Oakford Social Club / Reading

The first bar you'll see when you step off the platform of the station is OSC. The sign outside boasts what Oakford Social Club does best: Eats, Meets, Beats and Treats. You'll definitely want to be here on one of their many live music nights, particularly the BBC Introducing shows, that exhibit some of the best young bands and live talent I've seen in a bar. It's been super busy every time I've been, and getting a seat on one of the comfy's is a struggle, so get to the bar early!

Okay. Now here's the catch: Don't ever come here on a normal evening or in the daytime. The price of the beer here match London prices, to the point you'll be wanting to bring a hip flask to swig in between the barman's trips to collect your empty glasses of tap water. Without the music, it's also hard to drown out the acne, spectacled mozart who took it upon himself to play the entirety of Bat out of Hell on the free piano. I will be going back here one day, but only for a gig, and only with a heavy pre drinks.

7/10