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Image posted by paulof horsham
Submitted on Friday, 16th January 2026
With picture contributions to 7439 other pubs
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Detail Pages
The Retreat, Reading
Reading
RG1 4EH
Served areas
Reviews of The Retreat (Average Rating: 7½ of 10) see review guidelines
Rex Rattus left this review about The Retreat
This is the sort of pub I really like, tucked away in a side street outside the town centre. Unlike the Three Guineas that I visited later in the afternoon, it was very quiet with just me, an elderly local, and one other casual visitor in there. It looks very much like a locals' pub to me. There were four real ales on - St Austell Tribute (£5.10 a pint), Hophead, Sussex Best, and XT10 Stout on. I didn't see any sign of food.
This is a One Star pub on CAMRA's National Inventory, with the main heritage features (bar counter, bar-back and panelling) being in the front of the two separate rooms. Unfortunately there's a bit too much grey for my taste, but that doesn't really detract from its traditional character.
On 17th August 2026
- rating: 7
[User has posted 2629 recommendations about 2544 pubs]
paulof horsham left this review about The Retreat
The Retreat is a two-roomed pub in a quiet street slightly outside of the centre of Reading. The front room is smaller with 3 tables and the bar supporting 5 hand pumps; the back room has seating for a fair few more.
The pumps carry simple black and white clips (nothing brewery branded), with a traditional selection of Hophead, Harvey's, Tribute and Plum Porter, while the keg selection comprises Guinness, Aspall's, Amstel and Leffe.
Nothing too exciting here, but worth a visit.
On 16th January 2026
- rating: 7
[User has posted 691 recommendations about 642 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
john gray left this review about The Retreat
This is a lovely smart looking pub after the refurb.4 regional beers on and my Sussex bitter was spot on.Sat outside talking with a few locals so had a pleasant time.
On 26th January 2022
- rating: 7
[User has posted 1023 recommendations about 1009 pubs]
View more reviews of The Retreat (19)
Reading - a Friday afternoon by Clive Thompson
Reading ramble by Quinno _
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- Official site of The Retreat - www.theretreat.pub
- Facebook - The Retreat
- CAMRA WhatPub :: The Retreat - whatpub.com
- Historic Pub Interiors - pubheritage.camra.org.uk
Pub Details
Pub details supplied by members of this site to the best of their knowledge. Please check with pub directly before making a special trip.
- Accommodation : No last updated 30 September 2013 by Quinno _
- Bar Billiards : No last updated 29 July 2013 by Quinno _
- Beer Festivals : No last updated 07 May 2014 by Quinno _
- Beer Garden : No last updated 29 July 2013 by Quinno _
- CAMRA Discount : No last updated 29 July 2013 by Quinno _
- Car Park : No last updated 29 July 2013 by Quinno _
- Child Friendly : No last updated 30 September 2013 by Quinno _
- Darts : Yes last updated 29 July 2013 by Quinno _
- Dog Friendly : Yes last updated 22 September 2015 by Quinno _
- Function Room : Yes last updated 22 September 2015 by Quinno _
- Hot Food : No last updated 29 July 2013 by Quinno _
- Jukebox : No last updated 30 September 2013 by Quinno _
- Karaoke : No last updated 29 July 2013 by Quinno _
- Live Music : Yes last updated 29 July 2013 by Quinno _
- Live TV Sports : No last updated 29 July 2013 by Quinno _
- Micropub : No last updated 22 September 2015 by Quinno _
- Pinball : No last updated 29 July 2013 by Quinno _
- Pool Table : No last updated 30 September 2013 by Quinno _
- Quiz Night : Yes last updated 01 April 2025 by paulof horsham
- Real Ale : Yes last updated 01 February 2019 by Quinno _
- Real Cider : No last updated 02 October 2017 by Quinno _
- Wheelchair Access : No last updated 30 September 2013 by Quinno _
- WiFi : No last updated 29 July 2013 by Quinno _
