Rose & Thistle

You're walking down Argyle Road towards the town centre when you spot the Rose & Thistle—exactly the kind of neighbourhood pub Reading needs more of. It's comfortable without trying too hard, the sort of place where regulars actually know the bar staff and you won't feel awkward turning up alone. The menu keeps things straightforward: proper pub grub that doesn't pretend to be something it's not, and the drinks list won't baffle you with nonsense. With a 4.4-star rating from hundreds of reviews, locals clearly rate what's happening here, whether you're after a weekday pint or somewhere to actually eat.