The Gateway in Greyfriars Road is currently closed for refurbishment, led by new licensees Dave Kesterton and Jason Walters of Stormy Pub Company and Heineken-owned Star Pubs.
It will reopen later this month previous name, The Railway Tavern, with 12 jobs being created as part of the investment.
The Stormy Pub Company also runs The Victoria in Tilehurst, The Foresters Arms and The Mill House in Thatcham.
Mr Kesterton said: “There are lots of bars in Reading but no traditional pubs. With the new town centre development taking place opposite and the station walking distance, we wanted to offer residents, commuters and shoppers something different to what’s already available.
“The Railway Tavern will have great coffee in the day and live entertainment in the evening. The pub is in a fantastic location whether that’s for a drink, bite to eat, coffee or a fun evening.
“We’re looking forward to opening the doors with a full schedule of entertainment in the run up to Christmas which we’ll share more about nearer the time.
“I first moved to Reading in 2016 to run The Victoria for four weeks only.
“Nine years later and I am still here! Reading is a great place where people love to socialise, which is ideal for our latest venture which will give people even more reason to come out.”
The Gateway is to be refurbished and renamed The Railway by Jason Walters and Dave Kesterton. (Image: Sean Dillow, The Big Cheese Photography)
The Railway Tavern will have the look and feel of a classic London city pub with a bar, lounge and entertainment areas.
The large bar is being reduced in size to increase the pub’s capacity and provide flexibility for entertainment including dancing, live music on a Saturday, karaoke on a Sunday evening and a weekly fun quiz.
The interior décor will be completely overhauled, creating a fresh, modern yet cosy feel, with more soft furnishings to create a comfortable ambience.
The toilets will also be brought up to date.
The pub will reopen on Friday, November 28.
The project will see the pub frontage given a complete makeover in midnight blue and buff colours offset by black timber. New signage, lighting and hanging baskets will create a softer, smarter look.
What the pub, called The Railway Tavern, would look like in Greyfriars Road, Reading town centre after the revamp. (Image: Star Pubs)
Mr Kesterton said: “There are lots of bars in Reading but no premium pubs.
“We want to offer residents, commuters and shoppers something different to what’s already available in Reading, a more premium experience.”
Andrew Downie, business development manager at Star Pubs said: “Dave and Jason have been running the pub on a temporary basis for a number of months so have a real feel for the pub and its potential.
“They already know Reading and the surrounding area well, as they have a number of other different styles of pub in the vicinity, from a community local to a food pub, giving them all the know-how they need for The Railway Tavern.
“We’re delighted to be co-investing with Dave and Jason to give The Railway Tavern a new lease of life.”
