The Botanist Reading, Reading – 55 Verified Student Reviews 🍻

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infoImage credit: Photo via Google Maps

infoImage credit: Photo via Google Maps

infoImage credit: Photo via Google Maps

infoImage credit: Photo via Google Maps

The Botanist Reading -

Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking

Based on 55 user ratings

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

🕐 Opening Hours

Monday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM, Tuesday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM, Wednesday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM, Thursday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM, Friday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM, Saturday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM, Sunday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM

💬 What Students Say

The Botanist Reading, located at 1-5 King St, Reading, is a popular venue among students from the University of Reading, known for its inviting atmosphere and lively ambiance. With a well-deserved overall rating of 4.3 out of 5, this establishment has become a go-to spot for those looking to kick back with friends, enjoy good music, and indulge in delicious drinks. The venue is particularly praised for its cleanliness and the quality of its music, both rated at 4.4 out of 5, contributing to a delightful experience for all who visit.

As you step into The Botanist, you’ll immediately notice its warm and welcoming vibe. Reviewers frequently mention the friendly atmosphere, making it an ideal place to unwind after a long week. The venue features a spacious layout, which helps it avoid the cramped feeling that can often plague nightlife spots. Many students appreciate the relaxed crowd, which fosters a sense of community and enjoyment. This is not just a bar; it’s a place where you can truly feel at home, as reflected in numerous reviews highlighting the friendly staff and the inviting environment.

The music at The Botanist is another highlight, with many students noting that it’s always on point. The venue often hosts live music, creating a lively backdrop for your night out. This aspect sets it apart from many typical bars, as it offers an experience that feels special and engaging. The crowd is generally lively and enthusiastic, contributing to a fun atmosphere where everyone seems to be having a great time. Whether you’re there for a chill night with friends or gearing up for a full-blown night out, the music and ambiance make it a fitting choice.

When it comes to drinks, students find The Botanist to be reasonably priced. While the value rating sits at 3.0 out of 5, many reviews suggest that the drink prices are fair for the quality offered. Visitors often comment on the solid selection of hand-crafted cocktails and other beverages, making it a great place to start your night. The Botanist has become a favored spot for pre-drinks that seamlessly transition into a full night out, as many students have noted that it’s easy to lose track of time while enjoying the vibe and the drinks.

The queue experience at The Botanist is another positive aspect, with a rating of 4.3 out of 5 for how efficiently things flow. Students have reported that waiting times are generally manageable, allowing for a smooth entry into the venue. This is particularly appealing for those who want to avoid the hassle of long lines, which can often dampen the excitement of a night out. The efficient entry process contributes to the overall enjoyment of the experience, allowing you to dive right into the fun.

Reviewers frequently emphasize that The Botanist is a place where spontaneity thrives. Many students appreciate that it feels like anything can happen, making each visit unique and memorable. The atmosphere encourages socializing, and many have met cool people during their nights out, enhancing the overall experience. This sense of unpredictability adds to the charm of The Botanist, making it a favored choice for students looking for a lively night out.

However, it’s important to note that some reviews suggest that the vibe can vary from night to night. While many experiences are positive, a few students have mentioned that some evenings feel quieter than others. This variability might not appeal to everyone, particularly those looking for a consistently high-energy environment. Additionally, while the drinks are generally well-priced, some might find them slightly on the pricier side compared to other local venues.

In summary, The Botanist Reading is a fantastic choice for students who appreciate a friendly atmosphere, good music, and a relaxed crowd. It’s particularly well-suited for those looking for a spot to unwind, socialize, and enjoy a lively night out without the stress of long queues or excessive prices. Whether you’re planning a casual get-together with friends or a spontaneous night out, The Botanist offers a welcoming and enjoyable experience that many students have come to love. With its inviting space, lively music, and friendly staff, it’s no wonder that this venue has earned such positive reviews from the student community.
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✅ What Students Love

  • Welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel at home.
  • Lively music and live performances enhance the experience.
  • Reasonably priced drinks for a night out.
  • Efficient queue management makes entry smooth.
  • Friendly staff contribute to a positive environment.
  • Spacious layout avoids a cramped feeling.
  • Great spot for pre-drinks that can turn into a full night out.

⚠️ Things to Note

  • Vibe can vary from night to night; some nights may feel quieter.
  • Drink prices may be slightly higher compared to other local spots.
  • Some students report that certain nights are better than others.
  • Limited information on specific events or themed nights.
  • Can get busy on weekends, which may affect service speed.

🎯 Best For

Students looking for a relaxed and friendly venue to unwind and enjoy a vibrant night out.

💡 Things to Know

  • Dress code is casual; feel free to come as you are.
  • Consider arriving early on weekends to avoid busy periods.
  • The music style is generally upbeat and lively, perfect for socializing.
  • Check their official website or authorized vendors for any special events or ticket details.
  • The venue is pet-friendly, so feel free to bring your furry friends along.

❓ Common Questions

What is The Botanist Reading like?

It's a vibrant and welcoming venue known for its friendly atmosphere, good music, and solid drink options.

How long is the queue?

Queues are generally manageable, with a rating of 4.3 out of 5 for efficiency.

Is it good value?

While the value rating is 3.0 out of 5, many find the drink prices reasonable for the quality offered.

What music does The Botanist play?

The music is lively and often features live performances, creating an engaging atmosphere.

Is it pet-friendly?

Yes, The Botanist welcomes furry friends in the bar and outdoor terrace areas.

infoImage credit: Photo via Google Maps

infoImage credit: Photo via Google Maps

infoImage credit: Photo via Google Maps

infoImage credit: Photo via Google Maps

Reviews
1 of 56
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The botanist reading is that place where you can always count on a good vibe and decent drinks. it’s easy to lose track of time while dancing and chatting with friends, making it a regular spot for a night out.
By user273617 on Apr 6th 2026
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Decent vibe, music's on point, and drink prices aren't too bad either. queues weren't a hassle which is always a plus. a good place to unwind and hang with mates without any fuss.
By user912647 on Mar 28th 2026
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Staff were jokes, had a proper laugh the whole night.
By user351591 on Mar 25th 2026
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Honestly one of my favourite spots for a night out.
By user816057 on Mar 19th 2026
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Perfect spot for pre’s that turn into an actual night out
By user794520 on Mar 17th 2026
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Never had a bad night here – always a vibe!
By user786845 on Mar 12th 2026
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Quiet at first but picked up and turned into a proper night out
By user930295 on Mar 9th 2026
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Looking back, drinks were nice and the atmosphere was laid-back. it made hanging out easy and enjoyable.
By user324275 on Mar 8th 2026
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Been a few times and it feels pretty relaxed and friendly, which is cool. some nights are just better than others, you know?
By user647057 on Mar 7th 2026
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The crowd's just right and everyone's there to enjoy themselves. can't wait to go back.
By user960284 on Mar 6th 2026
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One of those nights that flies by because you’re having fun.
By user504069 on Mar 5th 2026
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Met some cool people and had a smooth night, couldn't have asked for more.
By user486436 on Mar 4th 2026
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Fun, affordable and safe, ideal for a student night out.
By user598483 on Feb 26th 2026
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Each visit is a highlight, really feels like a good break from the week. just a little something special.
By user465979 on Feb 25th 2026
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The botanist has a friendly team that really makes you feel at home, service is always spot on.
By user782818 on Feb 24th 2026
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Found a cool spot to unwind after a long week, always nice to kick back with mates.
By user526527 on Feb 22nd 2026
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Atmosphere felt really welcoming from the moment you walk in
By user343883 on Feb 20th 2026
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Drinks are priced pretty well and the crowd's just there to enjoy themselves, no one’s putting on a show.
By user516163 on Feb 19th 2026
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A great place to go when you want a chilled vibe.
By user567684 on Feb 18th 2026
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Crowd's pretty lively and the music's always decent. people seem to be enjoying themselves.
By user236780 on Feb 17th 2026
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It's a solid spot for hanging out, never had an issue with the atmosphere
By user449383 on Feb 16th 2026
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Hit it up and was surprised by how much room there was, didn’t feel cramped at all. would go back for sure
By user565690 on Feb 15th 2026
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Drinks are solid and the staff are friendly, wouldn’t want to go anywhere else for a night out.
By user308212 on Feb 14th 2026
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Crowd is relaxed and drinks don’t break the bank
By user457680 on Feb 13th 2026
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Had a blast there, would recommend it for sure. by the end of the night, it felt like a second home.
By user886807 on Feb 9th 2026
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The botanist reading was the ideal spot for both relaxing and having a blast. it really hit the mark for what i needed.
By user738282 on Feb 2nd 2026
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Perfect spot for pre’s that turn into an actual night out
By user839208 on Jan 28th 2026
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Spontaneity is the best part here, it feels like anything can happen.
By user344903 on Jan 23rd 2026
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Went in expecting the usual and ended up having a pretty solid night. would go again
By user515800 on Jan 19th 2026
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Walked in and it felt super cosy and inviting right away. kinda nice to be somewhere that doesn’t feel cold and impersonal.
By user500524 on Jan 15th 2026
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The staff are really cool and the crowd is pretty laid back. that's what keeps me coming back to the botanist.
By user519553 on Jan 11th 2026
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Good crowd and a smooth night. wouldn't want it any other way.
By user374892 on Jan 9th 2026
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The crowd's usually pretty relaxed, makes the night go by smooth.
By user255835 on Jan 4th 2026
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The botanist reading is a spot where you can just kick back and have a laugh with mates. it's all about those good memories made there.
By user939980 on Jan 1st 2026
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Met loads of new people here, always a good mix in the crowd.
By user748074 on Dec 27th 2025
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The place just has that student buzz about it. ⚡️
By user517976 on Dec 23rd 2025
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It's always lively here, you can count on something happening every time you go. makes it hard to get bored.
By user244043 on Dec 19th 2025
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The atmosphere is lively and there's always something happening, but it can get crowded pretty quick
By user883879 on Dec 14th 2025
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Always a diverse crowd which makes it interesting. felt really at ease there.
By user426867 on Dec 10th 2025
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The botanist has a cool atmosphere. drinks hit the spot and it just feels right all night long.
By user167069 on Dec 3rd 2025
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Went on a whim and had one of the better nights out this term. would go back for sure
By user180513 on Nov 29th 2025
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Queue moves quick and the staff are cool, so no complaints there
By user564640 on Nov 25th 2025
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You end up losing track of time there. it's easy to get caught up in the atmosphere.
By user478410 on Nov 20th 2025
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Drinks are priced well which is a nice change. no feeling like you're getting ripped off here
By user815534 on Nov 14th 2025
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Never had a bad night here – always a vibe!
By user273255 on Nov 7th 2025
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Great night out, music was spot on and the vibe was brilliant.
By user254569 on Oct 31st 2025
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Fun, affordable and safe, ideal for a student night out.
By user728865 on Oct 25th 2025
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Chilled start, wild end – exactly how student nights should be!
By user254608 on Oct 22nd 2025
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Never fails to deliver – always such a good time.
By user221912 on Oct 19th 2025
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The whole night was smooth, no stress and lots of fun.
By user428495 on Oct 16th 2025
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Had an amazing time here, will definitely be back again!
By user704694 on Oct 12th 2025
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One of the best places to go out with friends from uni.
By user853096 on Oct 8th 2025
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Music’s always pumping and the crowd’s really into it, perfect for students looking to enjoy the night.
By user102321 on Oct 2nd 2025
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Drinks were cheap and the place had a good energy. perfect for a night out with mates
By user269715 on Sep 26th 2025
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Always such a fun place, definitely one of the best student spots.
By user591218 on Sep 21st 2025
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By user637284 on May 8th 2024