Landlord Cheers Victory Against Bakery Plans

A landlord has celebrated the defeat of a plan that would have seen a pub that he used to run in Reading converted into a chain bakery.

A landlord is celebrating after a plan to convert the former Royal Albion pub in Reading into a Greggs bakery was rejected. Greene King sold the pub in May last year, leading to the bakery proposal submitted earlier this year.

The decision by Reading Borough Council earlier this month was met with delight by Darren Brett, who managed the Royal Albion from 2007 to 2019. "That’s good news, I’m actually pleased,” he said. “I’d still like it to be a pub again, but I want it to be a community asset and a focal point once more.”

Mr Brett believes the Royal Albion’s marketing price of £650,000 reflects its value, highlighting its prime Oxford Road location. He mentioned, "It’s a massive plot... there was an offer that was higher than me, that must’ve been the market at the time." Currently, he runs The Traveller’s Rest in Caversham.

He added, “I think a private enterprise would be good there – it used to be a hotel and could become that again. There’s room in the market for a hotel, combining drinks, food, and accommodation.” He stressed the importance of community support for the venue, stating, “I’d love someone to take it on. The only thing worse than it being a Greggs is it being derelict.”

The Royal Albion may gain further protection if it is added to the council’s list of locally important buildings. This would not prevent conversion or demolition but would require special consideration for its preservation during planning discussions. Given its long history as a pub and hotel spanning around 150 years, the council’s decision on the listing will be made on November 5.

James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter