The Fisherman's Cottage

You're walking along the Kennet, probably heading nowhere in particular, when you spot The Fisherman's Cottage tucked away on the waterside. It's exactly what a Reading pub should be—unfussy, genuinely welcoming, and the sort of place where regulars nod at you even if they've never seen you before. The riverside location is the real draw here; grab a table outside when the weather behaves and you could almost forget you're in the middle of town. Inside, it's all cosy corners and proper pub energy, the kind of spot that works equally well for a midweek pint with mates or a casual family lunch. The food is straightforward and honest—nothing trying too hard, but everything hitting the mark.