Riverside Pop-Up Bar RIVA Now Open!

A pop-up bar area has reopened at The Oracle Riverside in Reading. RIVA by Seixal, a balloon-themed riverside pop-up with DJs, barbecues, brunch packages and a range of drinks, opened at the start of summer and will run until the end of August.

The south side of the River Kennet has hosted seasonal bars for years but the space was unused for more than a year after the Apres ski-themed Christmas bar flooded in January 2024.

A spokesperson for Hammerson, the company that owns the centre, said: "We're thrilled to have secured this exciting new pop-up on The Riverside, featuring unique balloon dining, a refreshing selection of drinks and hands-on BBQ experiences beside the river.

"This adds to our full range of existing eating out and leisure options at The Oracle, together with our leading line-up of shops and brands for customers to enjoy."

In other news, Hammerson won permission to add 436 flats to the centre after councillors approved plans in February.

A spokesperson said: "Planning was a positive outcome and was a result of over three years of working with the local planning authority and wider stakeholders.

"We are now considering next steps, which include views on investment risk, the status of the market and other development factors."

James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter