Hop Leaf, 163 Southampton Street, READING, RG1 2QZ [Map]
0118 931 4700 
16-23 MO-WE; 12-23 TH-SA; 12-22:30 SU
Evening Meals, Lunchtime Meals, Quiet Bar

Me outside the pub, May 2002

This popular unpretentious welcoming drinkers pub took a little bit of finding. It's south of the main town centre area and you'll find it part way up the hill along Southampton Street on the left. If you're a fan of Hop Back beers then this is definitely the place to go. They serve the full range of their beers along with any seasonal specials and perhaps a guest beer too. The pumps are certainly an impressive sight along the bar. Tasting notes on the wall help you to decide the most appropriate beer to go for. The knowledgeable staff can also help you to decide. Plenty of seating in the spacious bar, a good place to go with a group.

They do serve very reasonable food most days bar I think Sunday evenings and Mondays. I'd call them to check if you're planning to arrive hungry. Plenty of traditional pub entertainment to be had too, bar billiards and skittles are available and crib are played amongst others. Periodically they'll have beer festivals including an Oktoberfest. It was the local CAMRA Pub of the Year in 2005. Well done!