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Image posted by Quinno _
Submitted on Sunday, 25th September 2011
With picture contributions to 4228 other pubs
View all this pub's pictures (15 more images)
Requested be closed with reason - Other: Hasn't re-opened after lockdown
Detail Pages
Great Expectations, Reading
Reading
RG1 4PS
Served areas
Reviews of Great Expectations (Average Rating: 6 of 10) see review guidelines
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Moby Duck left this review about Great Expectations
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.
On 26th August 2015
- rating: 6
[User has posted 1558 recommendations about 1539 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Quinno _ left this review about Great Expectations
Place now has its own microbrewery and has had a mild refurb. Ale quality varies wildly - the brewer can knock out a fair beer but the staff are clueless as to cellar management (as well as general pub chores, rarely cleaning empties from tables etc). Could be essential in RG1 but isn't.
September 2013
Large Dickensian themed bar, which has been kitted out in a fairly interesting manner - library section, lounge and slate-floored bar. Sadly beer choice and quality is pretty ropey; this could and should be a real destination. Worth a visit for the interior or if you're pre-loading before the After Dark...
On 3rd August 2015
- no rating submitted
[User has posted 4365 recommendations about 4351 pubs]
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- Official site of Great Expectations - www.relaxinnzreading.co.uk
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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 : Yes last updated 30 September 2013 by Quinno _
- Bar Billiards : No last updated 29 July 2013 by Quinno _
- Beer Festivals : No last updated 29 July 2013 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 _
- Dog Friendly : No last updated 29 July 2013 by Quinno _
- Hot Food : Yes last updated 29 July 2013 by Quinno _
- Karaoke : No last updated 07 May 2014 by Quinno _
- Live TV Sports : Yes last updated 29 July 2013 by Quinno _
- Pinball : No last updated 29 July 2013 by Quinno _
- Pool Table : Yes last updated 29 July 2013 by Quinno _
- Real Ale : Yes last updated 29 July 2013 by Quinno _
- Wheelchair Access : No last updated 04 August 2014 by Quinno _