This was our first visit since the Abbott Cook became the Hope and Bear. A very tasteful refurbishment inside and out has transformed the pub into a very stylish and relaxing place to eat and drink. The choice of well kept real ales is excellent and the food we had was lovely. The staff were friendly and attentive. It's the sort of pub that makes you wish you were a local. We live 62 miles away but will definitely return.
Thank you to Thomas and the kitchen staff at Hope and Bear Reading who kindly let me borrow a tin opener when we were caught short! Really friendly staff and will soon be popping in to try the food and drinks!
Brilliant pub. Food was delicious and there was a great selection of drinks. Staff were very friendly. Will definitely be going back.
Amazing pub, great garden for sunny days.
Good Christmas meal I had a while ago. Interesting flavors with their burgers but wasn't all too interested in anything else. The price matched that of London's and the burger was too dry for my liking. Maybe I'll go back again for round two to see if anything has changed but it won't be a while.
Food is okay. The Sunday roast sold out very quickly. We were lucky to be able to join the pub quiz last Sunday too. What a fun experience!
The Hope and Bear has been my local of choices for a few years now and for very good reason.
The staff are incredibly attentive and offer amazing service.
The food is incredible - fresh every time and there is an amazing selection.
There is a lovely atmosphere every single time I come.
Couldn’t not recommend further
It was a nice place to have a drink, shame about the £85 parking charge for having a drink there though!
Very professionally dealt with after speaking to the General Manager Dan.
Will be returning for many more drinks and meals. Very friendly and helpful staff also.
Nice, airy dog friendly pub with friendly staff. Food is ordered through a QR code on the table which has worked with no issues every time I've used it.
Menu is varied so there's something for everyone and food is good quality with good portions.
There's some vegan options on the menu- one on the sandwich menu and at least two on the main menu and they're not half-hearted. Would definitely recommend trying the falafel, as they are super tasty, crispy on the outside and light on the inside. They go well as an extra to the nourish bowl.
Really lovely clean friendly pub. Surprisingly good selection of beers too. Definitely will come again!
The Hope and Bear is the local of my dreams. Great drinks with a massive range, especially their Gin. The food has always been incredible, their lunches are well priced and their evening meals and roasts are good value for money as the standards they are serving at go above and beyond. There is parking too if that's an issue and it has great bus links. I would highly recommend coming here.
Both the food & beer were excellent, can't say much about the atmosphere only because it was lunchtime and quiet however it looks as though it could get busy in the evening.
Love this place, great food, first class service, all the staff are welcoming and pleasant, love the quiz nights. Can we have more roast dinners on Sunday.
Great place Greatchef , brilliant food and superbly cooked , Alfie assistant manager i belive , a credit to the whole team and Great bar staff , thank you 😊 one of Readings hidden gems 💎 food was beautifully cooked a tad expensive 😋 personally. Unless it was a five star 🌟 Gunness nicely poured and a few different beers, lots of outdoor seating and Parking
Excellent place to have a lovely meal, especially a Sunday Roast. They offer a good range of food and drinks, all at a reasonable price. They were very good with covid regulations and made us feel welcomed. Highly recommended place to visit
You have to book ahead before visiting. I booked for a Sunday carvery lunch. There are no paper menus but a QR code that takes you to a menu online.
I had a chicken Sunday lunch. The wait time wasn't too long. I received a large portion, definitely worth the money. The stuffing was definitely devine, although I wish I received more on the plate. The plate was overwhelmed by the Yorkshire Pudding and chicken. The chicken was about dry but the gravy made up for it.
Amazing cheeseburger and a great beer selection. If you like citrusy taste, do try Baccus and Make me roar. The stuff is nice too
Great afternoon there, there's a pool table with the option of joining a team.
They also have started Tuesday night poker with 2 table's.
Lots hope this continues so 5 🌟 rating all the way.
I stopped by here for the first time since the refurb and thought this place was great, i only had 45mins before an app. So ordered a bowl of triple cooked chips which may i add were bloody lovely! The staff, a blond lady and dark haired gentleman were both friendly, welcoming and chatty. My drink was perfect with plenty of ice and a slice , just how i like it (you should never have to ask!) They have front and back outdoor seating, both of which are great. I loved the menu and will definitely be returning with a friend to sample the lamb kofta and fried squid...yummy! See you again soon :)
Great selection of beers. Excellent food and generous portions(Sunday Roast).
Lovely looking pub with nice staff and a small but tasty menu.
Pop in and watch the kitchen staff make your burger by hand!!
Dog and child friendly!
Always so accommodating for holding events- had our engagement party here (years ago though- happily they've kept the Abbott Cook friendly vibe!) And threw a gender reveal party here too. They did great food in decent portions and allowed us to bring our own cake and even to let off confetti cannons! They always have good gin menus and in the summer its delightful to sit outside in a nice pub garden without having to go into town. Always love it here.
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