A READING pub held a double celebration on Saturday – its 30th anniversary in its current incarnation and the eighth anniversary of its current landlord
The Alehouse in Broad Street welcomed customers old and new for the party, which featured discs spun by Kak FM and, of course, plenty of beer.
The pub was originally The London Tavern, and relaunched in 1993 as The Hobgoblin. In 2011, it was announced the pub would again change its name with The Alehouse chosen as the new moniker.
It specialises in real ale and cider, with an emphasis on supporting local breweries. The first guest beer it served was Woodfordes Wherry from a Norfolk brewery, the first time it had been offered in the town.
The pub’s walls and ceilings are decorated with some of the many pump clips from the many beers served since – more than 10,000.
Earlier this year, it won Reading and Mid-Berks Camra Pub of the Year award, and was also runners-up in the cider pub of the year.
Carl Mellors was he was thrilled to see so many people attend Saturday’s party.
“It was great to have so many people come down to celebrate my eight years as landlord, and the 30 years of the pub in it’s current style,” he said.
“It was particularly good to have Duncan, the landlord from 30 years ago, as a guest, and I hope that he feels that I am keeping the place as he intended it to be.
“Thanks to all my staff and customers for eight, and/or 30, great years, and here’s looking forward to many more.”
