Live Music — Pubs in Reading
Discover live music pubs in Reading. Browse our directory to find the perfect pub.
Found 51 live music pubs in Reading
Fidget & Bob
The Plaza, Kennet Island, Reading RG2 0GX
Now trading as an 'all day cafe bar', this is a small, new-build, community focused outlet serving the recent Kennet Island development. Bottled and canned beer only, though an impressive range is stocked. The selection includes: Siren Craft Brew, Finchhamstead, Berkshire Harbour Brewing, Kirkland, Cornwall Wild Beer, Evercreech, Somerset Magic Rock, Huddersfield, Yorkshire Innis & Gunn, Edinburgh Thistly Cross Cider, Dunbar, East Lothian
Dairy
Building L14 Redlands Road, University of Reading, Reading RG1 5AQ
Situated on the University's London Road Campus in the old dairy buildings , it is open to visitors with University of Reading staff and students receiving discounts. It boasts a large range of draught, craft beers and ciders. There are nine HD screens, two pool tables, a juke box and a full coffee bar. It has longer opening hours during term time, but is closed over Christmas & Easter, please check the website at these times. As is true of the whole University estate, cash is not accepted here.
Victoria Cross
Unit B2, 350 Basingstoke Road, Reading RG2 0NT
Opened in March 2016 as the Trooper Potts in honour of the town's only Victoria Cross holder, and was refurbed and renamed the Victoria Cross only three years later, with the reason for the latter remaining unknown. It's a Hungry Horse chain value pub/restaurant spacious 'megapub' including an upstairs area. They show multiple sports TV channels.
Salisbury Conservative Club
316 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4HX
The club was established in 1897 when a group of businessmen got together and decided that they would like to form a club. They met regularly at a local ale house and formed a basic set of rules together with an objective of what they wanted to achieve. The club is run by a Management Committee, the members of which are elected by the club membership. Affilated to The Association of Conservative Clubs. Please note - this club has a dress code.
Great Western Railways Staff Association, Reading Branch
58 Station Hill, Reading RG1 1NB
Membership is £15 per year. Vistors are welcome and will be signed-in for £1 fee per visit (max two visits per month). The Railway Club is not huge so you wouldn’t expect a particularly wide range of drinks but there’s plenty to keep you going, especially in the fridge. For the trainspotters, there is a courtyard garden next to railway. West Berks bottle beer available (not RAIB).
Botanist
1-5 King Street, Reading RG1 2HD
New bar, located in the old Barclays Bank. Quirky, rustic potting shed theme - plenty of distressed wood, floral ironwork, caged lighting, various agricultural bric-a-brac etc. The interior has been cleverly seperated into discrete sections each with their own character, so there's a fairly cosy and intimate feel though beware that food takes prescedence over drinking at busy times. Keg beers include Sirencraft. Large selection of bottled foeign beers available, illustrated in books on each of the tables with ambitious prices.
Milk
Merchant's Place, Reading RG1 1DT
Small bar upstairs hidden away in a side-street. No real ale, though may have some Siren Craft bottles. Big on vinyl records and the like. DJs Friday & Saturday evenings. Comedy night on 3rd Tuesdays. A nice laid-back retreat from the circuit bars nearby.
Bel & the Dragon
Gas Works Road, Reading RG1 3EQ
Bar and restaurant housed in a tastefully converted former industrial building on the waterfront of the River Kennet and now ownned by Fullers. The smart, modern bar serves beer from local breweries. A real fire and an eclectic mix of soft furnishings create an atmospheric environment, which can get lively around peak dining times. The separate restaurant offers upmarket dining of excellent quality - drinks can be taken in from the bar. Check out the little free museum a bit further up from the boat which features a fully-restored old gypsy caravan from the turn of the century.
Blagrave Arms
35 Blagrave Street, Reading RG1 1PW
After a thorough refurbishment a few years back, the Blagrave sports a modern interior with a slant towards the late-night crowd, with DJ sets and karaoke being commonplace events (check out their active Facebook group for what's coming up!). An actively gay-friendly venue but all are welcome to enjoy the pub and atmosphere. There are three handpumps at the bar, usually hosting beers from local breweries. Bag in a box cider is sometimes available. Close to Reading's transport hub.
Butler
85-91 Chatham Street, Reading RG1 7DS
Named after Butler's Wine Merchants, who operated from these premises many years ago, this is very much a local pub in the heart of town. Taken over by a consortium after a long period of Fuller's stewardship, there has been an ongoing process of upgrading both inside and out. Ales are from regional and local breweries, including some unusual choices for the area. Live music is a weekly feature and draws large crowds.
Valpy Street Bar
17-19 Valpy Street, Reading RG1 1AR
An independent subterranean restaurant with small bar in the Chronicles newspaper rooms in the heart of Reading. 6 keg beers/ciders from macro brewers such as Meantime. The menu sees modern bistro dishes cooked to a high standard using fresh local ingredients.
Palmer Tavern
128 Wokingham Road, Reading RG6 1JL
Refurbished in summer of 2016, formerly known as the College Arms. Now aimed at the student population, with a large single bar and garden. Dart board, pool table and numerous screens. Loyalty card scheme available for customers giving discount on ales, craft beers & spirits. Sunday night quiz from 8pm. Pay and display car park but free to customers.
Outlook
76-78A Kings Road, Reading RG1 3BJ
Larger-than-it-looks upmarket Greene King outlet and a popular lunchtime destination for local office workers. A 10% discount is applied to all for real ales on Sundays and CAMRA members all week. Nice window seats at the rear 'turret' overlooking the Kennet. Pool table in the top bar. Karaoke on Sundays and Motown special on 3rd Friday of the month.
Corn Stores
10 Forbury Road, Reading RG1 1SB
Re-opened December 2018 after a huge refurbishment to put in a cocktail bar and steak restaurant. It is now owned by Rare Breed Dining who have the Shurlock Inn at Shurlock Row. No cask ale, but a wide range of bottled are stocked including Siren Craft and Meantime. Members lounge on third floor.
Weather Station
19 Eldon Terrace, Reading RG1 4DX
The former Eldon Arms was unexpectedly re-opened in September 2019 combining a dual role as a tap for the Wild Weather Brewery and as a backstreet pub, being 10 minutes walk from the centre of Reading. While majoring on keykeg craft beers from the UK and overseas there are always a couple of Wild Weather real ales served. Unashamedly modern decor, with various cartoon art prints. Card payments only - no cash.
Foresters Arms
79-81 Brunswick Street, Reading RG1 6NY
Thoroughly refurbished and re-opened in March 2020, knocking the two bars into one but retaining the old side corridor. The feel is 'traditional pub' and it's been very popular with local residents - the busiest for years. Usually three ales available. The rear garden has been tidied-up and is a pleasant sun-trap on summer evenings.
Mnky Lounge
30 Erleigh Road, Reading RG1 5NA
Small bar located in a parade of shops. It is the only pub within the local radius; a legacy of the Palmer (of Huntley & Palmer biscuits) family's ownership and building of large parts of the area so it is therefore popular with locals as well as the sizeable student population who are resident during term time.
Gateway
31 Greyfriars Road, Reading RG1 1PA
A friendly, down-to-earth Irish pub that is a real community hub. Two plasma screens show Irish TV (often RTE) via satellite with Gaelic football and all the big sporting events; the atmosphere is often lively when a big game is showing, though comfy corners exist for a quieter pint. Regular music nights are held. Food served till 18:00. Smithwicks Red Ale in bottles and Tayto crisps for an Irish pub experience!
Hook & Tackle
Katesgrove Lane, Reading RG1 2ND
Originally named "The Tanner Arms", Courage sold the pub in 1984 and it became a free house. It's a traditional backstreet pub and its latest incarnation is an outlet for Namastle Kitchen who specialize in Nepalese food. The old part of the interior acts as the traditional pub, with the extension of the bar being the Nepalese restaurant. No real ale but some bottled beer available.
Hop Leaf
163-165 Southampton Street, Reading RG1 2QZ
Re-opened 20/08/21 after a refurb and a long period of closure.
Castle Tap
120 Castle Street, Reading RG1 7RJ
Alongside its changing selection of real ales and ciders, the Castle Tap boasts an excellent range of bottled and canned beers. While offering a warm welcome to visiting real ale aficionados and craft beer fans, it maintains a friendly local atmosphere. Frequent live music and other events are well worth checking out. And for those feeling peckish, cheeseboards are available. The back room can be booked for functions.
Bar Iguana
11 St Mary's Butts, Reading RG1 2LN
Late-opening alternative music/club venue. No real ale but some decent bottled beers.
Jolly Anglers
314-316 Kennet Side, Reading RG1 3EA
Re-opened in Spring 2019 following a refurbishment, The Jolly Anglers is a friendly freehouse situated on the side of the Kennet & Avon canal, close to the junction with the River Thames. The owners have installed a Spanish poolside feel in the rear garden. The pool isn't available for punters though - just paying guests in the accommodation! Note winter opening hours - 4pm onwards Mon-Weds, 2pm onwards Thurs-Fri, Midday Sat-Sun
Lyndhurst
88 Queens Road, Reading RG1 4DG
Family run bar & kitchen, the Lyndhurst maintains its presence as a smart town pub with with good range of real ale with many locally-sourced. Fresh seasonal food with menus changing monthly. Music & beer festivalin Easter.
Moderation
213 Caversham Road, Reading RG1 8BB
A smart pub popular with local residents and office workers. Decor in the airy interior is a fusion of east meets west, with comfy sofas and wooden tables. Large decked garden and smoking area to the rear, plus roadside tables at the front. Food is a mixture of English and Thai cuisines, with regular offers like steak night, or two-for-one on main courses on Mondays. Pub quiz on Sunday nights starting at 8.30pm.
Nags Head
5 Russell Street, Reading RG1 7XD
With the wide range of real ales, real cider and perry always has on offer, visitors can be sure to find something to their tastes here. There is also a craft beer wall, with vessel and dispense type clearly indicated on the adjacent blackboard. A selection of board games are available for those wanting to while away a few sociable hours. The pub gets very busy on Reading FC match days. Dedication to quality has seen them regularly make an impact in the CAMRA national Pub of the Year competition.
White Eagle
344A Oxford Road, Reading RG30 1AQ
Large pub on Oxford Road run by Poles, hence the name. No real ale but a wide array of Polish bottled beers at reasonable prices. Regular darts and pool nights. Polish food is available. The jukebox is well-used and is turned up loud - expect singalongs at random times of the day!
O'Neill's
4 Friar Street, Reading RG1 1DB
Refurbished in May 2017 with the original O'Neill's internal ambience stripped back and painted over, making way for a more contemporary interior (painted wood panelling, exposed brick, grey walls) though the original layout remains almost as it was. Now a tokenistic music theme, with live perfromances on the weekend. TV sports remain.
Oakford Social Club
53 Blagrave Street, Reading RG1 1PZ
Modish venue near the train station. Several craft & foreign beers on tap in addition to cask. Live music every Sunday and two other evenings a week. Occasional beer and music festivals. Food served until 10pm. Dogs on a lead welcome; children OK until 6pm. Wheelchair access by side ramp - need someone to ask for the door to be opened. Can take a while to get served when busy.
Boundary
21-23 St. Marys Butts, Reading RG1 2LN
Refurbed, re-named and re-opened March 2016.
Pitcher & Piano
18 Friar Street, Reading RG1 1DB
Chain bar popular with shoppers and the evening crowd. Two real ales available from the Marstons range. Cocktail menu and various bottled beers also available. Food is served, including gluten-free and wheat-free options, with Sunday roasts also available in winter.
Piwnica
81 London Road, Reading RG1 5BY
Subterranean Polish bar and diner. No real ale.
Pond House
738 Oxford Rd, Reading RG30 1EH
Large roadside pub, refurbished in October 2016 and much improved from it. Pool and darts available.
Purple Turtle
9 Gun Street, Reading RG1 2JR
The pub celebrated its 25th year in 2015. The Purple Turtle is Reading's longest running independent pub. While many people will associate the pub with the trappings of noisy misspent youth, it underwent a major overhaul in 2013/14. Good selection of British and foreign bottled beers which usually includes gluten free. Note that all handpumps were removed in 2018 and cask ale is no longer available.
Queens Head
54 Christchurch Road, Reading RG2 7AZ
A delightful old building close to the University's Whiteknights campus, 50 yards from the Shinfield Road entrance. Has good a la carte pub food, with an emphasis on high quality but good value. Sells three real ales, often with a local slant. Local hotel guests and CAMRA members 7% discount. Also has loyalty discounts.
Retreat
8 St John's Street, Reading RG1 4EH
A well-loved back-street boozer with a traditional layout, refurbished in 2021. A wide selection of real ales is squeezed into the small bar. The landlord tends to concentrate on well-known regional brands; however, there is a good range of more eclectic choices available in bottles, as well as a number of ciders. The pub is locally renowned for regular live music and hosting community events. A popular quiz night is held every second Wednesday of the month. You can bring your own food.
Revolution
12-16 Station Road, Reading RG1 1JX
Late-opening circuit bar. No real ale. Serves food from 11am to 10pm every day except Sunday. Children welcome until 8pm. Areas or the whole of the venue can be booked. Happy Hour Monday to Friday, 12-9pm.
Roebuck
37 Auckland Road, Reading RG6 1NY
A true backstreet ‘local’; find the Roebuck's impressive façade a short walk from the Wokingham Road. The comfortable bar stretches right across the frontage while to the rear is a separate sporting area with pool, darts and gaming machines. All Freeview big games live on their many screens! There is also a pleasant patio area at the side. Parking at rear. Fields a darts and poll team. Food is served noon to 9pm Monday to Thursday and bar snacks noon to 11pm Friday to Sunday.
Royal Albion
642 Oxford Road, Reading RG30 1EH
Refurbished in the last couple of years and looking smarter from it. Separate pool and darts room and outside drinking area at side.
Sportsman
201 Shinfield Road, Reading RG2 7DS
Large comfortable pub on the corner of Shinfield Road and Elm Road. Good value food is served all day, with meal-deals Mon-Sat. A proper local pub at the heart of its community, with a quiz on Wednesday night and Killer Pool on Sunday night.
Spread Eagle
117 Norfolk Road, Reading RG30 2EG
Former Greene King back street pub that used to service the former Reading FC home of Elm Park. Free pool and jukebox every Thursday from 1pm until 11pm. Regular karaoke and quiz nights.
Sun Inn
16 Castle Street, Reading RG1 7RD
Town centre pub and reputedly the oldest in Reading. Rambling interior. Plenty of screens for sporting events alongside pool, darts and crib.
Three Guineas
Station Approach, Reading RG1 1LY
The Three Guineas is a Grade II listed pub located in the old ticket hall of Reading railway station. Thoroughly refurbished by Fullers a few years ago to high standard featuring ornate tiling, old railway memorabilia and a selection of classic clocks. There's a large outdoor seating area in front but unfortunately you can't access the platforms directly, so make sure you leave enough time for your train! Note - no cash since COVID, card payments only.
Three Tuns
191 Wokingham Road, Reading RG6 1LT
A large pub at the end of the 17 bus route with the original two bars combined into one. The beers in its new Craft Beer chill cabinet include Brew Dog. Food, they claim, is traditional pub fare with a modern twist. Major sporting events regularly shown on Sky Sports and BT Sports. Quiz nights every Thursday evening. 10% discount for students & NHS staff.
Turks Head
31 London Road, Reading RG1 5BJ
The Turks is an extremely welcoming and traditional British pub. This pub nestles alongside the London Road bus lane and is much larger than you might expect. Pool tables at the far end. Traditional pub food. Local cover bands can really pack them in here like nowhere else in town.
Up The Junction
231 London Road, Reading RG1 3NY
Long narrow independently-owned locals bar created by splitting a Turkish restaurant in half. Live music every Wednesday and 3am license. Bottled ales but no real ale.
Hope & Bear
151-153 London Road, Reading RG1 5DE
A thriving gastropub which regularly seems to change its name. Usually 5 ales on offer, with a range of keg beers, including Siren Craft, and bottled foreign beers. Westons cider is available summertime only. Boards games group Wednesdays. Beer gardens on either side of the pub offer plenty of spots to enjoy fine weather.
Walkabout
Wiston Terrace, Off Friar Street, Reading RG1 1DG
Two level Australian-themed bar and nightclub. Three craft beers served including Little Creatures from Western Australia. Drinks & food follows theme with Kangaroo steaks & burgers. 2-4-1 deals Tuesdays. Monday to Friday 5 to 9 pm, £2 for selected drinks.
World Turned Upside Down
387 Basingstoke Road, Reading RG2 0JE
Refurbished in 2017 this a large Pizza and Carvery house that nonetheless acts as a popular bar. There's a Travel Lodge immediately behind it. Expect a large rugby/football crowd on match days. Karaoke Fri/Sat night. May close early on quiet evenings.
Thirsty Bear
110 King's Road, Reading RG1 3BY
Previously a long-established gay pub attracting well-renowned cabaret acts on the circuit, The downstairs of the building is now a bar area with an open plan pizza kitchen. Upstairs is a lounge with an American-style Wurlitzer jukebox. Fans of US craft beer will find Lagunitas IPA on draft.