A popular riverside pub in Reading is due to close by the end of the month March 2024. 

The Narrowboat, which opened last year to replace the Bel And The Dragon, will shut its doors for good after just seven months of business. 

A member of staff at The Narrowboat said that the site will be turned into a space for development and training for the pub's company Fuller's, but it will not continue to be used as a pub.

The site will also no longer be open to the public. 

"It's very sad indeed," said a member of staff when asked how they felt about the imminent closure. "We are closing at the end of this month, we thank everyone for their concern."

The Narrowboat pub, located in a former biscuit factory in Blake’s Lock on the River Kennet, opened its doors Friday, August 11.

Formerly one of Fuller's Bel & The Dragon sites, The Narrowboat is run by Natalia Foley, who joined the team from another Fuller pub, The Victoria Arms in Binfield.

The pub has a unique function room, The Majestic Bell, a stationary boat on the river – which can be booked out for parties, corporate functions, and weddings.