Milk, an independent rum and cocktail bar “at the heart of Reading”, has been nominated for the Hospitality Award for all-round excellence in its operation.
Its nominator said: “Milk has been an iconic and truly independent staple in Reading for more than a decade, showcasing resilience at its fullest.
“They have been recognised nationally for outstanding customer service and drink quality with staff winning several competitions as well as the bar being known at a national level.”
Staff regularly attend training, enabling them to bring new and exciting techniques, flavours and experiences to Reading.
The nominator also praised the bar’s commitment to the town. “Milk bar continuously works to provide community events such as tastings, rum shows, comedy events and DJ nights – including Reading’s longest running DJ night with Jim B Donovan.”
They said the bar emphasised working with other local businesses such as The Grumpy Goat and The Fox and Hounds pub “striving to bring the community together.
“Drinks and practices are designed to reduce waste by leveraging locally sourced ingredients and using those that cannot be sourced from Reading, such as limes, to its fullest potential by using the whole fruit.”
For example, they use mint tea made from the stalks of picked mint and syrup made using the skins from pineapples that would otherwise be discarded, said their nominator.
“Milk is committed to the safeguarding of its community shown by the implementation of high security and service standards as well as strong contribution the regional Pub Watch initiative.”
The award inspired by and in memory of former Reading Post journalist Hilary Scott, food writer and Pride of Reading Awards organiser, is sponsored by REDA, Reading’s Economic and Destination Agency.
