Reading
The Monk's Retreat

The Monk's Retreat

163 Friar Street, RG1 1HE, Reading, United Kingdom

Pub • Fish • Steak • British


"Looks like a Wetherspoons and feels like a Wetherspoons but it's not a Wetherspoons. It's actually a lot more orderly and tidy with quite an appealing layout. There is a similar cross-section of clientele, most of whom you wouldn't let near the scissor drawer. Real ale seemed well- kept, but the range was somewhat paltry in comparison to W's. The long deep L-shaped bar was closed at the front end when we called in one weekday lunchtime. Consequently, the area at the back was well-populated with all the first choice individual booths taken. Televisions everywhere, with one over every table if adjacent to a wall. Cricket on-screen so quite easy to ignore. The three staff on duty seemed surprisingly pleasant and kept the bar ticking over with ease. Usual glossy menus for all sorts on the table. As expected, all economically priced so orders placed with a degree of curiosity about what might turn up. My pal and I both had gammon steak and chips and upon ordering were told to expect a bit of a wait. It wasn't that long, but more apologies on arrival nonetheless. Not too sure what had happened but the chips and peas were cold, whilst the advertised tomato, onion rings and pineapple were missing completely. However, the gammon steak was fine; hot, well-cooked and no excess rind. For some reason the cutlery was wrapped in sopping wet napkins. Didn't take long to eat and, dispiritingly, the detritus remained on the table for the remainder of our visit. I must admit that my infrequent visits to Wetherspoons involving food rarely end well so it seemed rather par for the course here. So I liked the pub more than thought I would but the food element was about as unreliable as I expected."

Kyrenia Greek

Kyrenia Greek

6 Prospect St, Caversham, RG4 8JN, Reading, United Kingdom

Fish • Greek • Vegetarian • Gluten Free


"So close to being the best Greek restaurant I have ever been in that isn't in Greece somehow a street in Reading loses out to places in the Greek countryside with their fresh local produce and views but it's still very good and, judging by the number of regulars in, it is highly regarded. Really good starters including Lamb Kofta very tasty), Hummus excellent quite an accolade from a lady who lived in London surrounded by some of the best), my own Stuffed Aubergine very tasty but a bit lacking in flavour) and my partner's Garlic Prawns ok, slightly overcooked, a bit short of sauce and £3 per prawn is a bit steep). The mains of Lamb Cutlets delicious), Kalamari tasty but not exceptional), my lady's Chicken Souvlaki to die for, could have just eaten the rice it was that hood I tasted both, she wasn't wrong. I had the Mixed Grill and it's the nicest meat I have tasted in this country, perfectly cooked with startling flavour. Service was excellent despite beibg very busy early on a Saturday evening. My lady's son and partner have just moved to Reading and so we most certainly will visit again., just know what doesn't work for us. Highly recommended Revisited in October 2023 after the birth of my lady's first grand daughter so two of us ate in and two had a takeaway I should start by saying that we were waited on by a gentleman who said he normally worked in the kitchen but someone was help up en route he was brilliant My lady opted for the Tirokaftera or spicy feta dip which was pretty amazing. whilst I went for the equaly impressive Pastourma which is a beef Greek version of chorizo and very tasty. On the mains front my lady went for Chicken Souvlaki and I for the lamb version of the same. Both were really good and I would love to know what they put in thr rice to make it taste so good. The takeaways were both lamb souvlaki and they were very very well received"