The Golden Cross, Reading

A sizable somewhat opened out pub inside, smartly furnished and spacious with a centrally placed bar, the room wrapping around it. There are three handpumps on the bar with two beers available on my visit both from Timothy Taylor, Boltmaker and Knowle Spring, the latter was in reasonable condition. It's a pleasant enough pub but nothing special and I wouldn't aim to make a dedicated return.

A nice-looking Victorian pub from the outside with the interior tastefully refurbished in a bright style but retaining some traditional furnishings and fittings. The pub is U-shaped round a central bar with a back area housing a dartboard and a side area leading into a patio and garden. Unclear if permanent or just guesting but there was advertising for the Ascot Brewing Company and the handpumps held three of their ales and in very fine form too. Handy for the station and quite acceptable.