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Horn
Castle Street, RG1 7RD
Reviewed On: 2 Sep 2004
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Public Houses in Reading
Berkshire, England.
   
Roebuck
Previous Names:
Auckland Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG6 1NY
1.91 miles from Reading station [Map]
Final Score: 8.0 out of 10
Steve's Score:4 (Out of 5)
Gray's Grade:4 (Out of 5)
Steve Supped:Greene King Abbot Ale
Gray Gulped:Greene King Abbot Ale
Garden / Facilities:No special facilities.

ORIGINAL REVIEW:
25 November 2004

Can I really give the place a 4. A very high score and dangerously near a 5. It was pretty nice though, definitely one of the best we have seen. In the same pub genre as the Grosvenor from Caversham in that it is very nicely done up and has more than a nod or two towards a country pub ambiance. Lots of wood panelling and country scenes in the pictures really gave the right impression. We have had some feedback to say they used to do a great Thai Curry and I guess they still do as the Thai food is still going on. They don't have a separate dining area by the looks of things, it's just like pub food but you can get Thai! Cool or what. We have our suspicions that the Landlord is the Thai guy who thanked us and said bye as we were leaving but we need confirmation on this one. G will tell you about the toffs. S.
The clientele were certainly a cut above the usual rabble you find in a Reading town pub! Plenty of casual rugby shirts on show - but all very civilised indeed and it seemed a good crowd of people all the same. It was busy in here for a Thursday night - partly because the whole place is small and cosy. It's weird heading out to the Roebuck - it's like going back in time. Outside they have those old orange street lights, the road is unmade, and you keep expecting a horse and carriage to go by. Inside it's a comfortable, tidy, old style pub and you could forget you're in the middle of an urban area. Service behind the bar was very impressive - efficient and with a big smile. The food looked excellent and they also do a proper Sunday roast. It seemed a great pub to get away from the usual town centre boozer - but you don't even have to leave Reading to get here. Recommended! G.

BEER EXPERIENCE

The Abbot was the call, did they have another beer G? After the Pedigree though my tastebuds were a bit out of wack and it didn't taste like a top of the range Abbot to me but G assures me it was. S.
The Abbot tasted just right to me. It was the full Greene King range available - well not the full range, but IPA, Abbot, and also XS Smooth. Looks like they might often have Morland Original juding by the ash trays and suchlike. No real ales outside the Greene King range, but otherwise a good choice of proper beer. G.

VISITOR FEEDBACK [Give Your Feedback]

"Changed hands again a couple of months ago (jan 2010 now) back to traditional English. Nice place, good ales and atmosphere, best pub I've found so far in earley. Haven't eaten there yet but menu looks nice....check it out."
(Rated 9 out of 10)
Tom visited in January 2010

"I reviewed this pub ~3 years ago and it has changed hands several times. The beer is still very good but the music can be only for some very eclectic tastes."
(Rated 6 out of 10)
Clive visited in September 2008

"Having just turned 18 this pub is nice to come to without having to be up for a night of hardcore partying! Friendly atmosphere and lovely bar staff. Great service and great drinks too! Prices aren't amazing but are some of the cheapest you would find in the area and I am a cheapskate anyway! I have spent many a summer evening out in the garden, chatting to locals and meeting with friends. I will be spending a lot more evenings here!"
(Rated 8 out of 10)
Kayleigh visited in July 2008

"although i have moved away still enjoy a pint or two whenever in the area it is the best pub in reading"
(Rated 10 out of 10)
eddie visited in May 2007

"This pub used to be the lovely welcoming place as described above. I used to be a local and loved it. Still live in the area and avoid it as much as possible now. New landlady in... let's just say the atmosphere has changed somewhat!! And I'm not the only one who thinks so... I now would not recommend it. Shame... used to be such a lovely place!"
(Rated 1 out of 10)
Anon visited in April 2007

"Hi, Just got back from my first visit to the Roebuck and thought I'd follow up the experience with a posting. Working at Thames valley business park I was pleased to find this pub with an 8 pint rating that I could get to in my lunch break. Understandably, for a pub off the beaten track, it was a bit quiet on the Thursday lunch time we tried it. However the Landlord greeted us with a grin and the sort of welcome that made us feel like we were a couple of his best mates that he'd not seen for a while. We had IPA and Abbot ale, both of which were clear and tasted spot on. The food smelt and looked really good but we hadn't left enough time to allow for eating, though I expect we will try it next time as we are definitely going back. Good hosts and great tasting beer, well worthy of the 8 pint score."
(Rated 8 out of 10)
Brian Bassplayer visited in June 2006

"One cannot beat this pub for being the supreme "local" - great beer kept very well, served very efficiently by very friendly bar people. People are very friendly; it reminds me of "up-north". The food is also very good at a surprising low price."
(Rated 9 out of 10)
Clive C visited in November 2005

"This pub is SMART. If it isn't a traditional pub then I don't know what is!! Good ambience (quieter area at the front and a more lively section at the back with television and pool table), nice beer, tasty, reasonably priced food (English and Thai menus) and friendly staff. If only more pubs in Reading were like this instead of the bland, chain pubs that are prevalent in the town centre. The Monday night quiz is a good laugh too."
Ian Brown visited in June 2005

"Thanks for the excellent write up. Sue and I are the licensees and we were wondering where all the faces were coming from. I guess we have you to thank. The Thai guy was Jimmie our main man."
Dave and Sue Jellett visited in April 2005

"I am a Roebuck regular and I think the review is very representative. The Thai food is excellent and good value."
John Townes visited in April 2005

"I'm a local of the Roebuck and I agree with your rating! The thai guy is the head chef."
Stuart Cherry visited in November 2004

Average Visitor Score: 7.29 out of 10

NEIGHBOURING PUBS

The following pubs are within stumbling distance of this establishment:

         
Current Score:
8
Original Score:
8
Traditional Pub?
No
Party Pub?
No
Proper Food?
Yes
Real Ale Pub?
Yes
Pub Games?
No

Roebuck Pub (Reading, Berkshire)
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