In its short lifetime of 169 years, 33 London street, has hosted diverse cultural activities - an educational institute, theatre, church then pub. It's now the "Great Expectations" pub and hotel, names after the Charles Dicken's book because at hte building's opening in 1843 Charles Dickens read from his work. Some sources say he read from "Great Expectations" and others "Pickwick papers". The current owners have maintained some of the 'feel' of the original architecture in two rooms at the front of the pub. As you move towards the back the rooms have been opened up, there's a pool table in rooms with low ceilings and a generally cosey atmosphere. I suspect the place comes alive in the evenings with youngsters. During the day it's often pleasantly quiet, easy to look around and find a good seat. The different spaces, rooms, make it a great place for groups to meet. I've tended to meet with friends here mid-afternoon to pass the time planning subsersive events and vacations. The food cheap and cheerful comfort food, I've had some good jacket (baked) potatoes with cheese and beans here. Yummy! I think they have wireless interent in the bar (saw a base station) but I'm not sure, I'll check next time I'm there with friends planning the overthrough of my kitchen. read more

Great Expectations - Great Expectations pub and hotel: Impressive regency facade to the gand old building - Pubs Near Me - Reading, RDG

This is my favourite pub in the whole wide world. Seriously. If you are in Reading then go here. And if you live in Reading then you will have no doubt heard about this place and frequented it already. Named after the famous novel, as any fan of literature or indeed anyone who paid attention will know, this pub has so much character and is as grand as Mrs Faversham, i.e you can still let your hair down in there, even if it appears a little imposing. I have so many great memories from here, from becoming very friendly with the great owner 'IAAAANNN' to drinking the bar dry at birthday outings, to sitting on the carpetted area outside the toilets and having deep conversations with friends. Also, scrambling for the sofa area, where you could comfortably fit a large group of people and feel like you were having a private party. The parts of the pub are named aptly after places in the book. There is even a cobbled style road running through it. They also have LOADS of books in there, if you wanted to go and read (in the day mind) it would also be the perfect place for a cup of tea and a good book. Oh and the cheesy chips and big sarnies were exquisite. A really good pub, one not too be missed when in Reading. It is also a hotel, but I have never stayed the night. But I bet it would be really fun! read more

Great Expectations - Pubs Near Me - Reading, RDG

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The Great Expectations (Relax Innz) in Reading is a pleasant budget hotel, but its not just any budget hotel: It has a history. As the name implies, there's a connection to Charles Dickens, the premier English novelist of the 19th century. He used to give public speeches in this building - because he was not just any old novelist, but an advocate for social and economic reform in the difficult days of the English industrial revolution. As one may expect, the owners of the "Great Expectations" hotel exploit that history to some extent, but that extent is limited to the large and scenic pub that takes up the entire ground floor of the building. This is also where breakfast is being served (in the back room next to the bar area, i.e.). The rooms themselves are not "themed" in any way, but rather typical British **/*** budget hotel standard. I stayed at the "Great Expectations" twice while visiting the annual CAMRA Reading Beer & Cider Festival - and was incidentally given the same room on both occasions. Room 15, as I recall (single room with a king-size bed). The furniture was adequate (large closet included) but a bit tattered, the bed comfy enough and a plush carpet with several big stains in it (I had the room twice, two years apart: the second time, the stains were still there). But certainly good enough to stay the night(s), and safe, too (a separate, locked door leads to the stairs to the hotel on the upper floors before you enter the pub). A decent enough continental breakfast buffet was included in the room price, one that will especially appeal to those who love different cereals - of which there were plenty. If I had a comment, it would be that the "fresh" coffee that was oxidizing into oblivion on the machine was virtually undrinkable. So I suggest you choose tea instead. ;) The bathroom, like the room itself, was hardly modern, with a few cracks here and there from decades of use, but clean. And kept that way by the invisible room service during both my stays. The pub is certainly a superior waterhole in the evening, but closes rather early. They have a full bar and several real ales on hand pumps. The "Great Expectations" is conveniently located opposite The Oracle shopping centre, which is the heart and soul of modern Reading. It's also just a 10 minute walk from Reading Station. So I would offer a qualified recommendation for this place. Qualified because the rooms are a little worn out. But you get what you pay for, and you could certainly do much worse for this kind of money. read more

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Had a great visit here on our recent trip. Very cozy with several areas to hang out in. Plenty of room as well. Loved the several couches, large chairs, and plenty of nooks and crannies to hide in if you so desire. We had a couple of pints and a roast meal if I remember correctly. Fun times! Our local cousin recommend the place, and I agree, it was a very typical pub. Apparently there is some tie into the book, but I couldn't tell if Dickens actually visited the place, or if that was just the rumor. read more

Great pub this. Being hidden on London Road, you tend not to see many of the Reading chumps that make a mess of Friar St and the Oracle in here. A friendly, young crowd is the norm. Big and spacious, you'll find a seat if you want one. The food is nothing to write home about but will do a job. Come the weekends, this tends to be the stop-off en route to the After Dark club further up the road. read more

Very nice pub. The food isn't phenomenal but at the price it's hard to fault. Usually busy later on the weekends. Plenty of seats and side rooms for hanging out and having a cold beer. Pub quiz on Thursday nights. read more

This is a lovely pub just outside the town centre and can't be missed thanks to the beautiful architecture that greets you as you walk in. The pub on the inside isn't quite as impressive but the drinks aren't extortionately priced and the staff are friendly enough. They have TVs dotted about if you're wanting to watch the football and they have the compulsory Itbox quiz machine if you're feeling a little weighed down from all your money. You can also play pool or simply just sit at a table with your friends and put the world to rights. It's not a pub that will fill you with love but it's not a bad place to pass an evening. read more

Good quiz machine. That's about it.

This pub has an average amount of beer on tap, lots of bottles, and a huge and comfy space to enjoy your adult beverage with friends. I highly recommend checking out this establishment if you are in Reading and in need of a cold brew. read more

Situated opposite the Oracle shopping centre, very impressive building and done out inside with bits related to Charles Dickens. Good range of drinks available slightly pricey. Impressive menu, again a bit pricey but the food is good so worth spending a bit more. Pool table available and TVs. Music can be a bit dismal dependant upon who is working. Is also a hotel which I have not used. read more