Up The Junction

Walk into Up The Junction and you'll immediately get why it's become such a fixture in this stretch of London Road. It's the kind of place where the staff know regulars by name, the cocktails are well-made without being fussy, and you don't feel pressured to dress up or spend a fortune. The vibe sits somewhere between traditional local and contemporary bar—comfortable enough for a casual weeknight pint, but confident enough in its drinks programme that you'll want to explore what's on offer. Reading's bar scene can feel a bit scattered across the city centre, so having somewhere this unpretentious and welcoming on London Road just makes sense.