The Best Pubs
View of Reading

The Best Pubs
in
Reading

Cosy riverside spots, craft ales, and community warmth, a perfect pint awaits around every corner.

Photo by Smuconlaw. — CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

The Best Pubs in Reading

Reading’s pub culture is a vibrant tapestry woven from centuries of tradition and modern innovation, just like the town itself, which has evolved from a historic market centre into a dynamic hub. Here, you can hop from a cosy riverside spot with live music and open mic nights to a buzzing sports bar with a rooftop terrace, or from a craft ale haven with constantly rotating keg lines to a wood-fired pizza pub that was recently named CAMRA Pub of the Year. The scene is refreshingly diverse, with dog friendly spaces, hearty homemade food, and a genuine sense of community that makes every visit feel like a discovery. Come explore the best pubs in Reading.

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The Nag's Head in Reading

1. The Nag's Head

5 Russell St, Reading RG1 7XD, UK

9.39

Tucked away near the town centre, The Nag's Head is an absolute gem for anyone who loves exceptional craft beer! This CAMRA award-winning pub boasts 12 hand pumps with a constantly rotating lineup of local craft cask ales, alongside an impressive selection of keg beers, ciders, and continental lagers—all at wonderfully pocket-friendly prices. The friendly, knowledgeable team and cosy patio garden make it a brilliant spot for groups, and the hearty bar snacks like the legendary brisket bun are not to be missed. Whether you're a seasoned ale enthusiast or just looking for a welcoming local, this is a place that truly delivers on every front.

Photo by Graham Horn — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Market House in Reading

2. Market House

1-2 Market Place, Reading RG1 2EQ, UK

9.17🌿 Outdoor seating 🐕 Dog-friendly

Get ready for non stop fun at Market House, a buzzing hub right in the heart of the action that packs games, live sport, and a rooftop bar all under one seriously cool roof! Whether you’re throwing darts, belting out karaoke, or catching the big match on one of their many screens, this dog friendly spot is made for groups and unforgettable nights out. Sip on ice cold beers, creative cocktails, or a glass of wine while you play, and when the sun’s out, take the party to the rooftop terrace for spritz season. With 23 boutique bedrooms upstairs, you can even turn your night into a full on staycation!

Photo by Andrew Smith — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Griffin in Reading

3. Griffin

10-12 Church Rd, Reading RG4 7AD, UK

9🌿 Outdoor seating 👶 Good for children

Nestled on the banks of the river Thames in Caversham, The Griffin is a charming country style pub that perfectly balances riverside relaxation with a vibrant, welcoming buzz! With a fantastic selection of beers, wines, and cocktails, plus a gorgeous beer garden ideal for al fresco dining, it’s the perfect spot for groups to gather and unwind. Whether you’re popping in for a leisurely lunch or a lively evening with friends, this lovely local delivers great food and a genuinely friendly vibe every time.

Photo by David Howard — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Oakford Social Club in Reading

4. Oakford Social Club

Berkshire, 53 Blagrave St, Reading RG1 1PZ, UK

9🐕 Dog-friendly 👶 Good for children

Just across from the train station, Oakford Social Club is a fantastic, spacious venue that perfectly blends live music, great drinks, and a welcoming vibe for groups and their four legged friends! With a full bar offering beers, wines, and cocktails, plus a stage for live bands and a pool table for friendly competition, there's always something to enjoy. The menu of freshly prepared food, from hearty meals to a standout steak sandwich, consistently impresses, and the mix of large tables and a quaint outdoor area makes it easy to settle in. Whether you're popping in for a quiet daytime pint or a lively evening out, this dog friendly spot delivers a reliably brilliant experience.

Photo by Chris Wood — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Hope & Bear in Reading

5. Hope & Bear

Berkshire, 153 London Rd, Reading RG1 5DE, UK

8.99🐕 Dog-friendly 👶 Good for children

Step into the Hope & Bear and feel instantly wrapped in warmth, from the crackling wood burning stove to the charmingly festive decor that makes every visit feel special. This dog friendly local serves up a cracking selection of beers, wines, and cocktails, with a menu that shines thanks to homemade delights like the scotch egg and baked harissa goats cheese. Live music and a lively pub quiz keep the energy high, while the handy QR code ordering is a brilliant touch for a relaxed, no fuss experience. It’s the perfect spot for groups to gather, whether you’re sinking a pint by the fire or tucking into a Sunday sharer with friends.

The Fisherman's Cottage in Reading

6. The Fisherman's Cottage

Kennet Side, Reading RG1 3DW, UK

8.99🌿 Outdoor seating 🐕 Dog-friendly 👶 Good for children

The Fisherman's Cottage is a delightful riverside gastropub that's an absolute treasure for anyone seeking charm, great drinks, and a welcoming vibe! With a fantastic selection of beers, wines, and cocktails served in a cozy setting complete with outdoor seating right by the water, it’s the perfect spot to unwind with friends or your four legged companion. The live music and open mic nights add a brilliant layer of energy, while the dog friendly policy and lovely cottage style interiors make every visit feel special. Whether you're popping in for a Sunday roast or sipping a cherry cocktail by the river, this gem is guaranteed to leave you planning your next trip back.

Photo by Roger Templeman — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Fox and Hounds in Reading

7. Fox and Hounds

51 Gosbrook Rd, Reading RG4 8BN, UK

8.99🌿 Outdoor seating 🐕 Dog-friendly

Head down to Gosbrook Road and discover why the Fox & Hounds was voted CAMRA Pub of the Year for 2024—this place is a true haven for beer lovers! With six cask ales and thirteen keg lines constantly rotating, plus a brilliant selection of specialist gins, there’s always something new to try, and the wood-fired pizzas and chicken wings are absolutely packed with flavour. The pub is wonderfully dog-friendly, boasts a lovely outdoor seating area, and regularly hosts live music, making it an ideal spot for groups to gather and enjoy a vibrant, welcoming local. Whether you’re settling in with a perfectly kept Jaipur or catching up with friends over cocktails, this Caversham gem delivers an outstanding experience every single time.

Photo by Roger Templeman — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

The Last Crumb in Reading

8. The Last Crumb

76 Prospect St, Reading RG4 8JN, UK

8.98🌿 Outdoor seating 🐕 Dog-friendly 👶 Good for children

You’ll find The Last Crumb to be a brilliant, welcoming local with a fantastic selection of beer, wine, and cocktails to suit every taste. The pub offers plenty of space to spread out, with both a cozy indoor area and a lovely outdoor seating spot, plus it’s dog friendly and perfect for groups catching live music or watching the big match. With mouthwatering food like incredible burgers and truffle chips, plus a schedule of fun events including a regular pub quiz, this Caversham gem is the kind of place you’ll want to visit again and again.

The Castle Tap in Reading

9. The Castle Tap

120 Castle St, Reading RG1 7RJ, UK

8.98🌿 Outdoor seating 🐕 Dog-friendly

A short walk from the town centre, The Castle Tap is a brilliant independent pub that perfectly blends a welcoming local feel with a passion for exceptional craft beer! Their carefully curated beer list and annual beer festival are real highlights, and the lineup of live music most weekends keeps things lively. With a spacious garden, a back room, and a main bar, there’s plenty of room for groups, and it’s wonderfully dog friendly too. Whether you’re here for a tasting event, a quiet pint, or some live tunes, this is a gem that delivers on every front.

Photo by Graham Horn — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

The Cunning Man in Reading

10. The Cunning Man

Berkshire, Burghfield Bridge, Burghfield Rd, Reading RG30 3RB, UK

8.8🌿 Outdoor seating 🐕 Dog-friendly 👶 Good for children

With its crackling fireplaces and twinkling fairy lights, The Cunning Man is the perfect cozy retreat for any occasion, from lively gatherings to quiet winter afternoons. This dog friendly pub serves up a superb selection of beers, wines, and cocktails, alongside generous, crowd pleasing buffet spreads that never disappoint. The buzz of live music and the welcoming, efficient team create a space where groups and their four legged friends feel right at home, while the ample free parking is a brilliant bonus. Whether you're celebrating with loved ones or just popping in for a hearty lunch, this charming spot delivers warmth, great food, and a genuinely inviting energy every time.

Photo by Mark Percy — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons