Old Reviews of The Retreat
I just tripped over these old reviews of The Retreat; just five reviews from Yelp.co.uk and all 5/5. They are lovely, especially the hilarious one from Kevin J. A lot has changed in the last decade, especially with the refurbishment in 2020, but the character of The Retreat remains.
RATING: 5/5
REVIEWER: Qype User (ninja_…)
DATE: 15 November 2008
Few people know about this pub, which is probably a good thing considering its size. It has a lovely atmosphere with plenty of regulars and locals and it’s plain to see why this is a real ale pub loved by CAMRA. If you ever fancy an excursion away from the centre of town and just want a quiet one, or indeed you’re looking for somewhere that’s lively with excellent folk bands playing the night away, then this is the pub for you.
RATING: 5/5
REVIEWER: Qype User (bus…)
DATE: 9 June 2010
Situated somewhere between Royal Berks Hospital & Kings Rd, therefore a brisk walk from the town centre. This pub has a mission – to serve very fine beer which it does extremely well! Very much a camra pub, slightly tatty which bothers me not a jot & slightly eccentric – in the nicest possible way! Worth a visit if beer is your sin. probably not the best pub in Reading if you want to pick up girlies!
RATING: 5/5
REVIEWER: Kevin J.
DATE: 22 September 2011
Sweet Jesus, Mary mother of God. This isn’t a pub. It’s someone’s house. You may just have stepped back fifty years in time. I’m pretty sure that it breaks every H&S rule known to mankind, but it’s incredible and boy is it cheap! Superb real ale. Beards galore. Scabby. Horrible. Sticky carpets. Live music. TWO EiGHTY A PINT. Bar games. Dead rats in the toilet OK that was an exaggeration. Just go there. Now.
RATING: 5/5
REVIEWER: Qype User (Jeeper…)
DATE: 2 September 2013
Everything wonderful about this place that previous reviewers have written is true. The Retreat deserves to go down in Reading’s history.
RATING: 5/5
REVIEWER: Mike P.
DATE: 9 September 2015
I wandered into The Retreat by myself on a Sunday night after reading the reviews. I was looking for a place with character and great beer that didn’t feel like a franchise. The Retreat hits the mark. A small group of very nice people made this visitor feel welcome (though Jason’s “Deliverance” riff on the guitar gave me pause). They wondered how in the world I found them, as it’s not on the beaten path. Had a laugh that I relied on 4 reviews. I promised them #5 and hope to return for some live music. You can get a beer in lots of places, but pubs like this are rare.
Leave a Reply