Exploring new places and trying new things is always exciting, especially when it comes to the world of beer. Recently, I had the pleasure of continuing to traverse the Reading Ale Trail, a fun way to discover the best pubs and breweries in the town.
Our first stop on the trail was at the Greyfriar, a cozy and friendly establishment with a wide selection of beers. I opted for a pint of stout by the Tap Social Movement brewery called Inside Out. Tap Social is a brewery based in Oxfordshire that employs and trains people who have been in prison, giving them a chance to learn new skills and gain valuable work experience. The Inside Out stout was dark, rich, and full of flavour, with notes of coffee, chocolate, and a hint of sweetness. It was the perfect way to kick off our ale trail adventure.
Our second stop was at the Moderation, a pub/Thai Food restaurant with a great atmosphere and a range of interesting beers on offer. Here, I tried a pint of Razorback by Ringwood Brewery. This is a classic English bitter that has become a fan favourite among beer enthusiasts. With a deep amber colour and a robust, malty flavour, Razorback Ale offers a rich and satisfying taste experience. The brewery uses a unique blend of hops to give the beer a subtle hoppy aroma and a pleasant bitterness that balances out the sweetness of the malt. If you’re looking for a classic English bitter with a smooth finish and a complex flavour profile, Razorback Ale is definitely worth a try.
Our final stop on the Trail was.. Phantom Brewery. While not strictly on the trail, as I was in the area I had to pop in for a pint.
Phantom Brewery is a microbrewery located in Reading that has been making waves in the local craft beer scene. Founded in 2018 by a group of beer enthusiasts, the brewery prides itself on producing small-batch, handcrafted beers with unique flavour profiles. Their range of beers includes everything from IPAs and stouts to sour beers and experimental brews. Phantom Brewery has quickly gained a reputation for their bold and innovative approach to brewing, using high-quality ingredients and creative brewing techniques to produce beers that are full of flavour and character.
Overall, the Reading Ale Trail was a fantastic experience that gave me the opportunity to discover some great new beers and breweries. Whether you’re a seasoned beer connoisseur or just looking to try something new, I highly recommend taking the time to explore the pubs and breweries of Reading. Who knows, you might just discover your new favourite beer!
