gerbeer 1686 days ago