The Clifton Arms — Restaurant in Reading

My recent visit to The Clifton Arms was, unfortunately, an extremely disappointing experience. We decided to go as the bar-tending staff is always really friendly and it's usually a nice environment. I went there with a close friend to enjoy a night of playing pool, but what should have been a fun evening turned into a distressing encounter with xenophobia and unfair treatment.

As two young women, we were enjoying a private conversation in Spanish next to the men playing pool. However, a group of rude men took offense to this and randomly, aggressively confronted us, demanding that we "speak English" because "it's England." Their xenophobic remarks were not only inappropriate but also made us feel extremely uncomfortable and unwelcome.

To make matters worse, the owner of the pub did not take the time to investigate or understand the situation. Instead, she chose to side with the regulars, stating that it was "boys' night" and promptly kicked us out. This decision was deeply disappointing, as it showed a clear preference for the regulars over fair treatment of all patrons. It was evident that many other customers knew the men were in the wrong, yet the owner chose loyalty to the regulars over justice and inclusivity.

We decided to go to the other side of the pub to order two last beers (which by the way, we had only had half a pint of fosters in the night so far), and whilst being served the owner cut us off. Adding insult to injury. Not even the bartender knew why we had been cut off, but had to follow the owner's rules.

As a result, what should have been a pleasant evening turned into an unpleasant and upsetting experience. The lack of support and the blatant xenophobia approved by the owner encountered at The Clifton Arms have left a lasting negative impression. I would caution others, especially those who value inclusivity and respect, to reconsider visiting this establishment.

Overall, I hope the management of The Clifton Arms takes this feedback seriously and makes efforts to ensure that all patrons feel welcome and respected, regardless of their background or language. Until then, I cannot recommend this...

This is a pub of the older type. At first the local folks that go there will happily serve you a drink and will let you choose cash or card or most payments you like. The pub gives you options as to how to sign in. However, this pub is not recommended.

The pub does have an early digital style duke box inside it. You can play whatever song you like. If you are into Pool there is a pool table. If you play darts there is a darts board. You can even watch sports on the TV. The pub although I have not even drank a single pint of beer or larger or ale there. The pub does have some great selections of beer, ale or larger to choose from.

However, there is a draw back, although you can get to know the staff there and they are friendly initially the problem is that they will turn on you and become really unkind, unfriendly and disrespectful and intolerant of others.

The landlady there is called Shona who is cooperative, friendly, and genuinely cares about her customers because she wants to keep the pub going. However, the bar staff that work there, are most now but not when I first went there rude, aggressive, do not like you turning on or off the duke box because someone else is has put a song on that other people do not want to listen to.

If someone does turn off the duke box you as someone who listens to the duke box will become the target to blame. Therefore unless you want to go to this pub to watch football or sports I highly recommend another pub. This pub is not recommended and as another person has already stated it is Unfriendly and Awkward. I personally was told to shut my mouth by al least two of the staff there so I would not recommend...

Absolutely rubbish service, didn’t even serve us a drink but told the lady in front of us he would happily serve her. We weren’t locals so felt out of place, but we have recently moved into Wolsey Avenue and wanted to checkout our local. Won’t be returning anytime soon and will be recommending anyone else to go to the fox and hounds as it is a much friendlier pub. If I could rate is...