Huge pub chain with 50 branches closes location in blow to high street

A chain with more than 50 outlets across the UK has closed one of its venues. All Bar One is no longer serving beer, wine and cocktails to thirsty punters at The Riverside in , Berkshire, after the closure.

The venue said in a statement posted on its website: "Unfortunately, this bar is now closed as an All Bar One. Thank you to all our loyal guests for all your previous time spent with us. Not to worry, we are still pouring the best cocktails at another location near you..."

All Bar One is owned by hospitality industry giant Mitchells & Butlers, which operates more than 1,700 restaurants, pubs and bars in the UK. The company has been approached for comment.

TripAdvisor reviews suggest All Bar One Reading was a popular spot. Reviewer, Karen H, wrote in March that she and a pal "had the best time" there, praising the "excellent" service and "friendly" staff.

Another reviewer, Nicole M, posting in February, said they had a "bad" experience years ago, but went back to find "great" service and staff. She said the food was "delicious" too.

A third review, posted by daviesrusu in the same month, said the bar was "excellent on all counts".

Another reviewer posted on Google's review page: "Great position in Reading on the River Kennet and an easy walk from the station. The pub is run by a professional and friendly team. I will be back."

The closure of the All Bar One at The Riverside in Reading comes after Brighton's All Bar One closed in September.

Mitchells & Butlers employs over 50,000 people. Its 2024 annual report noted that while the worst of the disruption linked to the Covid pandemic had eased, persistent inflation had put pressure on the hospitality sector as a whole.

Across the hospitality sector, businesses struggled in the wake of Covid with high inflation and soaring energy bills. A cost-of-living squeeze also saw Brits rein in their spending on going out.

Last year, Mitchells & Butlers blamed rising prices on a sharply increased wage bill resulting from increases in the National Living Wage and employer National Insurance contributions.

The company, which also operates Toby Carvery, Harvester, Stonehouse and Vintage Inns, reported total sales of £2,610million, 6.1% higher than in 2023.

Chief Executive Phil Urban noted in the company's 2024 annual report that "notwithstanding future cost increases" Mitchells & Butlers felt it was "in very good shape".