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The Castle Tap (Free House)

Beer (sort)Average Score (sort)No. Samples (sort)
Navigation - Black IPAExcellent1
Stealth (formerly Kennet & Avon) - HushExcellent1
Temperance Union - Fentimans Ginger BeerExcellent1
Theakston - PortergeistExcellent1
Blue Bee - Ginger BeerNot Tried0
Coley's - BitterNot Tried0
Craven - BlondeNot Tried0
Elusive - Green HopperNot Tried0
Twisted Angel - ImpalerNot Tried0
Picture 1. The Castle Tap, Reading, Berkshire

Visits Details

24 Oct 2025 (Magnus Greel)
Late afternoon in this delightful little pub, not too busy we occupied a table by the window and enjoyed our short but calm, quiet and relaxed stay.
BeerABVScoreNotes
Theakston - Portergeist4.20ExcellentA salted caramel porter with hints of toffee and chocolate with a smooth velvety mouthfeel.
Craven - Blonde4.00Not Tried
Elusive - Green Hopper4.90Not Tried
Coley's - Bitter4.00Not Tried
19 Jun 2018 (Stephen Harris)
This pleasant little pub was empty when I passed by at 2pm and still (or again) empty when I returned for a drink at 5pm.
BeerABVScoreNotes
Navigation - Black IPA4.80ExcellentJet black beer with a brown head. Massive hop nose, but hops less pronounced in the flavour. Smooth.
Stealth (formerly Kennet & Avon) - Hush3.80ExcellentA smooth, dry beer using Jester hops. Bitter fruit flavours.
Blue Bee - Ginger Beer4.50Not Tried
Twisted Angel - Impaler5.10Not Tried
04 Dec 2015 (Alenomore)
19:30 visit. First time here since it's bad old days as the H&J. Small crowd in and a decent range of ales on, some seasonal strong un's too.
BeerABVScoreNotes
Temperance Union - Fentimans Ginger Beer1.00ExcellentOne of my favourites!

About The Castle Tap

The pub sign. The Castle Tap, Reading, Berkshire

Summary of Beer Scores

 Total
Exceptional-
Excellent4
Good-
Acceptable-
Poor-

Website.

The pub is found in Reading, Berkshire, RG1 7RJ.

Formerly the Horse & Jockey, reopened summer 2015 after a decent clean up and general refurbishment. One large, open plan bar area, with tall ceilings and there original cast iron supports. An emphasis on conversation and traditional pub board games. LocAles, keg beers and well stocked fridges of foreign bottles on offer. Specialist cheese boards and platters for sharing also noted.

We have visited this pub 3 times, seen 9 different beers and tried 4 of them.

Map location

Postcode: RG1 7RJ