Formerly the Great Expectations, reopened in December 2022 as Hotel 1843 x Calico Bar & Eatery after major interior designer revamp with tag line "Eat Drink Stay" Retains its impressive Victorian Roman-style frontage as it is in one of Reading conservation areas. Name refers to the building's history as it was opened by Charles Dickens in 1843. The front library room has been retained, but most of interior is now more akin to a club with table service but no real ale (keg beers e.g. Brixton Reliance Pale Ale). Extensive food menu including Asian-fusion dishes. Despite no real ale, the former in-house brewery equipment is still in situ, though not in use.