The Crown

Head out to Playhatch and you'll find yourself in one of those parts of Reading that feels properly removed from the town centre bustle. The Crown sits right by the river, which means you're getting that rare thing: a gastropub that actually feels like a proper destination rather than somewhere you've stumbled into. The kitchen takes itself seriously without being precious about it—expect seasonal British cooking done well, with the kind of attention to detail that justifies the mid-range pricing. It's the sort of place where you can sink a few proper ales or find something interesting on the wine list, then settle in for a meal that won't disappoint.