LET'S face it, most of us are really missing the pub since lockdown.
Friday night catch ups with friends to end off a working week with a drink in hand - a luxury we never thought we would be denied.
And Reading has some fantastic pubs on offer.
Which ones are you excited to return to once lockdown is over?
We've rounded up a few of the best bars and pubs in Reading below, with ratings according to TripAdvisor.
1. Strobelight Honey - 5*
Based in St Mary's Butts, the chilled basement bar serves up six taps of great craft beer, as well as a selection of beers and cider from breweries across the UK.
Strobelight Honey has been voted the best in Reading on TripAdviser, with reviews boosting the positive reputation of the pub.
One said: "Found the place while looking for hot wings and craft beer.
"Great surprise to find this place hidden under 7Bone.
"Good selection of beers which change regularly and there is old school Nintendo.
"Staff really helpful too! All round good atmosphere in there."
Another commented: "Great spot for craft beer lovers hidden underneath 7Bone Burger with one of the best selections of IPAs / pale ales in the city.
"Great service and highly recommended for pre- or post-dinner drinks, open till late any day of the week."
2. Revolucion de Cuba - 4.5*
Revolución de Cuba, based in Friar Street, is another popular option.
The bars are characterised by their 1940s Cuban-inspired style, with dark woods, traditional bar counters, antique tiles, vintage furniture, Havana-style ceiling fans and original Cuban artwork and photographs.
Latin inspired fresh food and rum infused cocktails are served in a relaxed, stylish and friendly environment.
One reviewer left a 5* rating, saying: "Had a great time making our own cocktails with Sian. "Would definitely recommend as it was really fun.
"Good price for cocktails and food was nice."
3. The Botanist - 4.5*
The Botanist, King Street, allows you to explore a secret garden of food and drink, where resident botanists craft unusual concoctions.
Live music and conversation is also a feature.
One reviewer said: "These guys serve up some of the best food and drink I've had in a long time.
"They were both delicious and the staff were amazing."
4. The Roebuck - 4.5*
Based in Auckland Road, The Roebuck serves great food, real ales, entertainment and something different every night.
One glowing review reads: "It’s a traditional pub, food sourced locally and very tasty I might add, warm and friendly staff, very clean, fabulous entertainment on the night we were there, also has a great beer garden to boot.
"Thank you to the staff you made our night special, polite couldn’t do enough, we will definitely be returning when I come back to Reading.
"What a gem of a place. The owner should be proud."
5. The Three Horseshoes - 4.5*
A long established, family run pub with a warm, friendly atmosphere and a great reputation in the community.
The pub, based in Brimpton Lane, serve a range of high-quality, homemade meals and are family and dog friendly. We show live BT and Sky sport events, and have a pool table.
One Tripadvisor user said: "We called in for Sunday lunch on the off chance.
"There was a buffet for a christening and we thought as they were full we would not get any food but to our to our surprise they still had their normal menu and service.
"We thought the older lady that took our order was the landlady as she was so good but not the case! Excellent.
"They have had a refurbishment since we last visited and everything is clean and bright.
"Excellent Sunday lunch, plenty of meat and great Guinness too.
"The locals were very friendly. We will return."
So there you have it - the top rated bars and pubs in Reading according to TripAdviser.
Do you agree?
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