The Back of Beyond, Reading

Of the 3 Wetherspoons in Reading Town Centre - the others being The Monks Retreat and The Hope Tap - this is probably the best. And indeed largest. There's a nice-enough outside area that backs onto the river, which gets very busy at times. Be aware that the food is not always the best [I know, we're talking Wetherspoons here, not Ramseys, but there are still certain expectations]. If you order a steak and ask for it to be well-done, be prepared for it to arrive bloody. As for eggs, they always arrive broken and over-cooked.

10 Oct 2009 23:41

The Malthouse, Reading

This pub has been badly run from the start. It regularly charges you different, varying prices for the same drink in one night, and this can include �3.40 for a pint of lager!

You rarely get your drink in an appropriate glass [pint of Fosters in a Guiness glass, anyone], which may not be the worst thing ever, but just shows a lack on attention to customer service.

The staff are often sat at the bar eating their dinners as you are waiting to be served.

And to top it off, they have hired aggressive bouncers on the door, who I have witnessed unjustifiably manhandle a guy and literally throw him out onto the street for "looking too drunk".

It's website attempt to trick you into thinking it's going to be a trendy, large club. It's far from this. Enter The Malthouse at your peril!

10 Oct 2009 23:27