the allied arms
Our pub
The Allied Arms is a small family run pub right in the centre of Reading. We have been at the helm for the past 17 years and feel we have created a friendly and pleasant environment where our customers feel welcomed and treasured.
Our garden has seen the most changes over the years and is now one of the best, if not THE best, outdoor space in the centre of town. We have created a superb oasis in which to relax at any time of day. We have plenty of seating and heating so even if the indoor bar is busy, there will undoubtedly be room outside.
We have a varied selection of cask ales available along with popular lagers and an amazing wine list exclusive to The Allied Arms. If we don't like it, we don't stock it! In addition, we stock a good range of single malts, gins and rums for the discerning customer.
Our jukebox looks like something out of the 70's but we have an eclectic mix of music genres so there is bound to be something you like. Every Monday the juke box is on free play so you can choose as many titles as you want for nothing!
For those that hanker after the old arcade games, we have a Bomb Jack machine in our front bar which still costs only 20p per person - it's a classic game and we encourage you to get on the league table.
On the last Monday of each month, we have a group of musicians who meet up and jam away for the evening. If you want to take part, just turn up around 8pm or come along and enjoy the sounds.
About Us
Cask Ales & Ciders
We have up to ten Cask Ales available, at least half of which are sourced from local breweries. Loddon Hullabaloo is our house ale and we try to cater for all tastes so will have a selection that includes a full range of ABV's including stouts. We also offer Westons Old Rosie and Rosies Pig on a permanent basis as well as other guest ciders .
History
The Allied Arms has been a pub since 1828 but the building dates back to the 16th Century. Over the years it has been used as a butchers and brewery as well as a pub. The inside decor is warm and cosy and includes old beams which likely came from the ruins of Reading Abbey after the disollution by Henry VIII.
Food
We are one of the few pubs NOT to serve food apart from crisps, nuts and pork scratchings. However, we are more than happy for you to bring in your own food. Neighbouring establishements Pizza Express and Pierre's Baguettes will be delighted to oblige! If you have a chocolate fit, we can help you there as we have
Kit Kats and Maltesers behind the bar.
Our Secret Garden.....
Our award winning* garden is a beautiful oasis in the centre of Reading. In the summer, the smell of roses and the lovely flowers and shrubs give it a real country feel. There really is nothing more relaxing than spending a peaceful afternoon or evening in our garden with friends or family. We have a resident robin and blackbird who may keep you company while you relax. You can still use our garden in the colder months as we have covered and heated areas for you and if you get really chilled, then why not ask for a blanket? *Reading in Bloom Gold 2015 & Silver 2017
Quiz Nights
The Allied Arms holds a Quiz Night every other Wednesday. We welcome teams old and new and participation in the quiz costs only £1 per person with ALL proceeds going to charity. If you wish, you can host a quiz of your own! This approach results in a wide variation of styles and keeps it fresh and interesting. If you would like to host a quiz, please add your name to the quiz calendar which is in the pub. We also host themed quizzes at certain times of the year such as Halloween & Christmas.
Quiz Calendar
Quizzes are held every other Wednesday and dates for 2019 are below:
8pm start...... 3rd April
17th April 1st May
15th May 29th May
12th June 26th June
10th July 24th July
7th August 21st August
4th September 18th September
2nd October 16th October
30th October - Halloween Theme
13th November 27th November
11th December
18th December - Christmas Theme
Craft Beer
We offer a range of craft beers available in bottles. Our current range includes Hoegaarden, Goose IPA, Adnams Jack Brand Mosaic, Lagunitas IPA, Budvar and Sam Adams Boston Lager but we are always on the look out for more choice.
Wines & Spirits
Our exclusive wine list is well received by customers and we also have a fantastic selection of rum, gin and vodka as well as an ever changing choice of single malts. If you can't see what you want, please ask as we will likely have it!
Seasonal
We serve jugs of Pimms and Allied Gin Cocktails during the warmer months and delicious warming mulled wine when the nights draw in. A lovely way to unwind after the trials of the day.... You even get a mince pie with your mulled wine - what could be better than that?