AN EAST Reading pub is to reopen today after a major refurbishment as it celebrates its silver anniversary.
The Back of Beyond was one of the first Wetherspoon pubs to open in the Reading area, and has been a popular venue ever since. It was once part of a ginger beer factory, and used as a Salvation Army barracks.
Now it has a new look: not only has the interior been given a lick of paint, the kitchens have been upgraded, while the beer garden has been expanded.
Inspiration comes from the Kennet and Avon Canal, which runs past the beer garden area.
A spokesperson for Wetherspoon said that by making use of the service and delivery yard, the garden is now twice its original size.
A special mural has been painted on the fencing by a local barge artist.
And the outside space has been decorated with hanging baskets, potted trees, climbing plants and flowers and shrubs, to make it feel more like a garden.
Work on the garden is still continuing, and this will open on Monday, November 22.
When it is open, customers will be able to sit at free-standing garden dining tables and chair, bench seating or under a canopy.
The changes will also benefit staff: they have new facilities and the kitchen upgrade includes a pizza oven.
In all, the project is costing Wetherspoon £842,000.
There is one thing that isn’t changing: the pub’s landlords Rachel and Jason Lord will continue to manage the Kings Road venue.
Ms Lord said: “We are thrilled with all of our new facilities, particularly the new-look garden, which will provide a lovely outdoor space for our customers.”
When the pub originally opened, it offered two meals for £5. Much has changed in those 25 years since, with the venue opening early for breakfasts, and launching a regular curry club. It also holds regular beer festivals featuring real ales straight from the cask, and popular quiz nights. One of these was hosted by The Chase’s Sinnerman, Paul Sinha, while another saw the first Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? winner, Judith Keppel, pop in to ask the questions.
What are you favourite memories of The Back of Beyond? Email news@rdg.today
