The Allied Arms is, quite simply, a small gem. It has, I think, the air of a building out of Harry Potter; a façade with a cobbled alley to its side that the general public (it would be too harsh to call them Muggles) seem not to notice.
This impression of a world slightly disconnected with its surroundings is confirmed as you walk into the main bar. It is, quite simply, too small, wonderfully too small. Early in the evening this seems to be inhabited by two distinct races; the builders and those who work in I.T. It can be a case of 'Eye-Spy' a woman -5 points and 10 if you speak to her.
The Allied seems to be particularly busy at this time but becomes more comfortable as the evening wears on. The 'clientele' becomes much more mixed and interesting.
The garden can be particularly attractive in the summer. It is, quite clearly, planted and maintained by someone who is interested in plants, containing (off the top of my head) clematis, climbing roses, wisteria, honeysuckle and jasmine. The high walls again give it the air of a place just slightly disconnected with the current obsessions of the modern world.
And then we have the jukebox. It is, without any hesitation, the finest jukebox in Reading. You have to be 'of a certain age' to appreciate this or, like my sons, have a father who cared deeply about your musical education. It is, most definitely, not for those who find 'Heart' to be a satisfactory soundtrack to their day.
The beer is excellent. The food is non-existent and, unless there has been a change, payment cards are not accepted. (There is a cash machine nearby and they seem to have no objection if you bring food in).
One last point. If you are sitting in the pub towards the end of the evening and Chas and Dave comes on the jukebox, it is a definitive sign that my sons and myself are just leaving the building. It is a sort of ritual. read more
