The Wheelwrights Arms, Reading

Wadworth's pub that was unsurprisingly a former wheelwright's shop. It's tucked away along a lane in a village-like location not a million miles from the built-up area of Winnersh. There were quite a few cars in the car park when we arrived on a Wednesday lunchtime. There was a good mix of drinkers and diners with most tables in the main bar area and all in the separate dining room made up for diners. As such, we decided to sit on stools at the bar. Pretty much the full range of Wadworth's beers were on offer - 6X, Henry's IPA, Horizon (both chilled and not so chilled) & Swordfish alongside the seasonal Old Timer, which I quite enjoyed. This was also the only pub we visited on the day which stocked a real cider (Weston's Old Rosie). The gents toilets had lots of pictures of male cricketers all missing their crotches. It seemed somebody had been along drawing male members onto most of them and somebody else had subsequently scratched them all off presumably so as not to cause any offence. It made me wonder if the ladies contained similar pictures of female cricketers. Alas we didn't have anybody of the opposite sex to check them out. With the decent quality beer and the offering of a real cider, this was just about my favourite pub of the day and worthy of its entry in the 2023 Good Beer Guide.

Tucked away and takes a bit of finding. Pretty little place tucked away down a small ‘going nowhere’ side road. Nice L-shape interior with an additional dining area off to the right. Décor is nicely faux-rustic (most of it looks far too clean and crisp to be properly aged?) and there’s a warm, gentle atmosphere within. A nice garden also spotted, ideal for a warm summer’s evening. Initially thought it was just Wadworth beer on entering, however there were also additional seasonals plus genuine guest ales as well as a couple of ciders further round the bar - so check those first! Five Waddies and two interlopers (Black Sheep and Faversham brewery (a Sheps offshoot) in total – I went for the Sheps and was rewarded with a first class pint. Good service behind the bar too. I really rather liked it in here and would recommend a special diversion to try it.

Went a couple of weeks ago and it was full of runners, the place was packed. Good news for the sales. Went back the week after to see it properly. The service is friendly and quite quick. The food is Pub Grub. The Beer, several WADWORTH ALES. 6X and Bishops Tipple were spot on. Unable to try another as the wife did not know the way home. I will use it again.

Official site of The Wheelwrights Arms, contains menus, beer list and event details - www.thewheelwrightsarms.co.uk

Official site of The Wheelwrights Arms, contains menus, beer list and event details - www.thewheelwrightsarms.co.uk