Great Expectations

Reviews

• Thomas M.

  star star star star star_border 11 June 2026

  The Great Expectations (Relax Innz) in Reading is a pleasant budget hotel, but its not just any budget hotel: It has a history. As the name implies, there's a connection to Charles Dickens, the premier English novelist of the 19th century. He used to give public speeches in this building - because he was not just any old novelist, but an advocate for social and economic reform in the difficult days of the English industrial revolution.
  
  As one may expect, the owners of the "Great Expectations" hotel exploit that history to some extent, but that extent is limited to the large and scenic pub that takes up the entire ground floor of the building. This is also where breakfast is being served (in the back room next to the bar area, i.e.). The rooms themselves are not "themed" in any way, but rather typical British **/*** budget hotel standard. I stayed at the "Great Expectations" twice while visiting the annual CAMRA Reading Beer & Cider Festival - and was incidentally given the same room on both occasions. Room 15, as I recall (single room with a king-size bed). The furniture was adequate (large closet included) but a bit tattered, the bed comfy enough and a plush carpet with several big stains in it (I had the room twice, two years apart: the second time, the stains were still there). But certainly good enough to stay the night(s), and safe, too (a separate, locked door leads to the stairs to the hotel on the upper floors before you enter the pub).
  
  A decent enough continental breakfast buffet was included in the room price, one that will especially appeal to those who love different cereals - of which there were plenty. If I had a comment, it would be that the "fresh" coffee that was oxidizing into oblivion on the machine was virtually undrinkable. So I suggest you choose tea instead. ;)
  
  The bathroom, like the room itself, was hardly modern, with a few cracks here and there from decades of use, but clean. And kept that way by the invisible room service during both my stays.
  
  The pub is certainly a superior waterhole in the evening, but closes rather early. They have a full bar and several real ales on hand pumps.
  
  The "Great Expectations" is conveniently located opposite The Oracle shopping centre, which is the heart and soul of modern Reading. It's also just a 10 minute walk from Reading Station.
  
  So I would offer a qualified recommendation for this place. Qualified because the rooms are a little worn out. But you get what you pay for, and you could certainly do much worse for this kind of money.

• Wendy H.

  star star star star_border star_border 7 June 2026

  In its short lifetime of 169 years, 33 London street, has hosted diverse cultural activities - an educational institute, theatre, church then pub. It's now the "Great Expectations" pub and hotel, names after the Charles Dicken's book because at hte building's opening in 1843 Charles Dickens read from his work. Some sources say he read from "Great Expectations" and others "Pickwick papers".
  
  The current owners have maintained some of the 'feel' of the original architecture in two rooms at the front of the pub. As you move towards the back the rooms have been opened up, there's a pool table in rooms with low ceilings and a generally cosey atmosphere. I suspect the place comes alive in the evenings with youngsters. During the day it's often pleasantly quiet, easy to look around and find a good seat.
  
  The different spaces, rooms, make it a great place for groups to meet. I've tended to meet with friends here mid-afternoon to pass the time planning subsersive events and vacations.
  
  The food cheap and cheerful comfort food, I've had some good jacket (baked) potatoes with cheese and beans here. Yummy!
  
  I think they have wireless interent in the bar (saw a base station) but I'm not sure, I'll check next time I'm there with friends planning the overthrough of my kitchen.

• Craig M.

  star star star star star_border 5 June 2026

  Great pub this.
  
  Being hidden on London Road, you tend not to see many of the Reading chumps that make a mess of Friar St and the Oracle in here. A friendly, young crowd is the norm.
  
  Big and spacious, you'll find a seat if you want one. The food is nothing to write home about but will do a job.
  
  Come the weekends, this tends to be the stop-off en route to the After Dark club further up the road.

• Aleksandra B.

  star star star star star 2 June 2026

  This is my favourite pub in the whole wide world. Seriously. If you are in Reading then go here. And if you live in Reading then you will have no doubt heard about this place and frequented it already. Named after the famous novel, as any fan of literature or indeed anyone who paid attention will know, this pub has so much character and is as grand as Mrs Faversham, i.e you can still let your hair down in there, even if it appears a little imposing.
  
  I have so many great memories from here, from becoming very friendly with the great owner 'IAAAANNN' to drinking the bar dry at birthday outings, to sitting on the carpetted area outside the toilets and having deep conversations with friends. Also, scrambling for the sofa area, where you could comfortably fit a large group of people and feel like you were having a private party. The parts of the pub are named aptly after places in the book. There is even a cobbled style road running through it. They also have LOADS of books in there, if you wanted to go and read (in the day mind) it would also be the perfect place for a cup of tea and a good book. Oh and the cheesy chips and big sarnies were exquisite. A really good pub, one not too be missed when in Reading.
  
  It is also a hotel, but I have never stayed the night. But I bet it would be really fun!

• Sumina B.

  star star star star star_border 2 June 2026

  Had a great visit here on our recent trip. Very cozy with several areas to hang out in. Plenty of room as well.
  
  Loved the several couches, large chairs, and plenty of nooks and crannies to hide in if you so desire.
  
  We had a couple of pints and a roast meal if I remember correctly. Fun times! Our local cousin recommend the place, and I agree, it was a very typical pub. Apparently there is some tie into the book, but I couldn't tell if Dickens actually visited the place, or if that was just the rumor.