Local MP Pushes to Reopen Beloved Pub

A call has been made for a pub that has been turned into a chef training facility in Reading to be reopened to the public.

There’s a growing call for The Narrowboat pub in Reading to reopen after being converted into a chef training facility.

Originally known as the Bel & Dragon, The Narrowboat was refurbished and renamed in August 2023, but closed to the public just six months later. Now, it serves as a training ground for chefs who are then sent to work at various Fuller’s pubs, including The Three Guineas at Reading station and The Bull Inn at Sonning.

Matt Rodda, Labour MP for Reading Central, is advocating for the pub's return, stating: “I’m working with the brewery and the local community to see if it can be reopened as a pub. This much-loved local spot should remain part of our area’s social life – not be lost for good.”

Fuller’s received planning permission from Reading Borough Council in September last year to convert the pub. Changes included replacing seating with kitchen equipment and installing additional ventilation systems.

The current change of use is temporary, lasting five years. However, a Fuller’s spokesperson confirmed they are open to the possibility of reopening the pub in the future: “We’re really proud of the centre of culinary excellence, which opened just last month. This ensures the site remains ready to reopen as a pub when the time is right.”

For more details, you can check the planning approval by searching reference PL/24/0619 on the council’s portal.

James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter