The best of Reading: things to do, places to go and areas to check out in Reading, Berkshire – all voted for by local experts.
Welcome to your guide to the very best of Reading. Explore Reading was founded to spotlight everything there is to love about our town and this list does just that. In it, you’ll find 20 of Reading’s best bars, restaurants, outdoor spots, shops, cultural spaces and more – all chosen by a panel of experts, organisers and community leaders. This list has been compiled from all their choices in order, so the number one slot received the most number of votes, and so on.
Who voted?
This list was nominated by the following Reading experts:
Art & culture: Sarah Hacker, Lead Councillor for Culture, Sport & Consumer Services; Claire Slobodian, Editor of Explore Reading; Zsuzsi Page, Reading Fringe Festival; John Luther, South Street Arts Centre; Andrew Ingle, Time Trap Escape Rooms
Community: Ian Caren, CEO of Launchpad; Reading Caribbean Cultural Group; Reading on Thames; Jonjo Warrick, Reading Refugee Support Group; The Whitley Pump
Food & drink: Glen Dinning, Blue Collar Street Food; Edible Reading; James Moore, Explore Reading; Anne-Marie Whitehouse, The Grumpy Goat; Enric Escriva, I Love Paella, Tim Hooper, Milk Bar; Laura Gonzalez, Nomad Bakery; Pete Hefferan & Lydia Owen, Shed
Music & nightlife: Sid Siddle, Club Velocity; Pete Wheeler, DJ and Promoter; Tyler Hallows, Explore Reading; Dave Maul, Heavy Pop Music
Explore the best of Reading
Rising Sun Arts Centre
20
The Rising Sun Arts Centre
Culture
On even the most average of weeks The Rising Sun Arts Centre plays host to art classes, yoga sessions, African drumming workshops, tango lessons, film nights, book clubs and tea dances. And that's before we even get to the lively weekend gigs held in the cosy, sweaty front room. The arts centre started life as a squat for a group of artists who saw potential in the beautiful Victorian red-bricked building on Silver Street. By the mid '90s it had gained charity status and it’s been run by a passionate and dedicated community of volunteers ever since. It enters the list as one of Reading’s most vibrant, welcoming and hands on arts centres.
The Rising Sun Arts Centre, 30 Silver Street, Reading, RG1 2ST. View website
The panel says
"It really is a one off. I spend far too much time there, have seen some of the best gigs ever and met friends for life. My second home." - Sid Siddle, Club Velocity. "The fine Victorian brickwork needs to be admired. It is spontaneous, handsome, remarkable and sometimes completely bonkers." - The Whitley Pump
Just Imagine Memorabilia
19
Just Imagine Memorabila
Shops
Run by Jim B Donovan, the DJ behind some of the most popular nights at Milk, JIM (see what he did there?) is a joyful treasure trove of vinyl, music, comics and games. Shelves heave under the weight of second hand memorabilia in this cupboard-like Harris Arcade store. Look out for Thunderbirds action figures, board games, back issues of the Beano or DC comics and VHS copies of old Doctor Who episodes. Pride of place in the centre of room are the rows of CDs and crates upon crates of vinyl records organised by decade. Go crate digging to find everything from the Rolling Stones to rare soul, ska and hip hop.
14 Harris Arcade, Station Rd, Reading, RG1 1LG. Open Tuesday to Friday 12-4.30pm, Saturday 10.30am - 4.30pm. View website.
The panel says
"Jim Donovan is a true legend of music in Reading whose passion and positive personality are infectious. A visit to his shop (or a trip to one of his regular DJ sets) is always a treat “- Pete Wheeler, DJ. "The best record shop, and a brilliant DJ’ - Tim Hooper, Milk
Prospect Park
18
Prospect Park
Outdoor spaces
Almost all of our panel name-checked one of Reading’s many beautiful green spaces and gardens, including Caversham Court Gardens, Balmore Walk and Palmer Park. But it was Tilehurst’s Prospect Park that picked up the most votes from dedicated West Reading residents. It’s Reading’s largest open space and is loved for its wide grassy spaces, oak woodland, sports facilities, children’s playground and even miniature steam train. At weekends it’s vibrant and bustling with five-a-side tournaments, running groups, dog walkers, families and car boot sellers alike. Amble to the top of the hill at the park’s centre for a sweeping view towards The Kennet and Green Park with its towering wind turbine, and to see the beautiful Regency-era Mansion House - once home to the Liebenrood family, it’s now home to a slightly less lovely, but family-friendly Harvester.
Liebenrood Rd, Reading, RG30 2ND.
The panel says
“My favourite green space in Reading, it’s superb for a long walk and clearing the head on a misty wintery morning or a sunny summer afternoon.” - James Moore “Always a favourite to walk my dogs”. - Anne-Marie Whitehouse, The Grumpy Goat
Farmer's Market
17
Reading Farmer's Market
Shops
Every two weeks, farmers from around Berkshire and south Oxfordshire set up stalls at the former auction house of the Great Knolly’s Street Cattle Market for Reading Farmer’s Market. It’s a charming, vibrant and bustling community of sellers that has been going since 1999 and is an enjoyable place to stock up on your weekly groceries, meet the families behind your food and find out where your produce comes from. Regular vendors include Q Gardens fruit farm, fresh fish from Brookleas, bread from The Old Farmhouse Bakery and pork goods from the very friendly Dew’s Meadow Farm. As well as produce, there are tables of kitchen treats including cheeses, chocolates, oils, preserves and more from vendors on rotation. You can also make a morning of it with a hearty English breakfast from farm-fresh goods cooked on a delicious-smelling grill next to the entrance. Perfect to power you through the shopping trip. Read more about food markets in Reading.
The Cattle Market, Great Knolly’s Street | The first and third Saturdays of the month | 8.30am – midday | View website.
The panel says
“I attend this religiously and have seen stall holders come and go. I love being able to buy my produce from the producer and talk to them!” - John Luther, South Street Arts Centre “One of the few things that I’ll get up early for on a Saturday morning. There’s a real village feel to Reading Farmer’s Market. One of my favourite places to shop and much more enjoyable than a trip to the supermarket.” - Claire Slobodian, Explore Reading.
Black History Mural
16
Reading Black History Mural
Culture
The iconic Black History Mural has stood tall and proud at the end of London Street since 1990. The 36-metre-long artwork was commissioned by the Central Club in 1987 to celebrate Reading’s strong African-Caribbean community, the role that black people have played throughout history and the work of the Central Club. Painted by Alan Howard, with support from apprentices from the youth provision, the mural includes depictions of Harriet Tubman, Martin Luther King and Bob Marley as well as Reading residents and founding club members. Unfortunately, the future of the mural is currently somewhat uncertain, as the building is currently up for sale. But Reading Borough Council have announced any proposals must include plans to secure the mural's future. We hope the Black History Mural stays as a symbol of Reading’s diverse community for many years to come.
The panel says
“An iconic painting representing and celebrating Reading's culture and diversity.” - Reading Caribbean Cultural Group
RISC Reading
15
Reading International Solidarity Centre - RISC
Shops, Community, Food & Drink, Culture, Outdoor Spaces
RISC is possibly the only entry on this list to fit into every single category. The striking blue and orange building opened at the bottom of London Street in 1996 to promote sustainability, global issues and social justice. To the right, the World Shop sells ethical, fair trade products - you can find everything from charcoal toothpaste and crumbly organic fudge to wallets made from recycled tyres. The back corner is also home to one of Reading’s last few remaining independent bookshops with a focus on works from global authors. To the left, Global Café is a coffee shop, restaurant, event space and sometime art gallery. By day there’s cuppas and cake, by night there’s original international cuisine from Tutu’s Ethiopian Table and an exciting range of craft beers behind the bar. Every month they host rousing talks, thoughtful film screenings and lively gigs. If that wasn’t enough, right at the top there’s also a sustainable roof garden. RISC is an endearing, inspiring and welcoming space supporting Reading’s community and helping Reading’s community to support the wider world.
35-39 London St, RG1 4PS. View website.
The panel says
"They are ethical and community-focused whilst still outward looking. A Reading institution. And a lifeline for Christmas presents (for someone who hates shopping!)." - John Luther "An edible forest garden on the flat roof above the conference hall. The garden has become an oasis in the centre of Reading. The Global Cafe offers the fantastic Tutu's Ethiopian buffet as well as a fine selection of international beer and live music in the evenings." - Whitley Pump
Bakery House
14
Bakery House
Food & Drink
Many of Reading’s restaurants got individual mentions from our expert panel but Bakery House was one of the few to keep popping up again and again (along with entry number 20 I Love Paella). Sat halfway up London Street, this unpretentious independent café has been the place to go for Lebanese food in Reading long before Comptoir Libanais arrived at the riverside. Sure, it may look a bit like a nondescript kebab shop from the outside, but inside you’ll find a menu of exciting, affordable and delicious Lebanese dishes. It does terrific grilled meats and the light and crunchy falafel is the best in town. It’s also a great lunch spot, with shawarma platters featuring a generous portion of tender marinated chicken, vegetable rice, tabouleh, a big scoop of hummus and a home baked flatbread. In recent months the service and portion sizes has dipped a little, but it’s still home to the best Lebanese food in town. Bakery House is a real hidden gem. Unassuming from the outside, but passionately loved by Reading residents who’ve stepped through the door.
82 London Street, RG1 4SJ. View website
The panel says
“We were so happy when we first went to Bakery House. It's just really tasty food. We like ordering lots of little bits and sharing it all. The chilli sauce is amazing.” - Pete Hefferan & Lydia Owen, Shed “A great Lebanese restaurant. Great food. Reasonable prices” - Sid Siddle, Club Velocity
Whiteknights Campus
13
University of Reading Whiteknights campus
Outdoor Spaces
At first I was slightly surprised to see the University of Reading campus start cropping up in our panel's submitted lists. But of course, as a west Reading resident I'd forgotten that as well as an academic hub, Whiteknights is also home to 130 hectares of beautiful green space in east Reading. It's perfect for weekend walks, ambles and strolls among nature. In fact, it's even award-winning, having picked up a Green Flag Award as the sixth best green space in the country. It's loved by our panel for lots of different reasons. Some mentioned the lake and its fabulous bio diversity, some liked the peace and quiet outside of town and many mentioned the hidden botanical Harris Gardens. I also happen to love the campus-based Reading Film Theatre for indie cinema and the two on-site museums, of zoology and Greek history. Whatever reason you go, do visit. Don't forget about it. It's one of the best things in Reading, of course.
University of Reading, Whiteknights Road, Reading. View Website.
The panel says
"A lovely place for walks in Reading on the main University campus. Great place for peace and quiet not far from the town centre." - Pete Wheeler. "You don’t have to be a student to have a wander around Whiteknights Lake or Harris Gardens, so why not check it out?" - Andrew Ingle, Time Trap Escape Rooms " Harris Gardens on the University Whiteknights campus is a Reading secret. It’s a beautiful, quiet spot to walk and picnic." - John Luther, South Street Arts Centre
Oxford road
12
The Oxford Road
Outdoor spaces
The Oxford Road is the only street to make it onto this list and to some may seem like an odd entry. “Who cares that much about a road?”, you might think. But it isn't just a road, of course. The Oxford Road is home to Turkish supermarkets, Polish delis, African barbers, Caribbean takeaways, Japanese restaurants, multiple churches, the Reading Islamic Centre, family-owned hardware stores and the beautiful red brick Battle Library, as well as so many of our residents. It's a vibrant, bustling community running right through the heart of West Reading, reflecting our town’s diverse, dynamic population.
The panel says
“It’s a great community with lots of lovely things to eat and shops to buy ingredients in for keen cooks.” - Sarah Hacker, Lead Councillor for Culture, Sport & Consumer Services “We choose the Oxford Road, for its vibrancy.” - Grumpy Goat “Love getting unimaginable ingredients on Oxford Road” - Laura, Nomad
CUP cafe
11
CUP
Food & Drink
In the past couple of years Reading has seen an exciting, independent coffee shop scene grow up in town. CUP, also called Coffee Under Pressure, is (spoiler alert) the first of these to make our list. CUP wasn’t just nominated for its coffee though. Launched in 2015 by Maria Fyssaki and Nasos Nasios, a Greek couple with a heap of barista experience and a passion for quality coffee, CUP blends its caffeine with a laidback vibe, friendly atmosphere and one of the biggest loose leaf tea selections in town. There’s also a sprinkling of charming Greek elements such as thick brewed Greek coffee and slices of delicious spanakopita, a spinach filo pie for lunch. Inside it’s a minimalist space but outside it overlooks the leafy St Mary’s Butts and nursing a coffee or a pot of tea there on a lazy sunny day is one of our favourite things to do. And lots of other Reading residents felt the same.
53 St. Marys Butts, RG1 2LG. View website.
The panel says
“One of my favourite coffee shops in town. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable and the atmosphere has a continental feel. It's almost like being on holiday.” - Dave Maul, Heavy Pop.
Milk Bar
10
Milk Bar
Food & Drink
Milk Bar has been serving up cocktails, music and fun upstairs at the old Afroba site on Merchant’s Place since 2012. It’s Reading’s most innovative and creative cocktail bar with a seriously impressive stash of rum and one of the best drinks lists in town. The staff know what they’re doing behind the bar too; they recently won the national Chairman’s Reserve Mai Tai Cocktail Competition. Just like the bar, design is quirky and fun, with higgledy-piggledy chairs, a cocktail menu made up like a Ladybird book, local art on the bare brick walls and a former Jackson’s tailor’s table repurposed to house a DJ deck. It’s also home to great relaxed events, comedy sets and some of the most fun DJ nights in town. Milk is one of our rare indie businesses that is both a hidden gem and a much-loved favourite for those who have ventured up the stairs at the old forge.
8 Merchants Place, RG1 1DT. View website.
The panel says
“For a nice rum or cocktail it has to be Milk.” - Enric, I Love Paella “Delicious rums, consistently good DJ line-ups, great staff.” Pete Wheeler, DJ “Independent bar in a listed building, great extensive, impressive rum collection and cocktails!” - Reading Caribbean Cultural Group
Are You Listening? Festival
9
Are You Listening? Festival
Culture
Reading Festival may get all the glory and national headlines, but it’s our town's smaller, one-day Are You Listening Festival that our panel nominated again and again as one of the best things to do in Reading. Held every April, it champions local acts with a line up that is 70 per cent Reading bands. They’re joined by some of the UK’s hottest bands to play memorable sets at venues across the town centre. This year’s lineup features Bristol punks Idles and alt-surf rockers Her’s. Not only that but it’s all for a good cause as well. Organised in support of Reading Mencap, a local charity working with people with learning disabilities and their families, the festival has raised more than £40,000 over the last six years. There's always a great community atmosphere on AYL? Saturday as music fans zig-zag across town chatting with others as they go. It's one of our favourite days in Reading.
Saturday 28 April, 2018. Tickets are £22.50. Buy them online.
The panel says
“This is a great festival for Reading, bringing really good bands and artists here from around the UK, giving a platform for loads of local bands to play, and (best of all) raising loads of money for a great local charity, Reading Mencap.” - John Luther, South Street Arts Centre “This music festival is a highlight of our year every year. They bring in exciting bands who wouldn't normally come to Reading. Plus they have raised tens of thousands of pounds for Reading Mencap.” - Pete Hefferan & Lydia Owen, Shed “Each year just gets better and better” - Tim Hooper, Milk
Reading Abbey
8
Reading Abbey
Culture
It may just be ruins now, but in the 1100s Reading Abbey was one of the biggest monasteries in Europe. Commissioned by King Henry 1, the construction of the Abbey brought industry, visitors and growth to Reading. It was arguably the most important project in making Reading the large, prosperous town it is today. A walk around our Abbey quarter is full of history and a reminder that Reading is far from the bland, chain-filled town it often gets accused of being. The Abbey Quarter project has done great work to conserve the ruins since 2009 and they will finally reopen in summer 2018 with a series of events set to reintroduce us to the quarter. When they do, go and take a walk in the footsteps of Reading history.
Reading Abbey, Abbey St, RG1 3BA. View website
The panel says
“It’s a real asset and monument of international importance. I’m really looking forward to it reopening next year. I had my wedding photos done in the ruins and can’t wait to show my children around.” - Sarah Hacker, Lead Councillor for Culture, Sport & Consumer Services “I fell in love with our Abbey ruins as a teenager, while watching Progress Theatre’s open air Shakespeare productions. I can’t wait for them to return to the impressive space when the ruins reopen.” - Claire Slobodian, Explore Reading
People of Reading
7
The People
Community
Excitingly, it’s you, the people of Reading who our panel nominated as the number eight best thing in Reading. We’re a large town, and as this list shows we have many great restaurants, bars, shops, outdoor spaces and cultural spots, but ultimately it’s you, our community, who help to make it a better place to live. Whether it was for the ease of making friends, the way you cheer and promote Reading’s independent businesses or the passionate support you bring to our town’s causes (and even sites like this one), our panel kept mentioning how great you are. Be proud of what you bring to our town and keep making Reading’s community so vibrant and friendly. If you’d like to help more people meet others in Reading, sign up to Reading Voluntary Action’s Champions to End Loneliness pledge.
The panel says
“The community, for their overwhelming support of Launchpad and for making me feel at home” - Ian Caren, Launchpad “Without them we wouldn’t have the town we have today with its drive, ambition and cultural diversity. Even the critics help us shape a better town.” - Sarah Hacker, Lead Councillor for Culture, Sport & Consumer Services
The Grumpy Goat
6
The Grumpy Goat
Shops
Another of Reading’s much-loved independent businesses, The Grumpy Goat stock two of our very favourite things: ale and cheese. Stepping through the door into their petite Harris Arcade space is like entering a veritable beer lover's Narnia. Everywhere you turn, shelves are piled high with over 400 different varieties of beer. It’s the biggest, and best, range of craft beers and real ales in Reading and includes local breweries Siren Craft Brew, Wild Weather Ales and Binghams Brewery, alongside American, Belgian and even Icelandic bottles. Next to the counter the cheese fridge is filled with excellent chunks of British and European cheeses such as the award-winning Two Hoots Barkham Blue. Owners Anne-Marie Whitehouse and Charlie Beatty are passionate and enthusiastic about what they stock and make the shopping experience a delight. They’ve also started taking their passion for beer around town with events such as Beer Fridays and the Craft Theory beer and music festival. In return they’ve found a strong and dedicated following who are all happy to shout about The Grumpy Goat as one of the best things in Reading.
The Grumpy Goat 8-9 Harris Arcade, RG1 1DN. View website.
The panel says
“Not only do they run a great independent, highly successful shop, but they are super-lovely too. Amazing choice of craft ale, beer and great local cheeses – what’s not to like?” John Luther, South Street Arts Centre “Amazing cheese and amazing beers and spirits.” - Tim Hooper, Milk Bar “A formidable selection of craft beers, ales, ciders and cheese with fantastic bubbly staff.” - Pete Wheeler, DJ and producer.
Forbury Gardens
5
Forbury Gardens
Outdoor Spaces
Picture the town of Reading, and you’ll likely picture Forbury Gardens. Prowled over by the magnificent Maiwand Lion, our beautiful Victorian public park is perhaps the most visible and picturesque spot in town. These charming, manicured gardens originally formed part of the Reading Abbey quarter before becoming the public ’Pleasure Gardens’ in 1856, when they hosted markets and fairs. We’re delighted to see more of those, such as Reading Town Meal, Bastille Day and Feastival from Blue Collar Street Food, drawing the crowds back into our park over the past few years. Forbury Gardens is a lovely green space and a symbol of our town’s history and welcoming community. Grab lunch, escape the high street, sit back and admire the historic buildings and gleaming glass towers nestled around the park’s edges. It will remind you how much Reading has changed and grown.
Forbury Road, RG1 3BB.
The panel says
“Undoubtedly the nicest spot in central Reading, we're lucky to have a traditional Victorian landscaped park right in the centre of town. The bandstand, the fountains, the lion sculpture, and all surrounded by a contrast of historic structures and modern glazed commercial buildings.” - Reading on Thames “A place that means so much to me personally and professionally - historically a home to markets and events, this summer it has provided the perfect backdrop to our food festivals, whilst remaining a haven in the middle of town out of season.” - Glen Dinning, Blue Collar Street Food
Shed Cafe
4
Shed Cafe
Food & Drink
Shed is home to the best sandwiches in town. Tucked under other best of Reading entry Milk Bar on Merchant’s Place, it's a real Reading hidden gem. Despite being hidden, it has a passionate following of lunch evangelists, including most of our panel, who happily sing the praises of the Top Toastie, freshly-made soup or Saucy Friday dishes to all who will listen. But it’s not just the food that makes Shed number four on this list, and the most nominated cafe in town. Owners Pete Hefferan and Lydia Owen have build a friendly, relaxed cafe where they remember their customers and talk to you like friends. Having lunch at Shed is delicious, cosy, fun, and cheery. Almost like having lunch at your friend’s house. But a friend that makes you really good sandwiches.
8 Merchants Place, RG1 1DT. View website.
The panel says
“Wonderful food and wonderful people” - Ian Caren, CEO of Launchpad “The tuna melt at Shed is by far the best sandwich in town!” Ann-Marie Whitehouse, The Grumpy Goat “Shed's Meat Free Mondays are always great and scrumptious” - Laura Gonzalez, Nomad Bakery
Our Pubs
3
Reading's Pubs
Food & Drink
This is the first collective entry to make our list. Almost every single person on our panel nominated a different one of Reading's many great pubs, so this list celebrates them all together at number three. From our great town centre beer houses to cosy neighbourhood locals, each of our pubs were put forward for different reasons. Honourable mentions go to The Nag's Head, loved for its impressive ale selection, the Allied Arms for its fabulous beer garden, The Retreat for its cosy, friendly feel and traditional, warm boozer The Hop Leaf. We're lucky that Reading has a great and dedicated pub scene which is constantly evolving and seeking to improve itself. In almost every part of town you can find a welcoming pub with a fine ale selection, a friendly crowd and a cheery landlord. Pull up a stool and try them all.
Reading’s best pubs reviewed
The Nag’s Head | The Retreat | The Hop Leaf | The Fox & Hounds
The panel says
“Love enjoying a nice pint of beer or pale ale at The Nag's Head. A visit is our prize after a hard day’s work.” - Enric Escriva, I Love Paella “The Hop Leaf is The Whitley Pump’s Pub of the year. Best kept beer and finest local red brick traditional pub in Reading. A lovely port in a storm, warm, friendly, no pretense and first class ale.” - The Whitley Pump
Christchurch Bridge along the Thames Reading
2
The River Thames
Outdoor spaces
According to Reading Museum, the River Thames has been attracting human activity for more than half a million years. That definitely makes it the oldest entry on this list, and well deserving of its spot as the second best thing in Reading. Although it may seem a surprising entry, the Thames received an overwhelming number of nominations to this list - in fact there is only two votes between this and the top spot. Reading is known for being a well-connected town and that all started with the River Thames. Once Reading’s gateway to the world, the Thames provided transport, trade and commerce. It was a vital asset in helping to grow our town and our industry. Today, the river is loved for the walks, wildlife and tranquility it offers outside of the town. The River Thames is both a peaceful escape from busy life and a much loved icon of our town.
Find out more about The River Thames at the Reading Riverside Museum.
The panel says
“Our world famous asset, yet perhaps we could make more of it. The new footbridge looks fantastic, particularly lit up at night, and we've got our Lido back.” - Reading on Thames “The Thames is like entering a new world far away from the craziness of the town centre.“ - Laura Gonzalez, Nomad Bakery “The Thames Towpath is a little bit of countryside in the town centre. The wildlife and beauty of the towpath is well worth hanging onto!” Zsuzsi Page, Reading Fringe Festival.
South Street Arts Centre
1
South Street Arts Centre
Culture
A couple of years ago it was entirely possible this entry might not even have made this list. In 2015 South Street Arts Centre almost shuttered after council budget cuts, but the people of Reading (you’re the best) rallied and a campaign to save South Street resulted in a grant from Arts Council England. The much loved arts venue used the funding to undergo vital repairs and reopened at the beginning of 2017. A vital cultural hub, South Street Arts Centre runs Reading’s most vibrant and diverse programme of contemporary arts shows, comedy, drama, music and dance. It offers the best selection of stand up comedy in Reading, with edgier comics such as Lucy Porter, Sofie Hagen and Alun Cochrane all set to pick up the microphone next year. And it’s almost certainly the the only place in town you will see a Muppet Christmas Carol singalong or a quirky two woman show about masculinity and identity. It’s run by a passionate and dedicated team who work hard to dispel the myth that Reading has no culture. We couldn’t think of a more deserving winner to be crowned the Best of Reading.
South Street Arts Centre, 21 South St, RG1 4QU. View website
The panel says
“Offering the most consistently diverting and eclectic program of arts for miles around.” - Edible Reading “Since this venue has been 'saved' by the public, it feels like it's become the people's place. We both have lots of great memories here from watching gigs, playing gigs to just sitting on the wall outside talking rubbish. Special mention should go to Double Dot Bash - another excellent music festival.” - Pete Hefferan and Lydia Owen, Shed “A fantastic venue.” - Anne-Marie Whitehouse, The Grumpy Goat.
Hello! I'm Claire, the founding editor of Explore Reading. I'm a Reading native and former digital director of Time Out Shanghai. I founded Explore Reading so no one can say, ‘there’s nothing to do in Reading’, again. When not editing Explore Reading, I'm probably drinking a Manhattan.
Think most entries are well deserved but I do think Bakery House being on the list is a little odd.
With the exception of the chain Comptoir Libanais opening just a few months back, it has been the ONLY Lebanese restaurant in town.
It just doesn’t make any sense to call them the best Lebanese in town.
The Rising Sun arts centre is also the only venue in Reading owned by a Swiss anarchist with an ear-splitting whistle and a large yellow hat.
https://whitleypump.wordpress.com/2017/10/22/an-interview-with-felix-brunner-there-is-a-house-on-silver-street/