THE READING Ale Trail was officially launched last Saturday, March 5.
A special event to celebrate its return after a two year absence was held in The Retreat on St John’s Street, Reading.
Real ale fans turned up throughout the day to pick up a booklet and collect their first stickers before heading off to some of the other pubs on this year’s list.
Organisers decided to go ahead with the trail despite the cancellation of this year’s Reading Beer and Cider Festival. The full list was announced last month, but trailers had to wait until Saturday to pick up the official guide.
Pubs are chosen by a team from the Reading and Mid Berkshire branch of the Campaign for Real Ale from across its area, which extends out to Tilehurst, Shinfield, Burghfield and Knowl Hill. They are selected based on a number of criteria, including accessibility of location and the selection of real ales and ciders available to punters. Participants then visit each of the featured bars, buy a pint or half pint of real ale or cider, and collect a unique sticker to mark their trip. Designated drivers of those buying alcohol on the trail will also receive a sticker.
A booklet containing the full details of this year’s trail can be bought from The Retreat, Nags Head and Alehouse, all in Reading. They cost £2 each and there is a limited run of 700 available.
For more information on this year’s trail, visit: reading.camra.org.uk/aletrail
