Shisha lounge coming to riverside pub near Reading

The Poachers Gastropub is a bar and restaurant occupying the Sindlesham Mill along the River Loddon just south of Reading.

The gastropub specialises in Asian dining, offering curries and biryanis alongside usual pub fare such as pizzas, burgers and sandwiches.

As well as a range of beers, wines, cocktails, spirits and soft drinks, The Poachers also serves the Indian beers Malabar Blond IPA and Cobra lager.

Earlier this year, the occupants of the pub applied to add a timber gazebo to the rear of the building near the car park.

Plans show the outdoor shisha lounge coming with three tables and a total of 28 seats, and will be open from 11am to 2am each night.

The approved plan for the shisha lounge at The Poachers Gastropub at Sindlesham Mill. (Image: MZA Planning)

The shisha gazebo has now been approved by the planning authority Wokingham Borough Council.

A council planning officer was required to judge the impact the shisha bar would have as Sindlesham Mill is Grade II listed.

The mill dates back to the mid 19th century, and operated as a mill until 1967. After that, it became a pub.

Earley Town Council raised no objection to the project, as long as the open parts of the gazebo remain open to ensure rules around smoking are adhered to. 

Ultimately, a council planning officer judged that the impact of the smoking area would be acceptable.

The project was approved on August 13. You can view the application by typing reference 241052 into Wokingham Borough Council's planning portal.

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