Calico Bar & Eatery has three spaces for group dining in Reading, from a glass room for 12 to a basement with its own bar and a high-ceilinged library for 50. It sits inside Hotel 1843, a short walk from the station, and the same Indo-Japanese kitchen that runs the restaurant cooks for every room, so private dining in Reading here comes with the full menu.
If a properly private space is what you're after, the Library is the largest option, with high ceilings and room for 30 to 50 guests. Richly hued soft furnishings, sofas and book-lined walls give it a more cultured feel than the restaurant floor, and buffet food is available for groups who'd rather graze than sit down to dinner.
For a mid-sized group, Calico Bar & Eatery's Basement Bar holds up to 30 guests and comes with its own private bar, so your party can order drinks without leaving the room. The design is clean and contemporary, and being downstairs, it's set apart from the restaurant floor. Bookings run for four hours.
For ten to 12 guests, the Glass Room sits on the restaurant floor, enclosed in transparent glass, with space for one central table. It's semi-private rather than sealed off: the glass takes the edge off the noise while keeping you part of the restaurant's atmosphere. It's also booked for four hours.
Whichever space you book, the menu suits a shared table. The Master grill piles miso chicken tikka, malai lamb chops, lamb Tsu kebab and tempura king prawn onto one platter, a vegetarian version swaps in tandoori miso paneer tikka and ghee roast tofu skewers, and vegan dishes are clearly marked. Ask the team about set menus for your group.