First pub in Reading becomes asset of community value

If the Retreat’s owners Admiral choose to sell the pub then Reading locals will be given six months by law to raise the money to buy the premises.

In 2012, the Retreat was awarded ‘Pub of the Year’ by the Society for the Preservation of Beers from the Wood. The popular venue has won countless others, including CAMRA’s ‘Cider Pub of the Year’. It is renowned for its selection of ales, live music and its pickled onion making contest, which has been won on multiple occasions by Hollywood star Kate Winslet’s mother.

Katrina Fletcher of Reading CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) said: “The Retreat is really at the heart of the community. They do a lot of encompassing activities, and truly are an asset of value.”

Gareth Epps, branch public affairs officer of Reading Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) agreed. “This is a great tribute to all those who have and continue to make the Retreat such a great example of a community pub,” he said.

“Pubs are such a major part of our communities. If they don't count as assets, what does?”

CAMRA Reading was keen to make the Retreat a priority, but now has plans to make further applications. “Because of the Retreat’s value and uncertain future last year, it was important for us to secure its ACV status first. Now we have done so, we can perhaps start looking at other community pubs in the area,” he added.

Elsewhere in the country, the Castle recently became the first in the Borough of Wandsworth to be awarded ACV status.