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Retreat, Reading

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Opens at 12:00pm
Operator: Independent
8 St John's Street, Reading, RG1 4EH (View on Google Map)
(0118) 957 2130
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A well-loved backstreet boozer, refurbished 2020/21. A good range of real ales are squeezed onto the small bar. The pub tends to concentrate on well-known regional brands, however there is a good range of more eclectic choices available in bottled form, including continental beers, as well as a number of ciders. Locally renowned for regular live music and hosting local events such as the fiercely-fought pickled onion competition.

Information for this venue is provided by the Reading & Mid-Berks Branch of CAMRA
Previous Names
Local Authority
Reading (B)
Last updated
21/03/2025
Last surveyed
31/12/2024
Leasehold owner
individual
Freehold owner
Admiral Taverns
Pub ID
REA/READIN0730
Asset of Community Value

One star - A pub interior of special national historic interest

Listed status: Not listed

Small Victorian terraced pub with two rooms. The public bar at the front is an amalgamation of the former off-sales and bar, hence the second, but disused front door on the right. This small room retains its original counter, mirrored back fitting and dado panelling with a bench beneath the front window and a baffle by the entrance. An opening leads to the lounge at the rear which would once have been two small rooms. Its fittings are all modern. The former outside gents' has been incorporated within the main pub to the rear of the lounge. All the woodwork received a coat of light green pastel paint about 2015.

General information about historic pub interiors

This small Victorian terraced pub has two rooms. The public bar at the front is an amalgamation of the former off-sales and bar, hence the second, but disused front door on the right. This small room still retains its original counter, mirrored back fitting and dado panelling with a bench beneath the front window and a baffle by the entrance. An opening leads to the lounge at the rear which would have been two small rooms at some stage in the past. Its fittings are all modern. The former outside gents' has been incorporated within the main pub to the rear of the lounge. All the woodwork received a coat of light green pastel paint about 2015.

General information about historic pub interiors
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Thursday
Noon - 11:00pm
Friday
Noon - 11:30pm
Saturday
Noon - 11:30pm
Sunday
Noon - 10:30pm
Monday
Noon - 11:00pm
Tuesday
Noon - 11:00pm
Wednesday
Noon - 11:00pm

Current beers

This Pub serves 3 changing beers and 2 regular beers.

Regular and recently seen
Dark Star - Hophead
Dark Star - Hophead Session Golden Ale • 3.4% Spotted 3 times
Dark Star - Hophead
Dark Star - Hophead

Session Golden Ale

Dispense: Handpump
ABV: 3.4%
Vegan: No
Gluten Free: No
This beer is served regularly.
Spotted 3 times
Sussex Best Bitter - Harvey's
Harvey's - Sussex Best Bitter Session Bitter • 4% Spotted 15 times
Sussex Best Bitter - Harvey's
Harvey's - Sussex Best Bitter

Session Bitter

Dispense: Handpump
ABV: 4%
Vegan: No
Gluten Free: No
This beer is served regularly.
Spotted 15 times
Changing

From Admiral list

Changing beers typically include: Butcombe (varies) , Sharp's (varies)

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Facilities
Sports TV Sports TV
TNT only - live music takes precedence
Lunchtime Meals Lunchtime Meals
you can bring your own food
Evening Meals Evening Meals
you can bring your own food
Live Music Live Music
Jazz (usually) on last Sunday of month. See web site for other events.
Family Friendly Family Friendly
Disabled Access Disabled Access
Disabled access to pub & new toilet
Events Events
quiz night is held every 2nd Wednesday of the month. Annual Pickled Onion competition!
Function Room Function Room
Back bar can be booked
Games Games
dominos, cards
Newspapers Newspapers
Separate Bar Separate Bar
Smoking Smoking
Features
Real Ale Real Ale
Real Heritage Pub Real Heritage Pub
LocAle LocAle
Loddon Ferryman's Gold is often available
Beer Festival Beer Festival
Over the Easter weekend, including live music
Quiet Quiet
Transport
Close to bus routes
Reading Buses: 17, 4, 13, 14
Closest station (1100m)
Reading
Ordnance Survey Reference
SU7231673219

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