While it may be heralded for its festival flings and welly-laden wanderers, Reading is also a right old romp when it comes to a night out in the UK. Brimming with tasty nooks, cool cocktail bars, boozy favourites and far-flung flavours, Reading a hot-to-trot haven of hang-outs and fun liquid haunts. Check out our recommendations for some of the best bars in Reading and have yourself a slap-up night on the tiles.
Last edited by Scarlett Welch
Last updated on 18th June 2024
A notable name on the cocktail scene, Be At One is coming up trumps as one of the best cocktail bars in Reading. Heralded for their party attitude and ever so rowdy bartenders, Be At One are a force to be reckoned with thanks to their roaring happy hours, and cocktails the likes of their Oreo laced 'Irish Disco Biscuit' cocktail.
This bar in Reading is a hot spot for live music gigs, with regular performances from top notch musicians and a thriving atmosphere every night of the week. Open until 2am at the weekends, this late night bar in Reading's buzzing city centre is always a great place to take your mates and let loose. The Ruby Jean Diner inside served up some quality American grub too, so line your stomach with some fine food before you get on that booze.
Lola Lo brings a touch of Tiki to Reading's thriving late night scene. A huge hit with students thanks to their wallet-friendly rates, you can enjoy a lively night out without breaking the bank here. Snap up an exotic cocktail from as little as £2.95, mix it up with a vibrant crowd and throw those hands in the air to mix of RnB, indie, commercial and house tracks until 3am.
A hangout in Reading not just for delicious platters and sumptuous wines sourced from the owners' family vineyard; Veeno is a Reading favourite for intimate date nights, after work drinks, birthdays and all manner of celebrations.
Whether you're in the mood for after-work drinks during the week or looking for a spot to hang come the weekend, head to BrewDog where you'll find a huge assortment of craft beers and ciders, alongside brunch and dinner with vegan and veggie options to boot.
The Cocktail Club has landed on Gun Street, bringing you the very best mixologists, heady concoctions and party vibes. So pull up a stool and sip the night away, or head on down for a cocktail masterclass or a pizza filled karaoke brunch.
High Spirits Cocktail Company is a late-night bar in the heart of Reading whipping up, you guessed it, some pretty heady concoctions. Head here for chilled speakeasy vibes in the week and a full-fledged party come the weekend, with plenty of signature sips to keep you going throughout.
On the hunt for some lip-smacking bevvies? Then make your way to The Botanist on King Street. This gorgeous venue is home to a crackin' selection of thirst-quenching cocktails like the gin-based Plant Pot or a cherry blossom martini, wines and beers. As for food, it also offers tasty brunch plates, alongside a mouthwatering food menu including its world-famous hanging kebabs.
If you're looking for a top-notch Reading watering hole, Slug and Lettuce on Friar Street is bound to impress. Not only does this haunt offer mouthwatering plates from brekkie to brunch and dinner, but also a range of drinks deals or bespoke concoctions at the bar.
Situated along the River Kennet, All Bar One Reading offers a charming, laid-back space to enjoy a few sips, including 2 for £10 cocktails Sunday to Friday from 5pm. Head over for signature and classic tipples, not to mention wicked bottomless brunches.
For a vibrant night with good food and entertainment, check out Walkabout, Reading. This Australian-inspired bar and restaurant dishes up Bonza Burgers which you can customise yourself, along with amazing drink offers like two for £12 on cocktails from 7pm on Friday and Saturday.
This gorgeous Italian bar can be found on Valpy Street, flaunting rustic wooden walls covered in vines and shelves stacked full of wine. Vino.Vita. is renowned for its curated selection of bottles, which pair perfectly with their menu of indulgent pasta dishes, hand-stretched pizzas and sumptuous grazing boards. And if you're planning a private event? You can hire space for up to 150 guests here.
One of the best bars for live gigs in Reading, this roof is permanently raised by the best in vocalists and musicians. Expect some alternative rock groups and Indie artists alongside some awesome DJing of party mash up beats. One of the few late-night bars in Reading to be buzzing until the early hours every night of the week, party until 4am on a Monday and forget those silly workday conventions - who says we have to wait until the weekend, anyway?
A cool haunt located in a loft above the Shed Cafe, MILK is an indie haven brimming with cutesy nooks, a charming pull and a cracking number of cocktails. Whether you're tucking into their heralded selected of rum based concoctions, dosing up on their vinyl DJ nights or enjoying a quick beer, MILK has it all.
A lounge of lush mixology propped up by a kitchen ploughing out fine Oriental fusion foods and Pan Asian cuisines. Take a seat at their long bar and watch the bar staff knock up crafty libations by the boat load - creamy, fruity, Champagne laced and classic characterise their blends. Coconut Bar & Kitchen is a space of urban cool where tucking into plush plates and supping on exquisite drinks comes as standard.
