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The Forbury Hotel, The Forbury, RG1 3EJ
Reviewed On: 18 May 2007
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Public Houses in Reading
Berkshire, England.
   
County Arms
Previous Names:
Watlington Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 4RT
0.71 miles from Reading station [Map]
Final Score: 6.5 out of 10
Steve's Score:3 (Out of 5)
Gray's Grade:3.5 (Out of 5)
Steve Supped:Greene King 1799
Gray Gulped:Morland Bitter
Garden / Facilities:Benches out the front, car park behind the pub

ORIGINAL REVIEW:
15 December 2004

This a proper old style pub just a short stroll from the town centre. It's very well looked after and gives off more of a country pub feel than a town pub making it a refreshing change without having to go far. One side features a pool table but the other side is much nicer with plenty of wooden furniture all tucked into the sides of the pub. There's even a stained glass window with, I guess, the date of the pubs rebuild (1990 if I remember rightly). The Country Arms looks like it does a reasonable range of food (although we didn't sample) with a blackboard down one end listing the current specials. There's also some basic bar food. This really was a great pub to relax in and S-Man's only grumble was that it was very quiet. He was right - it was perhaps lacking in a bit of a pub atmosphere. So if you're after a chilled out night in a traditional pub then pop in - if you're after loud conversation and music then walk back into town. G.
I can agree with what G said about my thoughts on the place. It was very quiet when we were there and it made me feel a bit awkward when I started talking. The barman was friendly and informative though and it was generally the nice trad pub G describes and I wouldn't mind going back to see if it there is normally a slightly better atmos. Otherwise I'm off to the Lyndhurst. Didn't see the dogs either. S.

BEER EXPERIENCE

The County Arms does very well on beer, with no less than four proper ales available. It's a Greene King pub so they're all tied but it's still a good selection. There's your expected Greene King's Abbot Ale and IPA and on this visit there was the delicious 1799 (the year Greene King was founded the friendly and informative bloke behind the bar pointed out). I went for the Morland, which was nice enough, but I should have gone for the seasonal 1799 on reflection. G.
On reflection? On drinking some of my lovely pint you realised the error of your ways. The 1799 is a tasty number and they have others too so we were well happy! S.

VISITOR FEEDBACK [Give Your Feedback]

"Great pub, nice atmosphere, not at all threatening. Friendly bar staff, and the lounge end of the bar is comfortable and homely. A proper english pub. Food is excellent too, if a little limited by choice. An ideal place for a quiet drink, but also good to get trolleyed there if the mood takes you"
Mick McMad visited in June 2005

"Its a great place to have a quiet night with a couple of mates. Mind you the certain Mondays and Fridays can be a lot of fun! Mind you, I shouldn't be telling you all this... this pub is one of Reading's best kept secrets!"
Mischief visited in January 2005

"A cosy pub, with a nice pint of Kronny. Cheap jukebox, although quite a middle of the road selection. Picnic benches that can used out the front and back, and a cheap pool table, but in slightly too small a room (they offer a cue that's about 2 foot long). Best of all are the two dogs, a small black Staffy called Taz and a greyhound called Jem. Lovely dogs who love a game of fetch in the middle of the pub."
Murph visited in December 2004

NEIGHBOURING PUBS

The following pubs are within stumbling distance of this establishment:

         
Current Score:
6.5
Original Score:
6.5
Traditional Pub?
Yes
Party Pub?
No
Proper Food?
Yes
Real Ale Pub?
Yes
Pub Games?
Yes

County Arms Pub (Reading, Berkshire)
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