Zerodegrees, Reading

Pleasantly surprised by the beer quality, although served slightly too cold for my liking. Very industrial feel, but well worth a visit

Dark night club atmosphere in the rear bar section, the front part on Minster Street is purely a restaurant. The furnishings are mainly sofas and stools at tiny, short, candle powered, tables in several areas divided by height changes; there is also a long curved drinking shelf opposite the bar counter. The ceiling is distinctly industrial with steel panels and large pipes but this goes with the brewing equipment visible behind the bar. There is not a hand pull to be seen and no national kegs either, only Zero Degrees beers are sold served in their branded glassware. The beers are brewed on the premises and stored in tanks to be dispensed by air pressure, CAMRA apparently approves this as the bar is listed in the 2011 GBG, I found the beer excellent tasting but marred by being a bit cold and having a distinct CO2 “tingle”. The usual spirits and a range of wines and soft drinks are also sold. The corridor leading to the basement toilets has a map of the brewing process on the wall, the Gents themselves have an interesting photo montage, wacky washing facilities and inevitably a big mirror.