The Reading Room

Formerly known as The Forbury, this Berkshire townhouse has been thoughtfully renovated. The historic property has maintained all its original style and grandeur with a healthy addition of luxury touches. Attention has been paid to every detail, from the polished marble floors in the lobby through to an impressive crystal chandelier dominating the centre of the staircase, adorned with 86,000 Italian crystal beads.

The hotel is home to two dining experiences. The Reading Room offers an a la carte menu and a seven course tasting menu, while Roasted by The Roseate is the hotel’s in-house coffee shop, offering freshly baked pastries and roasted coffee. 

The contemporary decor of The Reading Room includes plush grey velvet seating and soft furnishings to give a warm feel to the modern space. The tasting menu is most definitely the star of the a la carte menu, offering seven courses and the choice of an accompanying wine flight. Vegan and vegetarian choices are available. For those indulging in the meat menu, there is a choice of steak or sea bass for the main. Starters of pressed duck and foie gras terrine served with blood orange sauce, black truffle emulsion and gingerbread is beautifully balanced in flavour. Pork belly and scallops are the second starter and offer a hearty and warm start to your meal, of-course complete with crispy pork belly. We opted for the main of beef, served with a bordelaise sauce. A duo of desserts begins with a passionfruit mousse followed by savarin baba to finish your meal.

Those not wanting to travel home after this dining experience can book to stay in the hotel - with a choice of rooms and suites. Each bedroom has a unique character and artwork and sculptures from local artists ensure each room is unique, while enjoying a traditional yet eclectic feel.

Many of the rooms have views over Forbury Park and its sprawling greenery, providing a quiet sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of the town. However, you remain well connected, located just a few minutes walk from Reading mainline station and the key shopping areas of the town.

The Roseate Reading has much to offer both guests and diners. The building this luxurious hotel is housed in was originally the Shire Hall for Berkshire County Council in 1911, and now boasts stunning interiors, 55 plush bedrooms and its very own restaurant, The Reading Room. The restaurant offers an elegant fine dining experience, surrounded by stylish interiors and soft mood lighting. Here, seasonal menus change regularly, showcasing excellent produce from the local area, alongside creative house cocktails and an extensive wine list. Try the ‘wild regret’, a zingy blend of pisco, melon, golden berry and agave, or the more earthy ‘and once, or twice, to throw the dice’, which mixes Laphroaig and Monkey Shoulder with ginger, lemon and honey.

Dinner at The Reading Room launches into elegance from the get-go, with the option of pre-meal oysters and caviar. Hearty, yet refined modern British fare is the focus, although you’ll see some more global twists peppered in. Seared Orkney scallops are a popular way to start, accompanied by apple beignets, pickled courgette, chorizo, salt-baked celeriac and chilli oil. A vegetarian might instead start with a goat’s curd salad, featuring heirloom tomatoes, Kalamata olives, torched blood orange, pine nuts and basil. The main event might come in the form of a roasted rump of Hampshire lamb, with vegetable couscous, baba ghanoush, peas and mint, while a meat-free entry might be crispy potato ratatouille with cavolo nero, endive and tomato fondue.

Finally, you might finish your dinner with a playful ‘variation of pears’, comprised of pear sorbet, ginger crumble, sesame tuille and sweet pear chutney. A selection of cheeses is also available, paired with quince jelly, nuts, crackers, plum and apple chutney. Tasting menus are also an option, with vegan and vegetarian versions too. Book a table in just a few clicks by selecting a time and group size on the right.