Located in South East England, Reading is a welcoming city that is historically rich - this is evident in its architecture and various museums such as Reading Museum and Museum of English Rural Life. The city offers entertainment in various ways - one has the freedom to enjoy the many parks that are scattered within or take a comforting stroll in the luscious gardens. Moreover, Reading is a truly exciting place to be with its close proximity to the central London area, it being a commercially active setting. There is also the Reading Football Club, which draws in large crowds of attendees to its matches. Indeed, Reading is a good place to have some fun. Looking to sample its nightlife? Do visit the best cocktail bars in Reading, the UK during your time in this part of the world.
1. High Spirits Cocktail Company
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Two Porn Star Martinis anyone? We invite you to picture the taste: passionfruit with a side of prosecco to be drunk as a...
Posted by High Spirits Cocktail Company on Friday, September 17, 2021
Swing by High Spirits Cocktail Company if you want to indulge in uniquely crafted cocktails and drinks, right in the heart of Reading. High Spirits is fairly new in the industry and has already gained a hefty following within its community. The mix of artisan spirits using local ingredients and the enthusiastic team behind it make it the late night cocktail bar to visit with friends.
Its indoor and outdoor seating provides ample spaces for guests while the vibe is kept casual during weekdays and develops into a party place by the weekend. High Spirits is an inviting bar for a night out in King Street–you can be sure this spot will be whipping up something special for you.
High Spirits Cocktail Company
Address: Unit 5, 19/23 King Street, Reading RG1 2HG
Website: High Spirits Cocktail Company
Opening hours: Mon - Wed: 5pm - 12am; Thu: 5pm - 1am; Fri - Sat: 4:30pm - 2am; Sun: 5pm - 11pm
2. Milk Bar Reading
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Milk is a bar tucked away in an Old Forge side street. It is known for its wide rum selections and in-house cocktails. It is a cool independent spot that is more than just a rum shack. Aside from its extensive cocktail menu and cozy ambiance, Milk hosts funky DJ nights, monthly rum tastings, pop-up vintage markets, and comedy events to serve a wider audience. These regular and quirky forms of entertainment entice all kinds of visitors to visit the bar.
Providing top-notch cocktails to Reading for years, its hallmark is its wide array of rare rums. Do not miss out on the essential cocktails that are delicious, popular, and of course, filled with rum, served here at Milk.
Milk Bar Reading
Address: 8 Merchants Place, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1DT
Website: Milk Bar Reading
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 5pm - 12am; Sun: 5pm - 11pm
3. The Botanist Reading
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
The Botanist Reading is one of the best cocktail bar choices in town. They have special concoctions, each with a botanical touch. Try their strawberry and elderflower mojito, rhubarb and sage spritz, or a poppy and pomegranate martini. They also have a hearty food menu, including a Sunday roast selection and gluten-free options. In addition, The Botanist has made live music an integral part of their flow, which does boost the level of liveliness. One of the unique features of their menu is the Sip and Share option, which allows for groups to sample delightful flavors in a more communal manner.
The Botanist Reading
Address: 1-5 King St, Reading RG1 2HB, United Kingdom
Website: The Botanist Reading
Opening hours: Mon - Wed: 12pm - 11pm; Thu: 12pm - 12am; Fri - Sat: 10am - 12am; Sun: 10am - 11pm
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4. Revolución de Cuba
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Revolución de Cuba is an animated option for those that are looking for an authentic Cuban experience while visiting Reading. Though it may seem unlikely, this spot does fulfill all that one may expect of a Cuban-influenced establishment. Their menu offers an extensive range of food options that act as a perfect pair for the flavorful beverages that one will encounter. Rum being the staple of any Cuba bar, it also is the backbone of Revolución de Cuba’s cocktail menu. There are classics such as daiquiri and mojito or highly popular The Cuba Libre - all of which have made their way from the warm culture of Cuba to instill the same feeling in Reading. Lastly, the bar features what they call Mojito and Burrito every Thursday - all day!
Revolución de Cuba
Address: 138-141 Friar St, Reading RG1 1EX, United Kingdom
Website: Revolución de Cuba
Opening hours: Sun - Wed: 11:30am - 12:30am; Thu - Sat: 11:30am - 1am
5. Slug & Lettuce
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Slug & Lettuce embodies entertainment with its cheerful menu that has Cuban Classics and Refined Classics. The bar gives special attention to utilizing gin in alternative and stimulating ways - with items like English Country Garden, which takes gin to a whole new level by introducing liqueurs, herbs, and fruit. Their Refined Classics section reimagines cocktails. In addition, one can take part in their Masterclass sessions, which will take you further into the process of crafting a cocktail from beginning to end.
Slug & Lettuce
Address: Riverside Level, The, Reading RG1 2AG, United Kingdom
Website: Slug & Lettuce
Opening hours: Mon - Wed: 10am - 11pm; Thurs: 10am - 12am; Fri - Sat: 10am - 1am; Sun: 10am - 10:30pm
6. Be At One
Be At One focuses particularly on the idea of presenting solely cocktails to their guests, making them the center of attention from the moment they have opened their doors. While there are certain cornerstone items on the menu, the bar staff works hard to have rotating flavors that alternate every month. This brings a sense of motivation for the staff and creates anticipation for the visitors. The monthly themes often derive as Be At One teams up with local organizations, which then gets translated to a menu that highlights inspiration taken from the chosen organization. The current flavor is titled “Spirited Women”.
Be At One
Address: 1 Gun St, Reading RG1 2JR, United Kingdom
Website: Be At One
Opening hours: Sun - Wed: 4pm - 1am; Thu - Fri: 4:30pm - 2am; Sat: 3pm - 3am
7. All Bar One
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
All Bar One combines numerous outstanding options in the form of enticing food and beverages. The bar has taken particular consideration of the different crowds which may walk through their doors and have worked to create menus that meet various demands, such as their vegan menu. However, it is the cocktail items that are the real attention-catchers which have made this place a favorite among the locals and the visitors of Reading. The cocktail menu highlights special components like the Blossom Birdcage Cocktail Sharer, which presents an elevated way of sharing. The Artisan Spirits section does also stick out for those that are attracted to crafted beverages.
All Bar One
Address: 13 The Riverside, The Oracle RG1 2AG, United Kingdom
Website: All Bar One
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 10am - 11pm; Fri: 10am - 12am; Sat: 9am - 12pm; Sun: 9am - 9pm
8. Revolution Reading
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Revolution Reading is part of the Revolution family of bars that are spread throughout England - a team that has made a good name for themselves, which one should definitely not overlook upon their outing at Reading. The place is vegan-friendly and is known to have an uplifting atmosphere with its kind staff. One of its most appealing offerings is the Bottomless Brunch, which happens during the weekends. This offer allows for a two-hour period of unlimited drinking which is a tremendous deal which will make one’s weekend a whole lot more fun! Revolution also offers a Masterclass session, where secrets of cocktail crafting are shared with the participants.
Revolution Reading
Address: Harris Arcade, Station Rd, Reading RG1 1JX, United Kingdom
Website: Revolution Reading
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11:30am - 12am; Thu: 11:30am - 2am; Fri - Sat: 11:30am - 3am; Sun: 12pm - 11pm
9. Pitcher & Piano
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Pitcher & Piano is a cocktail bar with charming interiors that amplify the cocktail drinking experience by creating a pleasant and serene atmosphere for its visitors. Open seven days a week, the bar is part of the vibrant cocktail scene that is present throughout Reading. The cocktails come in the form of classically appreciated items such as Hemingway daiquiri, mai tai, mojito, and negroni. However, there is also a twist to the classics, which makes up the other half of the menu with items like, Grand Budapest, Strawberry Feels, and Flossy Bop. There are also alcohol-free cocktail choices for those that want to be part of the atmosphere without consuming alcoholic beverages.
Pitcher & Piano
Address: 18 Friar St, Reading RG1 1DB, United Kingdom
Website: Pitcher & Piano
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 11pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 12am; Sun: 11am - 10pm
10. Wild Lime
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Wild Lime is a place that has a quite cozy feeling from the way it is perceived off the street. Overall, the bar has a warm setting and a place where one can share excitement with others. With the slogan, “Wet Your Whistle”, Wild Lime has recently updated their menu and has brought a new and exciting approach to their service. The cocktail price range is quite feasible for the kind of quality that it presents: 6.95 pounds for a single cocktail and 14 pounds for a pitcher. It is also a great place to catch sporting events while you are in town - as the bar shows football, rugby, motorsports, and NHL.
Wild Lime
Address: 12-14 Friar St, Reading RG1 1DB, United Kingdom
Website: Wild Lime
Opening hours: Mon - Wed: 11am - 12am; Thu: 11am - 1am; Fri - Sat: 11am - 2am; Sun: 11am - 10:30pm
11. Ice House
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
The last of the cocktails bars that we are covering in Reading is Ice House, which is located inside of the University of Reading campus. The bar features both outside and inside seating and has over 35 cocktails on its menu. It is found inside of Wessex Hall and films are shown on a regular basis with surround sound. It is an optimal choice for those that are in town for visiting or for those that happen to stumble upon the University of Reading.
Ice House
Address: University of Reading, Whiteknights Rd, Reading RG6 6BQ, United Kingdom
Website: Ice House
Opening hours: 3pm - 12am (daily)
Stirring ways to quench your thirst for crafted cocktails
Reading has a bustling cocktail scene which is offered to the visitors and locals alike, in a wide variety of ways. While some establishments take pride in crafting new flavor profiles by combining unlikely ingredients with one another, others are reimagining classic cocktails. Be sure to stop at one or more from the cocktail bar options we have listed above and make your overall experience an electrifying one!
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