People shared their memories of a pub and steak restaurant in Reading and expressed sympathy for staff at the news that it has been put up for sale.
The Southcote Beefeater along the A4 Bath Road has appeared in an advert on Rightmove.
A spokesperson for its owning company, Whitbread, confirmed that it is seeking to sell The Beefeater.
The future of the restaurant is uncertain, with the advert indicating the site could be repurposed subject to planning permission from Reading Borough Council.
Reacting to the news on Facebook, Alan Porton said: “I feel for the staff, many have been working there for decades and are held in high esteem by the customers.”
Jeanette Absolom added: “Oh, that’s sad, I used it many times and know some of the staff who are always lovely.”
Giving an impression of the social life of The Beefeater, Linda Armstrong said: “I had many great nights there with the locals.
“Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve were great nights.
“The pub was more separated from the restaurant back in the day. I ran a monthly quiz for quite some time.
“I hope it doesn’t get knocked down for more flats, Southcote Lane has enough already!”
Keith Giles commented: “We can’t lose this Beefeater, there’s good food, friendly staff, many of whom have been there for a long time.
“It will be a great loss to the area if it does go.”
Reece Pains argued that the closure of the Beefeater wouldn’t be a great loss, as there are a variety of other eateries in Reading.
Replying to that, Meg Howells said: “This is practically on my doorstep.
“Sometimes in the summer months, I would pick my son up from school and stop off on the way back home. It’s just nice to be out in the sunshine.
“So it might not be a loss to you, but it’s all Reading is becoming, flats, food outlets, and not much else….!”
Dennis Allen said: “With a bit of luck, Wetherspoons might buy it.”
Agreeing, Tony Martin commented: “Spoons please, then we could afford a pint or two!”
The number of Wetherspoons in Reading has been on the decline since before the coronavirus pandemic, with the Monks Retreat being sold in 2016 and the former Baron Cadogan pub being sold in March 2019.
Andy Munday commented: “This would be so sad. Some amazing people have worked there for so long. My first ever job. I hope it stays a pub.
On another post, he said: “I’m really hoping Miller and Carter buy it as rumoured!”
The rumour is unconfirmed at present. Miller & Carter opened at the Caversham Rose in October 2022, but its restaurant at The Oracle Riverside will eventually close to clear the way for redevelopment.
There were concerns that the restaurant could be turned into a fast-food outlet.
The George & Dragon Hungry Horse pub in Bath Road was demolished in August 2024 and replaced with a Greggs drive-thru in March last year.
Meanwhile, The Royal Albion in Oxford Road has been the subject of a refused plan to turn it into a Greggs.
Christine Mylum said: “The Beefeater has been there for years, it’s part of the area, I go there regularly, they are always friendly, and I’ve never had a bad meal.
“Nothing else will be left in the area for people to eat and socialise. The George & Dragon is gone, replaced with another Greggs.”
The Beefeater has been listed as ‘price on application’ on Rightmove.
Whitbread has been engaged in an Accelerating Growth Plan since April 2024, which has seen it transform branded restaurants into hotel rooms and dining spaces.
The Beefeater at Reading Gateway was closed in July 2024.
