3 Best Pubs in Reading, UK

Expert-recommended Top 3 Pubs in Reading, UK. All of our pubs actually undergo a rigorous 50-Point Inspection, which includes local reviews, history, business standards, ratings, satisfaction, trust, price and their trading excellence. You deserve only the best!

Griffin
Griffin
Griffin
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GRIFFIN

10-12 Church Road, Caversham, Reading RG4 7AD, UK Directions

Since 1916

Speciality:

Mount Rozier 'Beekeeper' Chenin Blanc Sauvignon Blanc Journey's End Chardonnay Picpoul de Pinet Chablis Organic Sancerre Côtes De Provence Rosé Organic Pinot Grigio Rosé Chapel Down English Rosé 3 Pebble Bay Zinfandel Rosé Freixenet Chianti La Ronde Organic Chilean Merlot Baron de Ley Reserva Rioja Mouton Cadet Bordeaux Rouge Lanson Le Black Label Champagne Cotswolds London Dry Gin

Griffin offers traditional British dishes in a family-friendly setting. This historic Chef & Brewer waterside pub has been a tavern since the 1800s, with its current building constructed in 1916 on the north bank of the River Thames. This is perfect for a visit if you're walking along the Thames Path, serving tasty pub food throughout the day. The food at the Griffin is based on traditional British cuisine, with the chefs adding a modern flair to their dishes. Take advantage of the breakfasts and their traditional Sunday roast. Enjoy local cask ales in the beer garden and use free WiFi, disabled facilities, and coach parking. If you're in the Reading area and looking for great pubs, book your table at the Griffin. Join their email club to hear all the latest news and updates.

2025 Update: The pub features seated dining, plug sockets, and high chairs.

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Price:

Main Menu
Crispy Squid £7.00
Soup of the Day £6.00
Whipped Goat’s Cheese £7.25
Pork, Apple & Cider Terrine £7.25
Creamy Garlic Mushrooms £6.50
Sticky Barbecue Chicken £6.75
Pan-Fried King Prawns £7.50
Baked British Cheese £14.00
Country Pub Classics
Toad in the Hole £14.50
Vegetarian Toad in the Hole £14.50
Hand-Battered Cod & Chips £16.25
Blackstone Barbecue Chicken £15.50
Glazed Pork Belly £17.25
Duo of Chicken £16.75
Vegetable Grill £16.75
Gammon Steak £13.00
Lamb Shank Shepherd’s Pie £24.25
Grilled Sea Bass & King Prawn Risotto £19.25
Mushroom & Ale Pie £15.50
British Steak & Ale Pie £15.50
Roasted Vegetable Grain Salad £13.25
Grain Salad with Halloumi £16.75
Grain Salad with Butternut Squash £16.75
Grain Salad with Chicken £16.75
Salmon & Mature Cheddar Fishcake £15.50
Steaks
28-Day-Aged Sirloin 8oz £21.00
Mixed Grill £22.00

Contact:

0118 947 5018

Mon-Thu: 11am - 11pm
Fri & Sat: 9am - 11pm
Sun: 9am - 10:30pm

TBR® Inspection Report:

10+ YEARS IN TBR
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THE SHINFIELD ARMS

Shinfield Road, Shinfield, Reading RG2 9BP, UK Directions

Speciality:

Glass of Prosecco Aperol Spritz Rhubarb and Ginger Gin Fizz Limoncello Spritz Elderflower and Pink Gin Spritz Orange and Cranberry Spritz The Big Boy Hendricks Pornstar Martini Cosmopolitan Spiced Mojito Negroni Paloma Pinot Grigio delle Blis France Chablis Réserve Mirou Southern French White Luis Felipe Edwards Lot 66 Sauvignon Blanc Vidal Sauvignon Blanc Amodo Pecorino Left Field Albariño

The Shinfield Arms is situated just minutes from the M4 and has booths and couches in the dining space, a large bar, and snug outside seating. They pride themselves on delivering fantastic food with excellent, friendly service. Their delicious menu features a wide selection of pub favourites, Chef’s Specials, and dedicated Veggie, Vegan, and NGCI options, all complemented by an excellent wine list from around the world. Their stunning stretch tent offers cover over their large patio garden, with a fire pit, outdoor covered seating known as The Cowshed, and three gorgeous Dining Pods, which make alfresco dining possible all year round. Their popular Sunday Roasts are served until 5 pm every Sunday. Well-behaved dogs are welcome in parts of the pub bar area and the pub garden, including the Dining Pods and The Cowshed. The Shinfield Arms provides dog bowls and dog biscuits for your furry friends.

2025 Update: This 500-year-old pub is known for its rich history, cosy atmosphere, and timeless charm.

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Price:

FOOD MENU
NIBBLES & BAR SNACKS
Crispy Chicken Goujons £6.50
Duck Gyozas £6.95
Sticky Honey & Mustard Glazed Mini Sausages £4.50
Halloumi Fries £7.50
VEGAN Corn Ribs £5.95
STARTERS & SMALL PLATES
Classic Prawn Cocktail £8.95
Loaded Potato Skins, choice of £7.75
Red Onion & Cheese, Sour Cream £7.75
Crispy Melty Cheese Balls £8.50
Crispy Courgette Fritters £7.50
Salt & Pepper Squid £8.95
Malaysian Chicken Satay Skewers £8.50
VEGAN Loaded Nachos £8.95
Tiger Prawn Lollipops £9.75
Homemade Soup of the Day £7.50
GOOD TO SHARE
Sharing Starter Platter £20.95
New Veggie Sharing Platter £20.95
VEGAN Garlic Pizza Bread £6.95
CHEF'S SPECIALS
Aromatic Makhani Curry with Spiced Marinated Chicken £16.95
Roasted Paneer & Spinach £15.95
Homemade Fish Pie £19.50
PUB FAVOURITES
Fish & Chips £18.95
Confit Duck, Peppercorn Sauce £20.95
Chicken, Leek & Ham Pie £18.5

Contact:

0118 988 3116

Mon-Sat: 9am - 11pm
Sun: 9am - 10pm

TBR® Inspection Report:

The Hope Tap
The Hope Tap
The Hope Tap
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THE HOPE TAP

99–105 Friar Street, Reading RG1 1EP, UK Directions

Since 1860

Speciality:

Avocado Caprese Crostini Voodoo Chicken Fingers Sweet Potato Fries Mozzarella Sticks Classic House Poutine Stout Taco Fries Kimchi Fries Popcorn Chicken Colio Estate Santa Rita Lindeman's

2025 Update: The Hope Tap is a flower-covered chain pub known for its beer and ale selection as well as British food. The pub features a large, spacious interior with a beer garden and a smoking area at the rear. They offer good-sized portions and value for money. The Hope Tap is Casual and lively, not historic, quiet, romantic, or upscale. Ample seating is available, including outdoor seating and a beer garden. The pub is open for breakfast until 12 noon and offers free refills. The pub accepts Cash, credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express), Google Pay, and Apple Pay. They have a wheelchair accessibility facility. This pub also has step-free access.

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Contact:

0118 958 2266

Mon-Thu & Sun: 8am - 12am
Fri & Sat: 8am - 1am

TBR® Inspection Report:

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