Berkshire


<h2 class="wp-block-heading">THE LOWDOWN</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2019/01/9-1000x667.jpg" alt="Corn Stores Reading Exterior or building" class="wp-image-52678" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2019/01/9-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2019/01/9-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2019/01/9-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2019/01/9-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2019/01/9-788x525.jpg 788w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2019/01/9.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Lurking among the high-rise, offices and high street mega chains, there&#8217;s a cooler side to Reading lurking in the shadows. OK so not in the shadows, but there are a pick and mix of bars, cafes, restaurants and funky&nbsp;work spaces emerging – and the town centre is all the better for it. </p>



<p><a href="https://www.thecornstoresreading.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Corn Stores</a> – part of the Rarebreed Dining Group – is Grade II listed Reading establishment that was used for storing corn, it then became a pub, before Rarebreed Dining Group got their mitts on it in 2018 and gave it the ultimate glamover. Corn Stores now boasts a stylish cocktail bar, steak restaurant (there are three others in the group) and a top floor lounge with private bar for Members and private occasions.A short walk from Reading Station, minutes from The Oracle, this three-storey fun palace is the place to be for cocktail lovers and carnivores.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">THE VIBE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/06/The-Corn-Stores-bar-3.jpg" alt="Corn Stores Reading cocktail bar Berkshire" class="wp-image-52622" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/06/The-Corn-Stores-bar-3.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/06/The-Corn-Stores-bar-3-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/06/The-Corn-Stores-bar-3-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/06/The-Corn-Stores-bar-3-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/06/The-Corn-Stores-bar-3-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/06/The-Corn-Stores-bar-3-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Relaxed, friendly with so&nbsp;many interior goals it&#8217;s hard to know where to begin. The outside may say town pub, the inside tells an altogether different story. It oozes understated glamour. Grown up and very chic. If <em>Mad Men</em>&#8216;s Betty Draper and&nbsp;Joan Holloway were&nbsp;looking for a hangout, this would be it. Super-chic.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/05/The-Corn-Stores_restaurant.jpg" alt="The Corn Stores_restaurant" class="wp-image-52415" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/05/The-Corn-Stores_restaurant.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/05/The-Corn-Stores_restaurant-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/05/The-Corn-Stores_restaurant-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/05/The-Corn-Stores_restaurant-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/05/The-Corn-Stores_restaurant-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/05/The-Corn-Stores_restaurant-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Aside from the fact that I want the geometric tiles and velvet bar stool in my kitchen, the vibe here is buzzy and unpretentious. You&#8217;re just as likely to grab a bar snack&nbsp;with your kids by day as you are sling on your a pair of heels for a big night out. The cocktail bar is located on the ground floor, so you can make your way through the brilliant bar menu packed with lots of British wines, craft lagers and&nbsp;classic and signature cocktails. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="642" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/06/TCSloungewide-e1686746294843.jpg" alt="The Corn Stores Reading top floor bar" class="wp-image-52707" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/06/TCSloungewide-e1686746294843.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/06/TCSloungewide-e1686746294843-800x514.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/06/TCSloungewide-e1686746294843-400x257.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/06/TCSloungewide-e1686746294843-768x493.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/06/TCSloungewide-e1686746294843-818x525.jpg 818w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>On the first floor is a stunning restaurant with a large open-plan dining space, industrial touches&nbsp;mixed with plush&nbsp;velvet and leather seating. The service is first class. Well informed and passionate without being annoying. The speciality here is beef. It is a steak restaurant after all and if you need a reminder, the different cuts of beef are on display as you walk in. Veggies and vegans are catered for, but the choice is&nbsp;limited. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">SCOFF &amp; QUAFF</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2019/01/8.jpg" alt="The Corn Stores Dry aged beef" class="wp-image-52690" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2019/01/8.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2019/01/8-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2019/01/8-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2019/01/8-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2019/01/8-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2019/01/8-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>The speciality here is steak, with a variety of sizes, cuts and sauces giving you the wink. The emphasis is on quality cuts, cooked to maximise flavour from each piece of beef which they butcher, dry-age and smoke themselves. Spoiler alert, it&#8217;s good… really good. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2019/01/2.jpg" alt="Heritage tomato salad The Corn Stores Reading Berkshire" class="wp-image-52684" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2019/01/2.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2019/01/2-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2019/01/2-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2019/01/2-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2019/01/2-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2019/01/2-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Napkin tucked in, we&#8217;re going in… To start, I devoured the vegan heritage tomato and vegan feta, basil dressing, with shards of crispy bread wafers for texture. A vegan dish in a steak restaurant? Unexpected but life is all about balance. Honestly, if I had only eaten this I would have left giddy. It was light, balanced and delicious. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2019/01/4.jpg" alt="Prawn and Foccacia The Corn Stores Reading Berkshire" class="wp-image-52686" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2019/01/4.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2019/01/4-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2019/01/4-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2019/01/4-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2019/01/4-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2019/01/4-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>My date (the husband) can&#8217;t pass a prawn on a menu without ordering it. So pan-fried prawns with toasted foccacia were swiftly requested and devoured in, ooh, about two minutes &nbsp;Clean plates all round and, despite the simple ingredients, wow, did they pack a punch.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2019/01/3.jpg" alt="Chateaubriand steak The Corn Stores Reading Berkshire" class="wp-image-52685" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2019/01/3.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2019/01/3-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2019/01/3-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2019/01/3-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2019/01/3-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2019/01/3-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>The specials are well worth a gander. A selection of steaks with some big boys on there for the super hungry and sharing dishes of Chateaubriand, surf and turf and tomahawks. We opted for the Chateaubriand served with two sauces of your choice – chimichurri and peppercorn, in our case (Café de Paris butter and red wine jus are also available). Sides are extra opted for fries, mushrooms and broccoli with chilli. Melt in the mouth. The serving was big, perfectly pink and melt in your mouth. Like all epic steaks should be. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2019/01/5.jpg" alt="millefeuille The Corn Stores Reading Berkshire" class="wp-image-52687" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2019/01/5.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2019/01/5-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2019/01/5-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2019/01/5-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2019/01/5-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2019/01/5-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>I was defeated for pud, but the husband never lets the side down. Who could resist the spring berry millefeuille, with crème pat, marinated berries and lemon sorbet. The biggest surprise? It&#8217;s another vegan belter. So fresh, indulgent and sweet. Yum. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/05/The-Corn-Stores_cocktail.jpg" alt="Old fashioned corn Stores Reading Berkshire" class="wp-image-52414" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/05/The-Corn-Stores_cocktail.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/05/The-Corn-Stores_cocktail-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/05/The-Corn-Stores_cocktail-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/05/The-Corn-Stores_cocktail-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/05/The-Corn-Stores_cocktail-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/05/The-Corn-Stores_cocktail-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Let&#8217;s talks drinks, because the cocktails, wines and beers are well considered. English wines are abundant – the Chapel Down Brut was delicious glass of bubbles and a delicious glass of Picpoul de Pinet. The husband had a cheeky Smoked Maple Old Fashioned followed by his new favourite alcohol-free beer – Pine Trail Pale Ale. It&#8217;s an interesting list and the mixologists will leave you shaken and stirred. Taxiiiii!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">OUT &amp; ABOUT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2020/10/Reading-Forbury-Gardens-COPYRIGHT-Muddy-Stilettos.jpg" alt="Reading Forbury Gardens COPYRIGHT Muddy Stilettos" class="wp-image-30632" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2020/10/Reading-Forbury-Gardens-COPYRIGHT-Muddy-Stilettos.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2020/10/Reading-Forbury-Gardens-COPYRIGHT-Muddy-Stilettos-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2020/10/Reading-Forbury-Gardens-COPYRIGHT-Muddy-Stilettos-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2020/10/Reading-Forbury-Gardens-COPYRIGHT-Muddy-Stilettos-150x100.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2020/10/Reading-Forbury-Gardens-COPYRIGHT-Muddy-Stilettos-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2020/10/Reading-Forbury-Gardens-COPYRIGHT-Muddy-Stilettos-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Reading&#8217;s iconic and pretty Forbury Gardens are just around the corner with the Abbey Ruins providing the dramatic backdrop for outdoors theatre during the summer months. The shopping&#8217;s pretty good, too, albeit largely high street chains. There&#8217;s&nbsp;a large Zara, John Lewis, Apple Store and Nespresso boutique. Culture vultures are spoilt for choice with many brilliant shows and top notch comedian appearing at The Hexagon and South Street Arts Centre. Don&#8217;t forget the river offers a lovely towpath walk with the added bonus of Lycra-clad rowers gliding past with a hint of six pack to catch your eye.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2019/01/7.jpg" alt="Pretty loos at The Corn Stores Reading Berkshire" class="wp-image-52689" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2019/01/7.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2019/01/7-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2019/01/7-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2019/01/7-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2019/01/7-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2019/01/7-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p><strong>Good for: </strong>Carnivores! Meat is the star of the show for diners on dates with mates or celebrating a special occasion. Kids are welcome but, call me an old bag, I wouldn&#8217;t waste steak this good on their uneducated palates.</p>



<p><strong>Not for: </strong>Veggies might find the meat feast hard to swallow.&nbsp;Anyone&nbsp;wanting a garden and a pretty outlook. This is a town centre venue&nbsp;and all the beauty is inside. </p>



<p><strong>The Damage</strong>: Good for food of this quality. Bar snacks and lites bites are priced £4.50 to £8; starters from £10; non steaky mains are £18-ish. Steaks start at £23 for a 250g Flat Iron to £38 for a 280g Ribeye on the main menu, but if you&#8217;re seduced by the the premium cuts specials menu a weighty 1.5kg of Tomahawk will set you back £150. Puds are £8-ish.</p>



<p><em><a href="https://www.thecornstoresreading.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Corn Stores</a>, 10 Forbury Road, Reading RG1 1SB. Tel:&nbsp;0118 324 6768.</em></p>


Review: The Corn Stores, Reading

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