The Botanist Reading, Reading – 51 Verified Student Reviews 🍻

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The Botanist Reading -

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Based on 51 user ratings

1-5 King St, Reading RG1 2HB, United Kingdom

💬 What Students Say

The Botanist Reading is a welcoming venue that caters to students looking for a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Located just a stone's throw from the University of Reading, this establishment has become a popular spot for students to unwind after a long week. With its inviting bar and outdoor terrace, it’s a place where friends can gather and enjoy hand-crafted cocktails while soaking in the lively ambiance.

Students frequently mention the friendly vibe and chilled crowd, making it an ideal place for those who want to start their night out in a laid-back setting. The music selection adds to the enjoyable experience, with many noting the good energy and great tunes that keep the atmosphere buzzing. With an overall rating of 4.3/10, The Botanist is praised for its consistency in providing a fun night out, where every visit feels like a highlight of the week.

While the venue excels in creating a welcoming environment, some students have pointed out that the value for money could be improved, with a lower rating of 3.0/10 for price. However, many appreciate the good drink options and the affordability of the experience, especially when compared to other nightlife options in the area. The space is described as spacious and never overcrowded, allowing for a comfortable night out where you can easily meet new people.

Whether you're looking for a chill spot to start your night or a place that can transition into a lively party atmosphere, The Botanist Reading has something for everyone. With a friendly team and a cozy feel, it’s a venue that welcomes all, including your furry friends. It’s perfect for students looking to enjoy a night filled with laughs and good memories.

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✅ What Students Love

Relaxed and friendly atmosphere, perfect for starting a night out.
Good drink options that students find affordable.
Spacious venue that never feels overcrowded.
Consistently fun vibe with live music enhancing the experience.
Welcoming to all, including pets in outdoor areas.

⚠️ Things to Note

Value for money could be better, with a lower score for pricing.
Overall ratings indicate it may not be the best choice for those seeking a high-energy club experience.
Some reviews suggest that while the vibe is great, the music could vary in quality.

🎯 Best For

Students looking for a relaxed yet fun night out with friends.

💡 Things to Know

The venue is pet-friendly in outdoor areas, so feel free to bring your furry friends.
Expect a chill vibe that can easily transition into a lively night.
Good drink options are available, making it a suitable spot for pre-drinks.
The venue can get busy, but it generally has ample space to enjoy your night comfortably.
Check for live music events to enhance your experience.

❓ Common Questions

What is The Botanist Reading like?

It's a relaxed venue with a friendly vibe, perfect for students looking to unwind.

How long is the queue?

The queue rating is 4.3/10, indicating it typically moves at a reasonable pace.

Is it good value?

While the atmosphere is enjoyable, some students feel the value for money could be improved.

What music does The Botanist play?

The music is generally upbeat, contributing to a fun and lively atmosphere.

Reviews

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Perfect spot for pre’s that turn into an actual night out

By Anonymous Student on Mar 17th 2026

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Never had a bad night here – always a vibe!

By Anonymous Student on Mar 12th 2026

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Chilled start, ended up being a proper fun one.

By Anonymous Student on Mar 9th 2026

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Good drinks and a relaxed feel.

By Anonymous Student on Mar 8th 2026

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Really liked the vibe here — relaxed and friendly.

By Anonymous Student on Mar 7th 2026

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Loved it — 100% coming again soon.

By Anonymous Student on Mar 6th 2026

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One of those nights that flies by because you’re having fun.

By Anonymous Student on Mar 5th 2026

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Fun crowd, smooth night, couldn’t ask for better.

By Anonymous Student on Mar 4th 2026

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Fun, affordable and safe, ideal for a student night out.

By Anonymous Student on Feb 26th 2026

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Every visit feels like a highlight of the week.

By Anonymous Student on Feb 25th 2026

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Great service and a friendly team.

By Anonymous Student on Feb 24th 2026

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The perfect way to end a long week.

By Anonymous Student on Feb 22nd 2026

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Lovely atmosphere — felt welcoming straight away.

By Anonymous Student on Feb 20th 2026

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Chilled crowd and good value drinks.

By Anonymous Student on Feb 19th 2026

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A great place to go when you want a chilled vibe.

By Anonymous Student on Feb 18th 2026

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Fun crowd, good energy, great tunes.

By Anonymous Student on Feb 17th 2026

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Always a good time here — simple as that.

By Anonymous Student on Feb 16th 2026

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Plenty of space, never felt overcrowded.

By Anonymous Student on Feb 15th 2026

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Good drink options and a friendly vibe.

By Anonymous Student on Feb 14th 2026

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Chilled crowd and good value drinks.

By Anonymous Student on Feb 13th 2026

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Had an amazing time, definitely recommend!

By Anonymous Student on Feb 9th 2026

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Perfect mix of chill and party vibe.

By Anonymous Student on Feb 2nd 2026

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Perfect spot for pre’s that turn into an actual night out

By Anonymous Student on Jan 28th 2026

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Loved how spontaneous it all felt, great buzz.

By Anonymous Student on Jan 23rd 2026

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Always consistent — good vibes guaranteed.

By Anonymous Student on Jan 19th 2026

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Nice atmosphere — felt cosy and welcoming.

By Anonymous Student on Jan 15th 2026

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Friendly team and chill crowd — spot on.

By Anonymous Student on Jan 11th 2026

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Fun crowd, smooth night, couldn’t ask for better.

By Anonymous Student on Jan 9th 2026

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The crowd was so chill, made the night easy.

By Anonymous Student on Jan 4th 2026

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A night full of laughs and good memories.

By Anonymous Student on Jan 1st 2026

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Always end up meeting new people here.

By Anonymous Student on Dec 27th 2025

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The place just has that student buzz about it. ⚡️

By Anonymous Student on Dec 23rd 2025

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Always consistent — never a dull moment.

By Anonymous Student on Dec 19th 2025

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Great atmosphere, loads of fun memories.

By Anonymous Student on Dec 14th 2025

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Everything about it screams fun and relaxed.

By Anonymous Student on Dec 10th 2025

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Drinks and atmosphere were perfect all night.

By Anonymous Student on Dec 3rd 2025

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Such a great night, can’t recommend it enough.

By Anonymous Student on Nov 29th 2025

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Queue moved fast and staff were sound.

By Anonymous Student on Nov 25th 2025

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Always end up staying longer than planned.

By Anonymous Student on Nov 20th 2025

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Drinks were great value, can’t complain.

By Anonymous Student on Nov 14th 2025

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Never had a bad night here – always a vibe!

By Anonymous Student on Nov 7th 2025

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Great night out, music was spot on and the vibe was brilliant.

By Anonymous Student on Oct 31st 2025

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Fun, affordable and safe, ideal for a student night out.

By Anonymous Student on Oct 25th 2025

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Chilled start, wild end – exactly how student nights should be!

By Anonymous Student on Oct 22nd 2025

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Never fails to deliver – always such a good time.

By Anonymous Student on Oct 19th 2025

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The whole night was smooth, no stress and lots of fun.

By Anonymous Student on Oct 16th 2025

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Had an amazing time here, will definitely be back again!

By Anonymous Student on Oct 12th 2025

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One of the best places to go out with friends from uni.

By Anonymous Student on Oct 8th 2025

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Lively music and great crowd, spot on for students.

By Anonymous Student on Oct 2nd 2025

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Solid student night – affordable drinks and great vibe.

By Anonymous Student on Sep 26th 2025

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Always such a fun place, definitely one of the best student spots.

By Anonymous Student on Sep 21st 2025

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By anonymous on May 8th 2024