McCafferty's Bar Reading — Restaurant in Reading

I was due to meet some work colleagues here this evening. Having travelled for 40 mins to get to Reading; when I got to the door ID was demanded (despite no mention of this mandatory requirement on their website). I am 40 not 14! The door staff member then claimed i swore at him when I walked away. If i did swear then it was due to frustration of the situation (and clearly not aimed at a specific individual, as i did not hold any personal grudge having never met this gentleman before)!

It seems others have had this issue, which has been explained by management in response to the reviews as - "knowing who is in their venue, in case of emergency". I'm calling bull ** here - As people after me were let in with no ID and not logged on the computer.

They advertise "Welcoming those who are seeking a stylish, laid-back atmosphere with high-quality hospitality" - clearly the door staff are not used due dealing with clients who would normally fit this profile. Perhaps some staff training might help with this. Also an adjustment on the website would be appropriate - detailing the requirement for mandatory ID on arrival.

Even though multiple people already inside came out and spoke to me, it seemed that the door staff member was more interested in stamping authority rather than using any form of personnel judgement that had been applied to others entering the premises.

As a saving grace there are plenty of high quality establishments in Reading that will allow individual, well dressed, middle aged people to spend their money there.

Just avoid...

The bar is great, the owners are great people, the bar staff are also great. This is the bar my friends and I go the most.

But unfortunately the bouncers have always let this bar down. Previously one of them was overly aggressive, but he was fired eventually. Now the bouncers will let any girl under 30 completely jump the queue with their friends, while honest people wait in the cold. I've also seen on many occasions girls who are clearly under 16 being allowed in (and of course, allowed to jump the queue).

I don't know whether the owners read these reviews, but if you do. Please sort out your bouncers. It's getting harder to convince frustrated friends, that were also regular customers,...

Tried passing off some random energy drink as Red Bull when ordering my vodka & Red Bull, when asked where the can was the barmaid basically lied saying she’d already poured the Red Bull in….When I questioned this she repeatedly insured me she’d poured in the Red Bull! After 2-3 minutes she then informed me it wasn’t Red Bull as they don’t even sell it! I simply asked ‘why lie’ but apparently I was in the wrong for questioning this and was then refused to be served. Manager on duty was inexperienced as clearly didn’t handle the situation very well! Not once was I rude or aggressive! 🙁 Poor from the staff and management! Wouldn’t bother with this place! Slug and lettuce next door much...