Queens Head, Readingback to pub details please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
It seems this pub can't quite make up it's mind if it's a real ale pub or not. The have three handpumps but two of them serve something that is almost, but not quite, entirely unlike real ale - Courage Best or Adnams. The thrid one can give you a pint of something decent, the last time I went (12th May 2008) it was Summer Lightning. The quality of the real ale usually varies between just-about acceptable and very good, although on one occasion I had to reject a pint.
The decor looks like it has not been changed since about 1973, but I think that adds a certain charm.
The real claim to fame is the Cafe Scientifique evenings they hold here sometimes, where visiting academics do talks and Q/A sessions every now and then. If you are intellectually curious, you can enjoy and lecture and a pint! Otherwise, there's the other bar.
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Two-roomed studenty local, big screen for the footy and a quiz on Tuesday nights. Jean the landlady is excellent for banter but you don't see her often. Pics of her and former student bar staff on their graduation day hung up along the bar - is she the ultimate gatecrasher?!?
3 standard ales - Summer Lightning, Adnams Broadside and Courage Best. Usually well-served, not had a bad one yet and I've had many. Small concrete beer garden for the smokers.
Will stand by my comment that the place needs a good clean and a lick of paint - it looks quite tired now there's not a thick fug of smoke in the air. Should also get some basic student grub in - missing a trick there.
Plays host to informal 'info over a pint' lectures given by the university during term time. Check the uni's website for details, I would recommend them and a good USP for the pub too.
A good little local - but could achieve more.
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Enjoying this place more and more each time I go in, standard of beer is pretty good, enjoyed the Tuesday night quiz and the punters are a friendly lot. Well worth calling my local.
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Low-brow studenty pub, could do with a lick of paint and a clean. Functional beer garden out the back, plus quizzer.
Three ales on last week, including an unusual choice in Gribble's Plucking Pheasent. Beers are served OK.
Worth it if visiting or studying at the uni.
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Obviously very studenty, rather smoke-filled - not for long, roll on July 1st - decent range of beers. OK, but nothing special. Old fashioned feel to lounge bar.
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The food is nice, the beer is rather pricey a pint of lager at £3.10 nowadays, but its a great place for a quiet drink and the crossword
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Friendly pub, real ales including guest ales that change regularly
anonymous - 18 Sep 2006 13:06 |
Hmmm, this place seems to have some history, and it has to be commended for trying it's best.
However the place is still rather bland, and £2.70 for a pint of ale? Are they joking?
anonymous - 20 May 2006 19:21 |
Lots of students/university staff, tries hard with real ale,darts etc.
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A relaxed and informal pub with good beer and friendly staff. Lounge and public bars.
Freida Waterhut - 7 Sep 2004 15:49 |
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