Food and drink

Sam Scott has taken over The Blagrave Arms which he is turning back into a traditional pub
advertisement

‘Pop in to The Blagrave for a pint and chat’

By Alan Bunce
October 20, 2010

A new era has begun for one of the town centre’s traditional pubs – by going back to basics.

The Blagrave Arms in Blagrave Street was closed in July after its licence was suspended. It had trouble with fights and twice failed test purchases by 15-year-olds who were not asked for ID.

Now the pub has been reopened by Sam Scott, a former chef at the Leander Club at Henley, who more recently held managerial roles at Giraffe in The Oracle, Zero Degrees in Reading town centre and the George and Dragon at Wargrave.

He has got rid of the TVs, fruit machines, jukebox and pool table and wants to return the pub to its traditional image as a friendly place to drink with an open fire, newspapers, homemade rolls and snacks, such as pork scratchings from a local butcher, and four real ales, two of which will be local.

He promises great wines, ciders and lagers but no Fosters, Stella or alcopops.

Former Chiltern Edge student Mr Scott, 25, submitted his plans to owner Trust Inns which liked his ideas, and he has already had positive comments from new customers.

He said: “It was quite a daunting task, especially when I got into the building. It was in quite a state.

“But lots of people have been popping in from Apex Plaza and they have been happy that we are open and it’s a lot cleaner.”

He plans quizzes, board games and a darts team, and there may be occasional live music.

The pub opens every day from noon. Members of CAMRA have been in and liked the new image.

Mr Scott said: “The town is crying out for somewhere that is just a nice pub. Friar Street is great for students and that’s great for partying, dancing and whatever but there aren’t many places where older people can go for a nice drink on a Friday night.”

readingeditorial@trinitysouth.co.uk

| View Comments (24)

« Previous Story | Next Story »

We are no longer accepting comments on this article.

Most recent user comments 15 of 24

1 | 2 | Next Page Show 15 | 25 | 50 per page

Do they still sing "The Fields Of Athenry" at chucking out time ?

I Ron
21/10/2010 at 14:05

Could be a go-er for me. I stopped going in there years ago when the tellies went in. Good Luck. reynard, calcot

The tellies went in over 10 years ago.

Bushes Bernal, The Hop Leaf
21/10/2010 at 10:01

No TVs, fruit machines, jukebox and pool table ... Just a quiet pub with no herberts ... sounds almost too good to be true

The Racing Snake
20/10/2010 at 23:58

I managed to slip in a sly one tonight and am pleased to report of no undesirables. More importantly, the beer tasted like it should.

IB Fudger
20/10/2010 at 22:56

I really wish this young chap lots and lots of luck. It will be wonderful to have a "real" pub that's worth visiting in Reading. I like the sound of his plans for the pub.

tilehurst tottie, Tilehurst
20/10/2010 at 18:26

Could be a go-er for me. I stopped going in there years ago when the tellies went in. Good Luck.

reynard, calcot
20/10/2010 at 16:59

"Fair enough, shall give it a try again too."

You're forgetting you'll need some friends though Bushes. Millicent Reeves, Twyford

What an odd statement to make.

Bushes Bernal, The Hop Leaf
20/10/2010 at 15:58

Could do with a football friendly pub on Reading matchdays so the Rising Sun it will have to be!

Will give the Blagrave a try on a non-matchday.

RYF, Royal County of Berkshire
20/10/2010 at 15:43

"Fair enough, shall give it a try again too."

You're forgetting you'll need some friends though Bushes.

Millicent Reeves, Twyford
20/10/2010 at 15:33

Some friends and I were in there on Saturday night after the bouncer mentioned as we walked past that it was under new management.

Sofa, fire, good beer, friendly staff, plus a surprising lack of idiots for a town centre pub. All good, really. Someone From Reading

Fair enough, shall give it a try again too.

Bushes Bernal, The Hop Leaf
20/10/2010 at 15:28

Someone From Reading
20/10/2010 at 15:04

Well it'll be rude not to at least try it out again. It can only be better than it was a few months back.

IB Fudger
20/10/2010 at 15:02

'no scrotes, Bushes prefers the all female bars?

reading bedding
20/10/2010 at 15:01

They never seem to get it right. There is a happy medium to be had with fruit machines and a tv screen and a pool table. What most pubs and clubs need is strong management to keep out the scrotes. It really is that simple.

I remember on one occasion over the last few years in the Blagrave where a bunch of lads were lagered up and kept disappearing into the bogs to snort up whatever drug they had. I had a quiet with the then landlord who while agreeing it was wrong just kept on taking their money. My response was to not go back.

Strong management, protect and attract a decent customer, no scrotes.

Bushes Bernal, The Hop Leaf
20/10/2010 at 14:47

All the old Chavantel who were drinking here before it closed have now moved to the rising sun around the corner. I think they have even brought the pool table. I will be in for a pint but it will do well to beat the corn stores. Maybe he is hoping all the Monks alcoholics will come for a chat.