Blagrave Arms

I can't believe I used to live out near Birmingham! This place has me questioning why anyone gay would move here, save to be near London for a job and clubs there. Staff are all fat for one. Don't get me wrong I have come in over the course of a year and they seem to start ok and just balloon outw read moreI can't believe I used to live out near Birmingham! This place has me questioning why anyone gay would move here, save to be near London for a job and clubs there. Staff are all fat for one. Don't get me wrong I have come in over the course of a year and they seem to start ok and just balloon outwards. OK for some I guess. Staff are also kinda rude, several times I left wanting to shout "what did I just come in here with a dildo strapped to my head?" Its their 'patented' combination of ignoring the customer and giving sly glances at you all at once. Half expect them to jump out with a cattle gun sometimes, save that would at least be amusing to watch them try and jump. Reading has 300,000 and more people, and this is the only place to go out? I'll stick with the turtle thanks!

Full disclosure: My husband and I had a Groupon deal for this visit. First up, the positives: The guy behind the bar was really lovely, the decor is pretty nice, and the pizza is AMAZING. Their food prices are really reasonable from what I saw, and the other dishes I spotted going out to other tab read moreFull disclosure: My husband and I had a Groupon deal for this visit. First up, the positives: The guy behind the bar was really lovely, the decor is pretty nice, and the pizza is AMAZING. Their food prices are really reasonable from what I saw, and the other dishes I spotted going out to other tables looked pretty great too. Now (my personal) negatives: The beer selection on tap is pretty standard, I prefer to see more ales, craft beers and interesting/different drink options. It's also not overly clear that they serve food at all - there are no menus on the tables, for example - it just looks like a regular pub. Also the music was super basic pop/EDM which is really not my style, I assume they play other stuff on different nights. I do need to reiterate as my finish though, that the pizza was REALLY GOOD - 9.5/10 for the pizza alone

Gay friendly but totally inclusive. Good music