Berkshire


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-lowdown">THE LOWDOWN</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/12/lidonightpool-3-copy.jpg" alt="Thames Lido Reading" class="wp-image-58490" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/12/lidonightpool-3-copy.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/12/lidonightpool-3-copy-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/12/lidonightpool-3-copy-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/12/lidonightpool-3-copy-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/12/lidonightpool-3-copy-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Muddy award-winning spa,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thameslido.com/">Thames&nbsp;Lido</a>, is quirky, unique, and just pretty damn cool. Having reopened in 2017 after a hugeeee £3.5 million renovation, the Edwardian Lido and grade II listed building was restored to its former glory and then some. Now, it&#8217;s a membership holder&#8217;s hotspot and swish restaurant, welcoming guests for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a variety of value spa packages for non-members. It&#8217;s sandwiched between Reading train station and the River Thames &#8211; a welcome oasis of calm in a bustling town.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-vibe">THE VIBE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/11/lidoxmas-1024x683-1.jpeg" alt="Thames Lido Reading" class="wp-image-58336" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/11/lidoxmas-1024x683-1.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/11/lidoxmas-1024x683-1-800x534.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/11/lidoxmas-1024x683-1-400x267.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/11/lidoxmas-1024x683-1-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/11/lidoxmas-1024x683-1-787x525.jpeg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Holidayyyyyyy! I&#8217;ve a feeling we&#8217;re not in Reading anymore Toto. Really. You would never think you&#8217;re slap bang in hustle and bustle central. The vibe is chilled and unpretentious &#8211; an urban retreat in every sense of the word. </p>



<p>The décor is almost scandi in style with simple lines, and exposed wood and brick. Inside there are numerous nods to its Edwardian past too. Green tiling and vintage sign work, plus irresistibly modish floor to ceiling windows giving you a panoramic view of the real star of the show. Outside was giving vintage Lido vibes and there was a non-stop flow of swimmers careening past in their bathers. As I watched the steam rise into the frosty night air, even I was tempted to throw caution to the wind and dive into the 24-26 degrees celsius heated pool, muddy stilettos on or not. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="999" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/12/Thames-lido-7.png" alt="Thames Lido Reading" class="wp-image-58528" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/12/Thames-lido-7.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/12/Thames-lido-7-800x800.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/12/Thames-lido-7-400x400.png 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/12/Thames-lido-7-768x767.png 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/12/Thames-lido-7-526x525.png 526w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/12/Thames-lido-7-500x500.png 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>At the time of visit, the Lido was also gorgeously decked out for Christmas with hanging string lights, garland wreaths, grand Christmas trees adorned with enormous white stars, and my personal favourite &#8211; mini vertical trees hanging over the pool outside. It gave the place a real sense of magic &#8211; a perfect backdrop for any stylish festive shindig.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="999" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/12/Thames-lido-8.png" alt="Thames Lido Reading" class="wp-image-58529" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/12/Thames-lido-8.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/12/Thames-lido-8-800x800.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/12/Thames-lido-8-400x400.png 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/12/Thames-lido-8-768x767.png 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/12/Thames-lido-8-526x525.png 526w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/12/Thames-lido-8-500x500.png 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The lighting was atmospheric and cosy, with real candle pillars on each table adding a lovely intimate touch to what is largely one big open space. Our fellow diners were everything from groups of friends having a pre-Christmas catch-up to dates, mums and sons, to larger party tables. It&#8217;s an eatery that caters to a range of grazers.</p>



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/12/THames-Lido-5.jpg" alt="Thames Lido Reading" class="wp-image-58488" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/12/THames-Lido-5.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/12/THames-Lido-5-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/12/THames-Lido-5-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/12/THames-Lido-5-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/12/THames-Lido-5-700x525.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>No turkey and figgy pud here. First in line to taste test their new December Christmas menu, it was a welcome change from the classic fare served this time of year, sure to go down a treat with non-traditionalists who like to swerve the familiar festive nosh. Expect a Mediterranean and Spanish inspired offering with herby, spicy, and sumptuously buttery flavourings. Mmm mmm.</p>



<p>After nibbling our way through some salted almonds for the table, we began with grilled quail, seasoned yoghurt, and toasted cumin. A bit like chicken wings but with a ton more flavour. The harissa and yoghurt that accompanied &#8211; the dream team duo &#8211; worked a treat. It was a little fiddly getting the meat off the bones, but that&#8217;s half the fun, eh? Tasty, fresh, and perfectly proportioned.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/12/Thames-Lido-2.jpg" alt="Thames Lido Reading" class="wp-image-58485" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/12/Thames-Lido-2.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/12/Thames-Lido-2-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/12/Thames-Lido-2-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/12/Thames-Lido-2-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/12/Thames-Lido-2-700x525.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Next up I opted for slow cooked ox cheeks with white beans, migas (a tex-mex egg scramble), winter greens, and salsa verde. Forget the knife for this one. One prod of the fork and it simply fell apart. The meat was tender and beautifully cooked. I enjoyed the flavour but would say it did start to get a bit samey towards the end. Having said that, I really enjoyed it and it wouldn&#8217;t stop me ordering it again.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/12/Thames-Lido-1.jpg" alt="Thames Lido Reading" class="wp-image-58484" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/12/Thames-Lido-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/12/Thames-Lido-1-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/12/Thames-Lido-1-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/12/Thames-Lido-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/12/Thames-Lido-1-700x525.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Meanwhile, my fellow foodie critic opted for whole plaice with tenderstem broccoli and mashed potato purée. Having been initially worried about how boney it may be, the main bone structure was largely in one piece which made it easy to eat unlike some fish. I was told it was super tasty and light (my friend was definitely on better form to tackle the pudding course after than me). Plus the chef was happy to remove the head if that kinda thing gives you the ick.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/12/Thames-Lido-6.jpg" alt="Thames Lido Reading" class="wp-image-58489" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/12/Thames-Lido-6.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/12/Thames-Lido-6-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/12/Thames-Lido-6-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/12/Thames-Lido-6-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/12/Thames-Lido-6-700x525.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>If I&#8217;d made for the pool at this point, I would have quite frankly sunk like an oversized paper weight. But like the trooper I am, I gratefully accepted the pudding menu with my unconquered head held high. Although I was v-e-r-y tempted by the house churned Lido ice-creams and sorbets, the choccy pud had my name on it. My dinner date opted for burnt Basque style cheesecake and wood roast quince which was totally dreamy. It&#8217;s exactly what you&#8217;d want from a cheesecake. Soft, creamy, and delish.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/12/Thames-lido-4.jpg" alt="Thames Lido Reading" class="wp-image-58487" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/12/Thames-lido-4.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/12/Thames-lido-4-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/12/Thames-lido-4-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/12/Thames-lido-4-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/12/Thames-lido-4-700x525.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>My bitter chocolate and cardamom torte with crème fraîche and griottines cherries in kirsch and almond praline was a generous slab of pud, but although it may have looked dense, it just melted in the mouth. I could have devoured another piece had I not been on the brink of internal combustion. The crème fraîche worked so well with it too, giving a neat undertone flavouring of cherry. </p>



<p>We both agreed pudding was our favourite course, which is not usually the case for me. So essentially, make sure you&#8217;re donning those elasticated trousers because the puddings here are a must. In terms of service, the staff were attentive and super friendly, making you feel welcome and settled from the get go. The drinks menu was great too, offering your usual suspects like wine, local beers, spirits, plus plenty of cocktails and tempting non-alcoholic options for designated drivers. Overall, it was a fabulous dining experience, so much so, we were already making plans for our return visit before the bill had even arrived.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-accessibility">ACCESSIBILITY</h2>



<p>Thames Lido is all on one level at ground floor with a paved path leading from the carpark for easy wheelchair and pushchair access. Tables are spaced out and the restaurant is able to fully accommodate those with mobility issues. This goes for pool use too.</p>



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/12/LidoJune15th-131.jpg" alt="Thames Lido Reading" class="wp-image-58496" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/12/LidoJune15th-131.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/12/LidoJune15th-131-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/12/LidoJune15th-131-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/12/LidoJune15th-131-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/12/LidoJune15th-131-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Slap-bang in central Reading &#8211; a wealth of fun is at your fingertips. If you&#8217;re not spending the day lounging around the Lido with its heated pool or grabbing a luscious spa treatment, hit the high street for some big name shopping. At the moment, Reading Winter Wonderland is just a stones throw away if you fancy a spin on the ferris wheel after your three course banquet&#8230; or not. See you at the après&nbsp;ski bar.</p>



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



<p><strong>Good for:</strong> Mates and dates! Catch up over a cocktail and tantalising flavours in super trendy surrounds that will appeal to just about everyone. </p>



<p><strong>Not for</strong>: There&#8217;s no kids menu so the younger ones may struggle. No vegan options either but email ahead and they&#8217;d be happy to accommodate. </p>



<p><strong>The damage</strong>: Decent value. The Christmas two course meal will set you back £32 on Mon &#8211; Tues, or £40 Wed &#8211; Sun. Three courses for £38 or £45 for the same days.</p>



<p><em><a href="http://www.thameslido.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Thames Lido</a>,&nbsp;Napier Rd, Reading RG1 8FR. Tel:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&amp;rls=en&amp;q=thames+Lido&amp;ie=UTF-8&amp;oe=UTF-8#">0118 207 0640</a></em></p>


Review: Thames Lido, Reading

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