A popular bar in the centre of town has had a brand new makeover. 

Independent bar Milk, winner of the Pride of Reading 2023 Hospitality Award, has teamed up with local interior design company MacGregor Studio to give the venue a full refresh.

Milk, which recently celebrated 12 years since their opening, will reopen to the public this Wednesday at 5pm with a new look, new cocktail menu, new staff and a new sound system.

“We’re starting a new chapter and cannot wait for everyone to see our refresh for themselves” Owner of Milk Tim Hopper explains. “MacGregor Studio devised the concept and vision, giving this historic building a sympathetic and stylish update.

"We’ve also created a new drinks menu featuring 12 cocktails for 12 years of Milk. These include, of course, rum cocktails which we are well known for but also new options including a Huntley & Palmers inspired biscuit based cocktail. We’re also excited to be bringing back our famous milk bottle glasses!”

“Music has been at the heart of Milk since we opened in 2012 so we’re bringing in a new Martin Audio Sound System and continuing to bring Reading’s best DJs here every weekend alongside guest DJs coming soon. Our monthly comedy nights will be also be continuing with Live At The Apollo and Mock The Week star Nathan Caton joining us next Tuesday (19th March)."

Connie Cain and Andy Turner, who directed Milk for the last four years, are now pursuing a different path after a very successful run with the venue, winning the Hospitality Award at Pride of Reading 2023 and two Chairman’s Reserve Mai Tai Challenge Awards.

MacGregor Studio is a new interior design company based in Reading, aiming to make interior design accessible, combining contemporary design with functionality.

The design duo are friends of Milk and have loved supporting a much-loved local independent business with their design expertise. 

Shed, another award-winning local business that shares the same building as Milk, also reveals its new look and a new menu this week.

The family-friendly independent sandwich and coffee shop, famous for its proper sourdough toasties, has expanded its kitchen and reopens for “dine-in” customers this Tuesday.

“MacGregor Studio have done a brilliant job designing our new look” Tim continued “as have all of the amazing local traders and friends who have worked super hard on the project including TL Reactive decorators, MCF Services carpentry and Intersmart lighting”