A pub in Reading with an all-female team has won permission to host events later at night to cater for students.
The Palmer Tavern is one of the main pubs in Wokingham Road, East Reading, located opposite Palmer Park.
Previously called the College Arms, it received a £360,000 upgrade to become the first Nest pub, a franchise by brewery company Greene King, in 2024.
The tavern is helmed by Samantha Lane, who has years of experience.
She has recently won approval from Reading Borough Council to host live and recorded music and performances from 10am to midnight each day.
Ms Lane said: “I’m absolutely delighted to share the news that our application to extend The Palmer Tavern’s licensing hours has been granted!
“I’m delighted, and our customers are even happier! This is going to make a huge difference to our student family. It means they can now hold their socials, awards evenings and meetings here without having to be asked to leave at 11pm.
“It will also make a massive difference during major football matches, quiz nights, bingo and our league pool matches — allowing us to properly support the events and communities that have become such a big part of The Palmer Tavern.
“For me, this was the last major piece of the puzzle in helping this pub reach its full potential.”
She previously explained that the licensing application would facilitate the activities of University of Reading student societies the pub sponsors.
These are the pool society, the athletics society and the Bridges XI football team.
Ms Lane added: “Since taking over, we’ve worked incredibly hard to transform the pub. We’ve gone from a 3-star food hygiene rating to 5 stars, achieved 5-star NFS ratings, been recognised with 5-star Cask Marque, and picked up Sports Pub of the Year, Pub of the Year and Regional Pub of the Year recognition. We’ve also continued to grow our ratings on TripAdvisor and Google.
“But what makes me most proud is the relationship we’ve built with our local community and Reading University. The Palmer Tavern has become much more than just a pub — it’s a place where people can come together, celebrate, support their teams and feel part of something.
“The Palmer Tavern has a huge place in my heart, and I couldn’t be prouder of what my team and I have achieved.
“There’s still plenty more to come, but this feels like a very important milestone.
“Thank you to our amazing customers, our student family, our community and, most importantly, my incredible team.
“Here’s to the next chapter of The Palmer Tavern!”
The council’s licensing team approved the application for events until midnight after no one objected during a statutory consultation that concluded on August 5.
