Great Expectations
Great Expectations has 2 meeting/event spaces for 20–60 delegates (theatre), largest: Main Dining Area (60).
- Up to 150 delegates
- 2 meeting spaces
1 photosPhotography pending verification1 photosCapacity overview
2 spaces · capacities by layout · floor area in m²
| Room | Theatre | Cabaret | Boardroom | Classroom | U-shape | Banquet | Reception | m² |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Main Dining Area | 60 | — | 20 | 40 | 25 | — | — | 120 |
| Private Dining Room | 20 | — | 12 | 18 | 15 | — | — | 40 |
At a glance
Great Expectations is a traditional pub and restaurant located on the riverside level of Reading's Oracle Shopping Centre. The venue offers a relaxed atmosphere with outdoor seating overlooking the River Kennet. With flexible spaces suitable for private dining, corporate events, and celebrations, the venue can accommodate groups of various sizes. The location provides easy access to Reading's shopping and entertainment district, making it convenient for business meetings and social gatherings. The venue features modern amenities while maintaining a classic pub atmosphere, with options for both formal dining and casual drinks receptions.
Best suited for
- Private Parties
- Wedding Receptions
- Corporate Events
- Birthday Celebrations
- Quiz Nights
Why book with us?
- Independent venue sourcing
- Free to event organisers
- Access to negotiated rates
- Alternative venues included
- Human expert support
Know before you book
Provenance shown for every factMeeting spaces at this venue
Pricing & packages
Exact rates are confirmed on your proposal — our experts negotiate on your behalf.
Meeting room, equipment, lunch & refreshments.
Half day, full day and evening rates available on request.
Bespoke menus and exclusive-use packages for private events.
Food & catering
- Restaurant on site
- Bar on site
Dietary options catered for
Top facilities
- Free WiFi
- Outdoor Seating
- Riverside Location
- Private Dining Areas
- Bar Service
- Full Kitchen
- Accessible
AV & production
Accessibility
Always confirm specific access requirements with our team — we check on your behalf.
- Wheelchair accessible
- Step-free access to main areas
Location & getting there
Riverside Level, Oracle Shopping Centre, Reading, RG1 2AG, United Kingdom
Venue Intelligence™
Every rating below is computed from verified platform data — never marketing copy.
Great Expectations is a verified pub/restaurant with event space in Reading, hosting up to 150 guests. Its profile rates most strongly for Corporate, Networking, Accessibility. Verified on-site: wi-fi, food & catering, accessibility. Best suited to corporate conferences and board meetings.
Best for: corporate conferences and board meetings, receptions and networking events, fully accessible events.
Sustainability credentials are not yet evidenced in the profile data.
Venue profile ratings
- Corporate★★★★★
- Luxury★★★★★
- Historic★★★★★
- Creative★★★★★
- Eco★★★★★
- Hybrid Ready★★★★★
- Networking★★★★★
- Training★★★★★
- International★★★★★
- Accessibility★★★★★
Verified on-site
- Wi-Fi✓ Verified
- AV & productionNot listed
- Food & catering✓ Verified
- BedroomsNot listed
- SustainabilityNot listed
- Accessibility✓ Verified
Venue IQ™
A living intelligence record — every entry is generated from verified platform data, not marketing copy.
- Oct 2025Venue verified and listed
Added to the InternationalVenues.com verified directory.
- Oct 2025Photography refreshed — 5 images
Latest venue imagery reviewed and published.
Frequently asked
How many meeting rooms does Great Expectations have?
Great Expectations has 2 meeting and event spaces in Reading, seating up to 60 delegates theatre-style in the largest room.
What is the capacity of Great Expectations's largest event space?
The largest event space at Great Expectations is Main Dining Area, with a maximum capacity of 60 guests.
What conference facilities does Great Expectations offer?
Great Expectations offers Free WiFi, Outdoor Seating, Riverside Location, Private Dining Areas, Sound System, Microphones, Wi-Fi across its 2 meeting and event spaces.
What is the maximum capacity?
Up to 150 guests for standing events, 80 seated for dining
What AV equipment is available?
Sound system and microphones available, TV screens for presentations
Is catering available?
Full pub menu and restaurant catering services available
Is there parking available?
Limited on-site parking, street parking available nearby
About Great Expectations
Great Expectations is a traditional pub and restaurant located on the riverside level of Reading's Oracle Shopping Centre. The venue offers a relaxed atmosphere with outdoor seating overlooking the River Kennet. With flexible spaces suitable for private dining, corporate events, and celebrations, the venue can accommodate groups of various sizes. The location provides easy access to Reading's shopping and entertainment district, making it convenient for business meetings and social gatherings. The venue features modern amenities while maintaining a classic pub atmosphere, with options for both formal dining and casual drinks receptions.
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Photo: Oscar Taylor · CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
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