19-05-2025
Major bar and pub chain with 1,700 branches confirms shock closure of beloved site
A HUGE pub chain with 1,7000 branches across the UK has closed down a key bar.
All Bar One in Reading announced it would be shutting down its Oracle Riverside spot.
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Mitchell & Butlers, the owners of the stylish bar empire, addressed the closure with a statement on the location finder page of All Bar One's website.
It read: "Unfortunately, this bar is now closed as an All Bar One. Thank you to our loyal guests for all your previous time spent with us.
"Not to worry, we are still pouring the best cocktails at another location near you," they added.
Social media for the Reading bar has been quiet so far, with no posts since February on Instagram.
The Sun has contacted All Bar One's owners Mitchells & Butlers for comment.
The bar was hugely popular with punters and proudly called itself "The only place to be on the Oracle Riverside".
According to the bar's Google review page, it really was the place to be.
Just a few months ago, one customer wrote: "Had a lovely meal here yesterday evening.
"The Pad Thai with prawns was lovely, a generous serving and really tasty, I would definitely order it again!
"My friend had the sharing plates which were also excellent. It was a nice atmosphere and the staff were really friendly." Thank you for a lovely evening! Recommend!"
Another chimed: "Great position in Reading on the River Kennet and an easy walk from the station.
The pub is run by a professional and friendly team. I will be back," they added.
In May 2024, Michells & Butler recorded a 170 percent increase in profits to £108million.
In its latest half-year results, the company reported that sales also rose by 8.5% to £1.4 billion.
However, Phil Urban, chief executive of Mitchells & Butler, warned that menu prices are still significantly higher than a year ago despite falling inflation.
In September last year, the All Bar One in Brighton closed for good.
The bar chain, which is owned by Mitchells & Butlers, has just over 50 sites across the UK.
It's worth pointing out that some establishments close to open in a more suited location, or to try different ventures.
But food and drink chains in general have been suffering as the cost of living has led to fewer people spending on eating out.
Businesses were struggling to bounce back after the pandemic, only to be hit with soaring energy bills and inflation.
Despite the challenges, All Bar One's rival Wetherspoons is preparing to launch 15 brand-new pubs across the country.
Three new pubs were already unveiled this year in Marlow, Buckinghamshire, Douglas, Isle of Man and at London Waterloo station.
Next is Walham Green at Fulham Broadway, South West London, opening on Tuesday, June 17.
The Dictum of Kenilworth in Warwickshire will follow, opening on Wednesday, July 30.
On Tuesday, August 26, The Sun Wharf on Tooley Street near London Bridge will welcome punters.
The King of Essex in Basildon is scheduled to open on Tuesday, September 23.
Finally, a new pub in Merchant Square, Paddington, is also set to open later this summer, though the exact date has yet to be confirmed.
What is happening to the hospitality industry?
By Laura McGuire, consumer reporter
MANY Food and drink chains have been struggling in recently as the cost of living has led to fewer people spending on eating out.
Businesses had been struggling to bounce back after the pandemic, only to be hit with soaring energy bills and inflation.
Multiple chains have been affected, resulting in big-name brands like Wetherspoons and Frankie & Benny's closing branches.
Some chains have not survived, Byron Burger fell into administration last year, with owners saying it would result in the loss of over 200 jobs.
Pizza giant, Papa Johns is shutting down 43 of its stores soon.
Tasty, the owner of Wildwood, said it will shut sites as part of major restructuring plans
