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Hook and Tackle
Katesgrove Lane, RG1 2ND
Reviewed On: 10 Jul 2004
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Public Houses in Reading
Berkshire, England.
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Sahara Bar
Previous Names: JWs, Club Bay
Gun Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2JR
0.35 miles from Reading station
[Map]
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Steve's Score: | 4 (Out of 5) |
Gray's Grade: | 3.5 (Out of 5) |
Steve Supped: | Budweiser |
Gray Gulped: | Budweiser |
Garden / Facilities: | The pub is on two floors but no outside facilities |
ORIGINAL REVIEW: 27 October 2004 |
It's all very cool in here. As soon as you step into the place you can't help but feeling like this is the place to be for a chilled but trendy night out. The drinks are served on a napkin and the change is on a silver tray giving you an unsubtle hint to leave some change. Some people will instantly hate this kind of place, while others will instantly love it - but it's much less severe than other silver tray change giving establishments. There was a wide mix of drinkers and there seemed nothing wrong with turning up in jeans and t-shirt, which was a bonus, although smarter wear might be the way to go. The decor was suitably trendy too with huge gold paintings on the walls, some serious wood tables and real candles burning on the walls to provide true candle light. All properly swanky and a cut above other places that are only just pretending to be swanky (Ice bar, etc). G.
I'm one of those people that really like this place. It's trendy but relaxed as there are plenty of sofa's and low cude type seats to relax on. Much more of a relaxed friendly atmos than other trendy bars like Sante Fe (the bar area of it anyway) and it's much better this way.
The bar area is nice as well with the effective looking fake (i'm only guessing here, they could be real) stone blocks behind the bar and rows and rows of spirits. The tables are made of the chunkiest wood in town and soft lighting adds to the chilled out feel. S.
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BEER EXPERIENCE |
Well, I hadn't had Budweiser for years and would normally avoid the stuff - but it was the only draught substance of any sort available. I hate to admit it but I quite enjoyed the pint, probably due to avoiding it for all these years. There were a few other bottled beers behind the bar, but the Sahara's speciality is their impressive range of spirits. There's all kinds of Vodkas on the go, some flavoured and some not - and all the ingredients for a huge range of cocktails that spans several pages of their drink menu. The place for a nice glass of wine or trendy cocktails. G.
Lots and Lots of cocktails and as such this is very much a place to bring the ladies. Doesn't do well on a beer review though although if this was general drinks review it would be up there but it should have a couple more trendy beers on tap. S.
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"I visited Sahara for the first time a couple of weeks ago on a first date with my new guy :) and we've been back since. I have to say the service was great (having drinks brought to our table etc ... obviously not a weekend night! lol), ambience brilliant and cocktails to die for!!! I'm sure we'll be back again soon lol !!!"
(Rated 9 out of 10)
Mystery Brunette visited in May 2010
"The cocktails are great and the menu changes often so you never get bored of the drinks on offer. This place was cool when it opened and has managed to keep that little something that keeps it above the rest. Its great to be able to go somewhere in Reading where you do not feel intimidated by drunk kids and aggressive groups of "lads".
Top marks for service because these guys really know what they are doing."
(Rated 10 out of 10)
Laura visited in July 2007
"A fantastic atmosphere. Music not too lowd...place not too busy. Comfy leather sofas and seats give a very luxurious touch to the place. I drink 'The Old Fashioned' blows the socks off me every time. Going there tonight to sip fine drinks and enjoy the crowds. Visit soon...."
(Rated 9 out of 10)
Matthew visited in March 2006
"Apparently, I have tickets on myself?!?! Whatever that means!?!?! Maybe if the reviewer spent a little less time writing pointless articles on the internet, she may be able to develop the social skills she needs to enjoy herself at a bar with personality. Sahara does rock though, and is definately the only bar worth checking out in Reading."
(Rated 10 out of 10)
I have the tickets visited in February 2006
"Well... from our honest opinions...we think Sahara is the only place to get a decent cocktail, made properley and under half an hour in the whole of Reading. Plus, the barmen are a nice bit of eye candy, which is always a bonus. It may be busy, but so is everywhere. Music is good, there's always a buzz and at least you dont have to fight your way through 16 year old kids to get a drink."
(Rated 9 out of 10)
bored blondie and brunette visited in February 2006
"The drinks are good and general ambience is cool, the food is yummy but some of The bar-tenders in this place have tickets on themselves, they are so rude to everyone and think all the girls fancy them. There are 2 tall ones who are honestly no better than the average male, perhaps even below and they look down on people who they think are unattractive, but everyone is laughing at their hair or lack of. So the joke is on them."
(Rated 8 out of 10)
Simone visited in November 2005
"Great bar, great drinks, HOT barmen, Reading's best kept secret."
Mystery Blonde visited in April 2005
"I think Sahara is a jolly good place for one to meet with one's chums and quaff a beverage or 2, also I find some of the bartenders incredibly attractive, so this is a real bonus for me. Particularly the tall bald one.
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Tim Brownfoot visited in April 2005
"Just to let you know the stone is real, I helped put it up... Thanks for the report hope you all have a good time everytime you come..."
Alasdair visited in December 2004
"As your reviewer rightly stated cocktails are our speciality, though a decent range of beers are important. Your readers may be interested in knowing that our list will be more diverse and inspiring in the new year."
Jack Warren of Sahara Bars visited in December 2004
"As far as I'm concerned this is pretty much the only bar in Reading worth going to (all the rest are samey chain bars / pubs). Bar staff are extremely efficient, proffessional and friendly. Nice to be able to have a quieter drink downstairs or more lively one upstairs, depending on your mood. Top marks!"
Philip visited in December 2004
"Did you notice the amazing cocktail list? Sahara does the best cocktails in town by a long way. Apple strudel is highly recommended... trust me!"
Someone going by the name of Tom Cruise visited in November 2004
Average Visitor Score: 9.17 out of 10
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NEIGHBOURING PUBS
The following pubs are within stumbling distance of this establishment:
- Allied Arms St Marys Butts, RG1 2LG
- Bar 38 Oracle (Riverside), RG1 2AG
- Bar Med Oracle (Riverside), RG1 2AG
- Brewery Tap Castle Street, RG1 7SB
- Café du Sport St Mary's Butts, RG1 2LG
- Chilis Grill and Bar Oracle (Riverside), RG1 2AG
- Dogma Castle Street, RG1 7SB
- Hobgoblin Broad Street, RG1 2BH
- Horn Castle Street, RG1 7RD
- Iguana Bar St Mary's Butts, RG1 2LN
- La Tasca Bar St Mary's Butts, RG1 2LG
- Pavlov's Dog St Mary's Butts , RG1 2LN
- Purple Turtle Gun Street, RG1 2JR
- Santa Fe Oracle (Riverside), RG1 2AG
- Slug and Lettuce Oracle (Riverside), RG1 2AG
- Sun Inn Castle Street, RG1 7RD
- Zerodegrees 9 Bridge Street, RG1 2LR
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Current Score: | 7.5 |
Original Score: | 7.5 |
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