Hotel 1843 x Calico Bar and Eatery, Reading

An interesting interior with a Dickensian theme complete with false Victorian Shop fronts behind which are a couple of seating areas and in one a pool table.On the bar were a total of 9 pumps with five in action on my mid week visit, all from its own in house micro Brewery (Dickens Brewery), beers were Mr Bumble,Sikes,Chuzzlewits Wheatbeer,Artful Dodger and Old Curiosity. I went for the Mr Bumble which although in decent condition I found to be a rather unremarkable Golden Beer. Quinno was spot on in his review regarding clueless staff, taking about 15 pulls to pour my pint the guy behind the bar informed me the gas is playing up,I didn't question his knowledge on this point although he offered the same excuse to a further couple of customers departing to the cellar at one point to "check the gas" I don't know what he found but I expect an empty barrel, he ended up turning the clip around. Despite this incompetence I feel this pub and its beers deserves further investigation.