Food and drink

The Lower Ship in Duke Street, as it used to look before it was closed in the mid-1980s
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Another round for The Lower Ship?

By Anna Roberts
December 15, 2009

A historic Reading pub is rumoured to be reopening more than two decades after last orders were called at the bar.

The Lower Ship in Duke Street, over the bridge from London Street Brasserie, is understood to have closed in the mid-1980s.

Now punters could raise their glasses at the boozer once more.

An architect from Yorkshire-based brewery Samuel Smith has contacted Reading pub expert John Dearing and asked him for information about the Lower Ship.

Mr Dearing, who wrote a book, Reading Pubs, said he was given the impression the pub would reopen in the new year, possibly in February.

The 63-year-old, who lives in Sherman Road, Katesgrove, and works as a shipping consultant, told getreading: “I understand the Lower Ship was taken over by Courage.

“I believe Courage sold it to Samuel Smith in the mid-1980s.

“They drew in their horns and nothing happened for years. I think there was some sort of long-running dispute regarding a tree.

“But now I believe it will open again. In the 1980s it was not hugely popular as in those days it did not sell real ale.

“It was just an ordinary pub. But it could be good.

“It is a big building with lots of space – it had been a hotel.

“It would be good if it sold very nice beer and was keenly priced.”

Katesgrove councillor Gareth Epps confirmed he had heard the pub was reopening.

Cllr Epps said: “This is great news.

“It is good to see a proper pub come back after so long.

“It should also be a refreshing antidote to the mass-consumption establishments promoting irresponsible drinking. I hope it’s the start of a lasting trend.”

The pub, once known as the Horse and Barge, dates from the 18th Century.

Reading Borough Council spokeswoman Sarah Bishton said: “The pub still has a licence from all the years ago. It has kept it renewed so it can serve alcohol. But there are no new licence changes.”

At the time of going to press Samuel Smith had not returned getreading’s calls.

aroberts@reading-epost.co.uk

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I used to drink there and went to lots of Mod/Soul do's there back in the 80's. It was usually packed out... And at one point my Grandfather had connections with the place....

mott rex, Reading
23/01/2010 at 16:44

bring it back and keep it as a town centre boozer.

keira skye, reading
16/12/2009 at 20:34

In the 50's The Lower Ship was a prime Uni. hang out. I knew it well. It would be nice to indulge in some nostalgia. RJH

RJH, Midland, Ontario, Canada
16/12/2009 at 15:37

I very much doubt Mr Dearing said all that. If he did then it would be the longest talk I would have ever heard him utter.

whitespirit
15/12/2009 at 12:43

I met my now wife in The Horse & Barge in 1982 and I would love it to re open, it was great pub

Ghost from the coast
15/12/2009 at 12:42

“It should also be a refreshing antidote to the mass-consumption establishments promoting irresponsible drinking. I hope it’s the start of a lasting trend.”

I really hope so.