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Hotel 1843 x Calico Bar & Eatery, Reading

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Cask Ale not available
Opens at 5:00pm
33 London Street, Reading, RG1 4PS (View on Google Map)
(0118) 950 3925
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Formerly the Great Expectations, this landmark building reopened in December 2022 as Hotel 1843 x Calico Bar & Eatery after a major interior revamp with the tag line "Eat Drink Stay". It retains its impressive classical frontage as it is in one of Reading's conservation areas. The name refers to the building's history as it was opened by Charles Dickens in 1843. The front library room has been retained, with a large open plan area by the bar and glass-walled function room at the rear. Extensive food menu including Asian-fusion dishes. Despite serving no real ale, the disused former in-house brewery equipment is still in situ and visible.

Information for this venue is provided by the Reading & Mid-Berks Branch of CAMRA
Previous Names
Great Expectations
Local Authority
Reading (B)
Last updated
11/05/2025
Last surveyed
04/05/2025
Leasehold owner
unknown
Freehold owner
Dominion Hospitality (Relaxinnz)
Pub ID
REA/READIN0300
Asset of Community Value
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
5:00pm - 10:00pm
Wednesday
5:00pm - 10:00pm
Thursday
5:00pm - 10:00pm
Friday
4:00pm - Midnight
Saturday
Noon - Midnight
Sunday
Noon - 9:00pm
Monday
No Service
Tuesday
5:00pm - 8:30pm
Wednesday
5:00pm - 8:30pm
Thursday
5:00pm - 8:30pm
Friday
4:00pm - 10:30pm
Saturday
Noon - 10:30pm
Sunday
Noon - 7:30pm

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Facilities
Lunchtime Meals Lunchtime Meals
Evening Meals Evening Meals
Family Friendly Family Friendly
Disabled Access Disabled Access
At back of building. Seperate toilet.
Accommodation Accommodation
Function Room Function Room
Smoking Smoking
Wi Fi Wi Fi
Features
Transport
Close to bus routes
5, 6
Nearby Station (800m)
Reading

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