The former Eastern Pearl (1), 177 Basingstoke Road, Reading

Image: © P L Chadwick Taken: 19 Apr 2015

Located on the corner of Long Barn Lane and Basingstoke Road, this former restaurant specialised in dishes from South East Asia, particularly Vietnamese. It has been closed for some time. Previously there was a restaurant here called the Mongolian Barbeque. Prior to that it was a public house known as the Four Horseshoes, and in the 19th century as the Long Barn. Possibly over the years by other names too. Image Image Image Some weeks ago application was made to the local council to demolish the building and erect two blocks of student accommodation on the site. This would include 34 rooms, parking and an amenity area. The outcome, at the time of writing, is awaited. Although this would be the loss of a restaurant and bar, elsewhere in Basingstoke Road a new foodie pub will be opened by Greene King of Suffolk. This will be a Hungry Horse branded pub and is due to open in January 2016.

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