The Monks Retreat, Reading

I quite liked this Wetherspoons. Rang up to apply here for a job here once, was pretty drunk at the time!

Small fronted JDW that is a bit deceptive. There's a small bar to the left as you enter but if the beer choice there doesn't inspire you go up the steps and you'll find a much larger bar with more choice.

Large 'spoons with two serveries, a small bar at the front and a larger L shaped one further back, slightly confusing to the unwary or the drunk. Pleasant marble flooring and columns, old fashioned booths in the rear area. The beer was excellent and there was a very wide range in addition to the Real Ale Festival ales. The front pavement area looks to be monopolised by low rent smokers.

On approach to this pub the sometimes noisy customers on the patio area can . be off putting but were found to be quite harmless. Easy access for a wheelchair and a disabled toilet on the right hand side just through the entrance. The pub is on two levels ,limiting access for the disabled to the lower,smaller bar . Beer and wine were OK but the food we found to be below a reasonable standard.