Calico Bar & Eatery

Get transported to the hey-days of London St’s incredible past Hotel 1843 x Calico Bar & Eatery is a fusion of where history meets the modern world. In October 1843, it was opened by the British literacy icon Charles Dickens as a ‘Literary, Scientific and Mechanics’ Institute. In 1866 it was a ‘Primitive Methodist Chapel’ and by the early, to mid-20th Century it was an Everyman Theatre before becoming a Dickens-themed pub and hotel, The Great Expectations. In 2022, through new ownership, the place was renovated to meet modern-day demands for a social space to meet friends and make a lifetime of memories. Conveniently situated in the centre of Reading the boutique hotel offers 29 rooms with en-suite facilities for business trip stayovers, leisure stays and for explorers from around the world. The newly renovated space downstairs is a bar and eatery for all-day dining from breakfast to dinner, with an offering of global foods including Asian cuisine. Visitors can also enjoy live music here and a resident DJ every Thursday to Saturday.