The Black Lion, Reading

Well well what an unusual place. On entering it felt like a social club at a caravan site circa 1993. Heavy smell of detergent in the air, at least it proves there’s cleaning going on I suppose. Carpeted front and quarry tile floor to rear. Lots of brown in the décor, with Woodcote FC ephemera breaking things up a bit. Punter entertainment - motor racing on the TV, pool, darts and an old school CD jukebox. Three ales on; West Berks Chubbs (decent nick), Brakspear Bitter and Courage Directors, served up by a genuinely friendly guv’nor. We were pointed to the very nice rear garden, where we supped in peace. I couldn’t really work out what to make of it then and I still can’t now, either – it feels like someone’s hobby. Perhaps no worse for it.