The choice of real ales is variable but on the whole are kept well. The food is reasonable and good value for money. BUT, the place is not and cannot be a "local". The staff can be moody and to busy to converse, the duty manager(s) are not the friendliest of folks and one in particular has a real bad attitude. Also it is getting tacky, probably through good use, but sit in a comfy chair with short sleeves and then peel your arms off the fabric.

I may be old fashioned but it costs nothing for a smile and a good evening!! Not sure what the last comment is all about, presumably some sort of in joke?

The best of the Wetherspoon pubs in Reading, usual selection of beer and food served in a clean enviroment.

Good place for a cheap drink a short walk from the train station. Ah my once great backdoor of beyond; how far you have fallen. As of late! It is a little known fact the late, not so great Amy Winohaus frequented this establishment. A seance can only do so much though and I surmise her empty wine glasses will join the hair clippings of Jay Masters, ponytail extraordinaire. Now sadly Jay has taken a turn for the flipside with his once mighty mane turning an annoying color of purple rinse. Once a fine furnishing of this establishment Jay-of-his-little-pony has now gone all UB40 and we aren't talking Ali Campbell! The female staff may now be safe and a punter may actually get served but that is beside the point is it not? What is worse Bob's former Michael Bolton has been replaced by a Willy Woofter with alopecia which as all will agree only adds insult to injury. The spoons have made some rash decisions over the years and granted Tim Martin isn't Mad Max but even so give an ex-convict/Harold Bishop type a point in the right direction eh?

I must disagree with the skull, I found the pub most unwelcoming when I visited recently and the lanlord very rude. The was also a distinct lack of beer apart from London Pride. A shame because it looked oK from the outside.Having been a newcomer to this establishment,nay, this institution,for a mere ten years,i do not recognise it from the few negative reports on this site.however myself and fellow customers seem sure that the diatribe from the ex barman in november can only be put down to his own shortcomings.
In a world of mundane pubs both carole and doug have stood up and said
not us !!.they have created something that is both unique and unheralded,
a bar that brings together people without losing the fact that all are individuals.It is truly an oasis in what is fast becoming a barren desert of mediocrity.I SUGGEST A VISIT.Using BITE and Camra GBG (M&P mysteriously ommitted this year), I search out good pubs all over the country - the M&P is delightfully unique, which is why I keep coming back. London Pride, always on the handpump, is consistantly of good quality and there is usually a guest beer over the weekend. This is a beer pub with a small selection of wines, spirits and soft drinks, with a limited food menu on weekday lunchtimes, so those looking for something more exotic or with an extensive range will be disappointed. The two rooms of this small pub are generously furnished and have the atmosphere of the front room of a comfortable home rather than a public house. Assets include no mobile phones, no music, no slot machines, no credit cards, no children, an open log fire and a warm welcome. It's a pity the last three reviewers were far from happy but don't be put off by their comments, it is not the sort of place that will appeal to all.

Ventured in to the front bar and immediately felt welcome by both the staff and local regular customers.
Although it was my first visit I felt I had been frequenting the bar for years.

Will definitely be re-visiting when ever the opportunity presents itself. Managed to spend half an hour in this pub between trains - about 10 minutes max from the station. An interesting pub layout wise with a number of little snugs through the back. Beer was excellent - Chubbs from West Berkshire I think - I found it difficult to read the pumps having to dodge the animated club of four who block your way to the bar. Pricey. Can't say we've ever had any issues with hostility or being served. Beer is good 9 times out of 10, but does occasionally have an off day/off beer, but with 8 on the go at once that's not bad going.

I loved all the Wadsworth beer that I tried which was kept in best of order. The landlord was very friendly and treated us like friends. three of our family had steak which was excellent and my daughter had a goats cheese salad which she really enjoyed. The pub has a very good atmosphere with friendly, cheerful and helpful staff. I would recomend it to anybody. AMAZING!!!! This friendly pub with warm inviting atmosphere was simply wonderful. The staff were on the ball and very attentive and as for the food, it was top notch. The landlord greeted us and gave us an insight to all of the Wadsworth ales and the kitchen staff were very accommodating for my dietry needs. Would really recommend this delightful pub and look forward to our next visit in the near future. :-)Once again we have just returned from a lovely night at the Fox & Hounds.
We have visited this pub most Friday's for the past 12 years or so. Seeing
many managers come and go, but the current Management Team, we have to say are fantastic and the staff very Friendly. They have worked very hard to build this pub up and succeeded in every aspect. This can be seen by the number of customers now enjoying this family pub.
Roll on next week

The decor is looking good - it took a while to mature but it's a handsome and welcoming place now. There's an array of chilled lagers and things but, since the cellar is air conditioned, even the West Berkshire beers are served cold anyway. Food is okay, if like the drinks on the higher price scale for what it is, but someone's had a word and she does smile now and then. It makes a difference.Two good chefs and imaginative and varied menu. Everything cooked from fresh with top quality ingredients ensures excellence. I am sure that management is working on service efficiency but as a local I am thankful that we have a great local watering hole which offers reliable gastro dining at realistic prices.
I think that The Red Lion deserves local support despite occasional difficulties, or we will find ourselves left with a 'spud pub'.feel a bit sorry for Tim. great pub location and food pretty good but the landlady lacks very few people skills. sad as it's the only village pub unless we strike lucky with the Beehive.

Recently made first visit since new management - Nick & Hazel - took over. Have to say I was impressed by the efforts made so far. Decor and seating improved. Good menu from which I chose and enjoyed the lunch. The London Pride was truly excellent. Looking forward to more visits with friends & family in near future and can only wish Nick & Hazel all the very best in making a success of their new venture. cheers! A young couple called Nick & Hazel run the place now. It was early Saturday evening when I went in so not surprisingly there were few customers. Three Fullers beers on offer and I opted for the Pride. Very drinkable, but my word - what a price! £3.30 a pint!

It continues to be a pleasant country pub and I'm sure will be popular in the summer months. However, the new owners will have to offer something very special in terms of food, entertainment or atmosphere if they really want to make a success of it. I wish them well but I'm not holding my breath.

been taken over again this place - there's a couple running it now. Thewy seem allright. pub was full last night and the food was really tasty. encouraging