A pub so beloved Reading petitioned its closure has officially reopened after two years.
Greene King’s £500k investment has saved the Rose and Thistle from permanent closure brought on by the pandemic.
A dozen jobs have been created as new franchisee Paul Billington takes welcomed customers back on Thursday, November 24.
“After two years of closure, I am delighted to have brought this much-loved local back to the community. Creating 12 new jobs in the process is the icing on the cake.
“The Rose & Thistle has always been a community pub and I want to keep it that way. Everyone from the community is welcome be it for great pub grub, drinks or watching the sport with a pint.
READ MORE: Drug and drink drivers among latest in court
He said: “£500,000 has been spent transforming the pub giving it a new lease of life. It looks absolute incredible.”
The Rose and Thistle was closed ‘until further notice’ by Greene King in 2020, sparking a 900-strong petition to save the Argyle Road pub.
Reading Borough Council deemed the venue an asset of community value on January 4 this year.
The pub has been completely renovated inside and the beer garden has been overhauled with beach huts and covered outdoor seating.
Sky Sports and BT Sport subscriptions have been purchased for the pub to how all the big games, plus a dartboard for punters themselves.
READ MORE: Reading Gaol celebrates anniversary of closure
Alex De Araujo, Business Development Manager at Greene King Pub Partners, said: “I am so happy to see the Rose & Thistle open once more – there is a real excitement and buzz about the pub again.
“We knew how important the pub was to the local community which is why we have invested £500,000 to reopen it again.”
The beer on offer ranges from standard and premium lagers, to ciders, stouts and ales – plus a number of craft beers for those looking for something special.
The pub also serves a range of spirits, wines, soft drinks and alcohol-free options.
A regular calendar of entertainment including music nights and karaoke is expected.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel