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Beyond the Abbey Ruins | Exploring Reading’s Pub Scene
Reading really delivered with a brilliant mix of traditional pubs and modern craft beer venues, each with its own character and story to tell. I started at The Greyfriar before calling in at The Nag’s Head, Castle Tap, The Alehouse, Blue Collar and finishing at Siren RG1. Along the way I caught up with Keith, Shield and Richard from Reading & Mid-Berkshire CAMRA, enjoyed some fantastic beers and explored pubs packed with history, character and welcoming atmospheres. From centuries-old locals to modern brewery bars, Reading offers something for everyone and is definitely a town I’d recommend spending a day exploring.
Reading has a history stretching back well over 1,000 years. It began as a Saxon settlement beside the meeting of the River Thames and River Kennet, with the first written record appearing in 871 during a battle between the Saxons and Vikings. The town really flourished after King Henry I founded Reading Abbey in 1121, turning it into one of England’s most important religious centres. Later, Reading became famous for its thriving cloth trade before earning a worldwide reputation for its “Three Bs” – biscuits, bulbs and beer. Today, its rich history sits comfortably alongside a modern, thriving town.
The Greyfriar
I spent the evening in Reading, meeting up with Keith, Shield and Richard from Reading & Mid-Berkshire CAMRA at The Greyfriar. The Greyfriar, which opened in 2014 in a building that had previously been the Tudor Arms and later The Malthouse, just a short walk from Reading station. Its name comes from nearby Greyfriars Church, one of Reading’s oldest and most historic buildings. Franciscan friars, known as the Grey Friars because of their grey robes, arrived in Reading in 1233, and the present church was completed by 1311. Over the centuries it served as the town hall, a hospital and even a prison before being restored as a church in the 1860s. Although the pub is modern, its name reflects more than 700 years of Reading’s history.
Inside has a bright, relaxed feel with plenty of space to spread out. A large wooden bar sits at the heart of the pub, while wooden floors, traditional tables, chairs and high stools give it a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere. Big front windows let in lots of natural light, making the main seating area feel open during the day. Around the walls you’ll find an impressive collection of pump clips, adding plenty of colour and character, while shelves behind the bar are filled with bottles and brewery memorabilia. It feels friendly, unpretentious and somewhere that’s easy to settle into for a pint or two.
A great selection on the bar with 3 cask ales, 3 still ciders, a large range of keg options and a number of fridges packed full of cans and bottles. I went for London Lush by London Brewing Co., an American pale ale with light citrus flavour and a crisp, refreshing finish.
The Nag’s Head
A 10 minute walk brought me to The Nag’s Head. The Nag’s Head on Russell Street has been welcoming drinkers since at least the 1840s, making it one of Reading’s longest-established pubs. Tucked away just west of the town centre, it has seen the area grow and change around it for well over 180 years. Through changing owners, fashions and the redevelopment of nearby streets, the pub has remained a familiar part of the local community. Many of its original features have been carefully preserved, helping it retain the character of a traditional Victorian pub. Today, it still feels like a proper local, with a rich history that’s easy to appreciate from the moment you step inside.
Inside is full of character, with almost every wall and even the ceiling covered in pump clips that immediately catch the eye. The long wooden bar is the heart of the pub, while tables and chairs are spread through several connected rooms, giving you plenty of choice between a lively spot and a quieter corner by the large front windows. Framed awards, old photographs, brewery signs and memorabilia add to the well-lived-in feel without making the place seem cluttered. Outside, a surprisingly large beer garden offers plenty of covered seating alongside open-air picnic benches, making it an inviting place to enjoy a drink whatever the weather.
A tap takeover from Neptune Brewery was on and a fantastic range of both cask and keg options available to choose from, in a very wide variety of styles. I went for Proper Brekkie by Neptune Brewery and Rooster’s Brewing Co, a fruited pale ale with fresh orange flavour and a light, refreshing finish.
The Castle Tap
Up next in Reading was to The Castle Tap. The Castle Tap on Castle Street occupies a building that dates from the early 1800s, although a coaching inn stood on the site even earlier. For many years it was known as the Horse & Jockey, serving travellers heading in and out of Reading, before the present building was rebuilt in the mid-19th century. The pub has remained in continuous use ever since, adapting with the times while keeping its traditional character. After trading as 120 Castle Street for a period, it adopted the Castle Tap name around 2015. Today it’s a welcoming community pub, continuing a history that stretches back well over 200 years.
Inside has a relaxed, lived-in feel that’s full of character. High ceilings and large front windows fill the main room with natural light, while wooden floors, mismatched tables and chairs, and comfortable seating make it easy to settle in. Shelves packed with books, colourful artwork, whisky displays and an original fireplace give each corner its own personality without feeling cluttered. Towards the back there’s a more informal seating area, while outside you’ll find a spacious enclosed courtyard with picnic benches and parasols, providing a great spot to enjoy a drink on a warm day.
A great selection on the bar of 3 cask ales, 7 keg lines, 5 ciders, a couple of meads and an impressive 0% selection. The cheese pots are also well worth sampling. I went for Tidal Bay Summer Ale by Orkney Brewery, a golden ale with light citrus and tropical fruit flavours and a crisp, refreshing finish.
The Alehouse
Next up in Reading was to The Alehouse. The Alehouse has been a familiar part of Reading’s pub scene for many years. It was formerly known as The London Tavern before becoming The Hobgoblin during the 1990s, a name many locals still remember today. In the early 2000s, it was renamed The Alehouse and developed a strong reputation for its ever-changing selection of real ales and ciders. In 2022, it celebrated serving its 10,000th different beer, a remarkable milestone. It was also named Reading & Mid-Berkshire CAMRA Pub of the Year in 2023, cementing its place as one of Reading’s best-loved pubs.
Inside is packed with character from floor to ceiling. Hundreds of old pump clips cover almost every inch of the ceilings and walls, making it impossible to know where to look first. Dark wood panelling, cosy booths and well-worn tables give the pub a real traditional feel, with several small rooms and quiet corners to explore. The compact bar sits at the heart of it all, while old signs, pictures and memorabilia add even more personality. Despite all that’s on display, it still feels warm, welcoming and relaxed, making it somewhere that’s easy to settle into and enjoy a pint.
A fantastic choice of 7 cask ales to choose from on the bar including a couple from Sherfield Village Brewery. A brilliant range of keg lines and ciders plus lots of cans and bottles. Be sure to check out the Pickled Eggs (the Marmite ones were delicious!). I went for Twig by Sherfield Village Brewery, a session bitter with light malt flavour and a smooth, balanced finish.
Blue Collar
I walked next in Reading to Blue Collar. Blue Collar is a laid-back, open-air food and drink venue built from a repurposed yard, offering a rotating selection of street food vendors alongside a well-stocked bar with craft beer, cider, wine, and cocktails. Spread over two levels with a rooftop terrace, beer garden, and indoor seating, the space accommodates seasonal changes with covered and heated areas. The venue regularly features independent traders ranging from bao buns and burgers to vegan tacos and also hosts DJs, events, and themed food festivals.
It has a bright, colourful feel that makes it stand out as soon as you walk in. Long rows of wooden picnic benches fill the spacious covered courtyard, while the ceiling is completely covered with hanging flowers and greenery, creating a really eye-catching setting. Brightly painted shipping containers house the bars and food vendors, adding plenty of colour to the space. Patio heaters and soft lighting help keep it welcoming into the evening, while the open layout gives everyone plenty of room to spread out. It’s relaxed, lively and feels just as good for a quiet afternoon drink as a busy evening with friends.
The bar showcases a range of keg beers from local Double-Barrelled in a range of different styles, alongside other options. I went for Parka by Double-Barrelled Brewery, an American pale ale with citrus and tropical fruit flavours and a soft, refreshing finish.
Siren RG1
My final visit in Reading was to Siren RG1 by Siren Craft Brew. Siren Craft Brew was founded in 2013 by in Finchampstead, Berkshire, with the aim of brewing bold, flavour-packed beers that offered something a little different. What started as a small team quickly grew into one of the country’s best-known independent craft breweries, earning awards and building a loyal following for its creative approach and consistently high standards. In 2024, Siren brought its flagship bar, Siren RG1, to Reading’s Station Hill development, just a short walk from the railway station. Today, it gives beer lovers the chance to enjoy brewery-fresh Siren beers right in the heart of the town.
From the outside, Siren RG1 has a smart, contemporary look with its striking brick exterior, large glass windows and bold black signage. Inside, the space is open and modern, with polished concrete floors, light wooden tables and a mix of chairs, booths and high seating giving plenty of choice. A long bar runs along one side beneath a distinctive curved timber canopy, creating a real focal point, while soft lighting and exposed ceilings add to the modern feel. Large windows keep the front of the venue bright, and outdoor seating at both the front and side provides extra places to sit and watch the world go by.
A fantastic line up of both keg and cask beers available on the bar showcasing a brilliant variety of styles. I went for True Colours by Siren Craft Brew, a passion fruit and vanilla sour with tropical fruit flavour and a crisp, tart finish.
Micropub Adventures 