The Castle Tap, Reading

On entering the Castle Tap, I was confronted by an overwhelming odour of longstanding damp and a total absence of customers (so service at the bar was not an issue). The barman was taking the opportunity to play his favoured indie tunes (at moderate volume). It has to be said that the pub also looks a bit tatty from the outside. It's rather more promising at the bar, with an 8-strong keg line-up, several ciders and 4 badged-up handpumps. My Disruption Session IPA was in good nick, and cost just (!) £4.90, the same as the others cask ales - from St Austell, Oakham and Animal. It's a pub that could do with a little love, both from whoever owns the building and potential punters. Based on my visit, it could be worth it.

Official site of The Castle Tap - thecastletap.co.uk

Official site of The Castle Tap - thecastletap.co.uk

Visited 23.4.21. First visit to this pub which was ever so friendly. Opens at 6pm most weekdays, but we were lucky as Friday is 3pm Sat and Sun 12 noon. Walk ins ok and we got a table at the rear. Their beer are listed on the Untappd venues app, but there is a beer board on the wall too. We chose cask Portobello Spring Ale and Grey Trees Drummer Boy, and draft Wild Weather Cephaloped 12% wow fantastic, and Electric Bear I can't believe it's next Tuesday 8%. These 2 draft beers, both stouts were our beers of the day. All beers good though and payment by card.

Cracking little pub with friendly barmaid.Old school rather than traditional but I liked it.Three cask beers from Thornbridge,Copper Street and Fixed Wheel .Good beers